The family of convicted killer Karmelo Anthony sparked fresh controversy outside a Texas courthouse Tuesday after his grandmother was filmed shouting accusations of racism just hours after the teenager was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of fellow student Austin Metcalf.

Anthony, 19, had just learned his fate after a Collin County jury convicted him of murder and rejected a defense argument that the deadly encounter occurred in the heat of passion. The verdict brought an end to one of the most closely watched criminal cases in Texas, but tensions remained high outside the courthouse as supporters and critics gathered in large numbers.

Video captured after the sentencing showed Anthony’s grandmother, Toni Hayes, seated in the passenger seat of a black Acura sedan as the vehicle slowly moved through a crowd gathered outside the courthouse in McKinney, a suburb north of Dallas.

As supporters surrounded the vehicle, Hayes leaned toward the window and shouted, “Racist! Bias!”

The remarks immediately drew attention from those gathered outside the courthouse, many of whom had spent the day supporting Anthony and his family.

The crowd responded with chants and messages of encouragement directed toward the convicted teen and his relatives.

“We love Karmelo! We love him!” one supporter shouted as the vehicle pulled away.

Others joined in with chants of “Free Karmelo!” while some yelled, “Power to the people!”

 

The scene reflected the deep divisions that have surrounded the case since the fatal confrontation occurred at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025.

Anthony was convicted of murdering Austin Metcalf, a 17-year-old student-athlete who died after being stabbed during an argument under a school tent at the event.

The case quickly became a national flashpoint, drawing attention not only because of the tragic loss of a teenager’s life but also because of broader debates involving race, self-defense laws, and the criminal justice system.

Supporters of Anthony have long argued that he was treated unfairly because he is Black.

Meanwhile, prosecutors maintained throughout the trial that race played no role in the case and that the evidence overwhelmingly demonstrated Anthony was responsible for an unjustified killing.

The jury ultimately agreed with prosecutors.

After deliberating for less than three hours, jurors found Anthony guilty of murder.

They later imposed a sentence of 35 years in prison.

The jury also rejected the defense’s attempt to secure a reduced punishment through a “sudden passion” finding.

Under Texas law, a successful sudden-passion argument can reduce the punishment range available to jurors, treating the offense more like a second-degree felony for sentencing purposes.

Defense attorneys argued that Anthony acted while overwhelmed by emotion during a rapidly escalating confrontation.

Jurors, however, declined to accept that claim.

Their decision ensured Anthony would face a substantially longer prison sentence than he otherwise might have received.

The conviction marked the culmination of months of legal proceedings and public debate.

During the trial, prosecutors argued that Anthony initiated the confrontation that ultimately led to Metcalf’s death.

Witnesses testified that Anthony was sitting under a tent designated for another school when Metcalf approached him and asked him to leave.

According to testimony presented in court, Anthony responded with a warning.

“Touch me and see what happens,” witnesses recalled him saying.

Moments later, the confrontation turned physical.

Prosecutors said Metcalf pushed Anthony after the verbal exchange, prompting Anthony to pull a folding knife from his belongings and stab him once in the chest.

The wound proved fatal.

Medical testimony established that the blade pierced Metcalf’s chest and punctured his heart.

Despite efforts by first responders and medical personnel, the teenager died from his injuries.

Throughout the trial, Anthony maintained that he acted in self-defense.

His attorneys argued that he feared for his safety after being confronted by a larger teenager.

The defense repeatedly emphasized that Texas law does not require someone to wait until they are seriously injured before defending themselves.

Prosecutors countered that Anthony escalated the confrontation and used deadly force when no reasonable threat justified such a response.

Jurors ultimately sided with that interpretation.

The verdict devastated Anthony’s family.

Observers inside the courtroom reported that Anthony cried after hearing the decision.

Members of his family also became emotional as the guilty verdict was announced.

Earlier in the sentencing phase, Anthony’s mother pleaded with jurors to show mercy toward her son.

Speaking through tears, she described him as her firstborn child and insisted he was remorseful.

Her appeal, however, was not enough to persuade jurors to impose a lighter sentence.

Outside the courthouse, emotions remained raw.

Supporters of Anthony continued to insist that racism played a role in both public perception and the legal process.

The comments made by Toni Hayes reflected those concerns.

As video cameras recorded the scene, she repeated accusations that bias had influenced the outcome.

At one point, she reportedly made a heart gesture toward supporters gathered nearby.

Witnesses also heard her thanking members of the crowd who had stood by her grandson throughout the legal proceedings.

“Keep your head up!” one supporter yelled toward the vehicle.

Others encouraged the family to remain strong despite the verdict.

The demonstration was one of several gatherings that have occurred throughout the trial.

Supporters frequently assembled outside the courthouse carrying signs and expressing solidarity with Anthony.

Some argued that media coverage unfairly portrayed him as a violent criminal before he had received a fair trial.

Others claimed the case became racially charged because Anthony is Black and Metcalf was White.

Prosecutors repeatedly rejected those claims.

During closing arguments, they emphasized that the case was about the actions of one individual and not race.

They argued that witness testimony, surveillance footage, and Anthony’s own conduct clearly demonstrated his guilt.

According to prosecutors, Anthony had multiple opportunities to leave the situation before it escalated.

Instead, they argued, he chose to remain and engage in the confrontation.

Defense attorneys maintained that Anthony found himself in a frightening and chaotic situation and reacted instinctively.

Jurors ultimately rejected that explanation.

For Austin Metcalf’s family, the verdict and sentence represented a measure of justice after more than a year of grief.

The teenager’s relatives delivered emotional statements during sentencing, describing the profound impact his death had on their lives.

His twin brother, Hunter Metcalf, told the court that Anthony had stolen not only a brother but also a best friend and a future that could never be replaced.

Their father, Jeff Metcalf, also delivered a powerful statement, confronting Anthony directly and expressing frustration that his son’s life had been cut short.

The family left the courtroom after the proceedings concluded, while Anthony was formally remanded into custody.

Although the trial has ended, public discussion surrounding the case is likely to continue.

The proceedings attracted national attention, fueled by social media commentary, competing narratives, and intense public interest.

For some observers, the case became a symbol of broader debates about race and justice.

For others, it remained a straightforward murder prosecution involving a fatal act of violence at a school sporting event.

Tuesday’s dramatic scenes outside the courthouse underscored how deeply those divisions remain.

Even after a jury reached its decision and imposed a lengthy prison sentence, supporters and critics continued to view the case through very different lenses.

What is certain is that Anthony will now begin serving a 35-year prison term, while the family of Austin Metcalf continues to mourn the loss of a teenager whose life ended during a brief but deadly encounter that forever changed two families and captivated the nation.