Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News via Getty Images
The internet hasn’t stopped talking about Karmelo Anthony’s guilty verdict and his 35-year prison sentence. Now, social media users are sounding off after authorities arrested Jerome Parker Winston, a supporter of the 19-year-old, following a protest encounter that recently went viral.
According to reports, authorities arrested Jerome Parker Winston outside the courthouse where Karmelo Anthony’s trial took place in Texas. Officers reportedly placed Winston in handcuffs for allegedly carrying a weapon unlawfully. Jerome’s mugshot initially made rounds in a Facebook post that included his arrest details. His arrest reportedly marked one of two that authorities made during the protest following the reading of Anthony’s verdict.
Before his arrest, a video of Jerome went viral on social media. The footage showed him in a heated confrontation with a white man wearing an American flag shirt. Based on the clip, Jerome appeared to defend a Black female supporter while accusing the man of allegedly attempting to do something to her. However, the footage does not clearly show what sparked the confrontation.
“Ain’t nothing but air and opportunity. Do something! The same thing you were going to do to her. We both have our hands behind our backs.You approached a Black woman,” Jerome says in the video as he continues to yell, “That is a woman!” And later follows up with, “That is a mother! A sister!”
After The Shade Room shared the viral of Jerome along with details about his arrest, the Roommates quickly flooded the comment section with reactions. Some commenters asked for more information about the weapon authorities allegedly found in Jerome’s possession, while others called for his release.
Instagram user @theshayjohnson wrote, “What was the weapon and where did they find it?”
Instagram user @changeiskey1989 wrote, “Its time to cancel Texas.”
While Instagram user @missjameekabanks wrote, “Standing up for Black women. Mannnn free this man ”
Then Instagram user @kyimaranajaae wrote, “Y’all he was unlawfully carrying a weapon. But its still #FreeKarmelo.”
Another Instagram user @flawednfabulous wrote, “This is* America . ”
Instagram user @stephroyalty wrote, “Free him lock up the judge and jury!!!”
Then another Instagram user @bigsimon19 wrote, “Black people don’t understand America has two justice systems.”
While another Instagram user @manufacturedinthe90s wrote, “We cant do anything in this country. We fight back we get killed or arrested.”
Finally, Instagram user @cyannextdoor wrote, “Whew chile this is to much!!”
Social media users are continuing to share their thoughts on Karmelo Anthony’s case following his conviction and 35-year prison sentence. However, Karmelo and his legal team are not backing down. Less than 24 hours after a Texas jury convicted him of murder, his attorneys filed a notice of appeal. Karmelo’s lawyer, Mike Howard said in a statement that the defense believes the court still needs to address several issues.
After the conclusion of the trial yesterday, we gave the court our official notice that Karmelo Anthony is filing an appeal. We believe there are several important issues for the appellate courts to consider. An appeal is the next part of the legal process and a right afforded every American, Howard said.
