Karmelo Anthony’s case continues to spark conversation online. Now, videos circulating on social media show members of his family reacting to his 35-year prison sentence. One viral clip follows his grandmother, Toni Hayes, after she left the Texas courthouse, while another shows Karmelo’s mother, Kayla Hayes, continuing to defend him and push for justice.
RELATED: Karmelo Anthony Supporter Reportedly Arrest For Unlawfully Carrying A Weapon Following Viral Protest Confrontation (WATCH)
Karmelo Anthony’s Grandmother Speaks Out Following His 35-Year Sentence
A now-viral video featuring Karmelo Anthony’s grandmother, Toni Hayes, has sparked conversation across social media. In the footage, Toni heads toward a vehicle and chants, “Prejudice!” “Racist!” and “Biased!” as supporters and protestors gathered outside the Collin County Courthouse in Texas. Many of Karmelo’s supporters quickly joined in and repeated Toni’s chants. Before leaving in the vehicle, Toni said, “They sent that message that they can do whatever the f*** they want to do.” While supporters shouted, “We love Karmelo! We love him!”
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Karmelo’s Mother Continues To Defend Him After His Verdict
Along with the viral video of Karmelo’s grandmother, clips from his parents’ interview with CBS News have also gained traction across social media following his prison sentence. During the interview, Kayla Hayes said she knows her son isn’t a murderer and insisted that he would never hurt anyone. “I know my son. My son is no murderer.” Kayla continued, “My son didn’t intend to hurt anyone. My son was defending himself and that’s what hurts so bad.” She also said that her family and Karmelo’s loved ones will keep fighting for justice on his behalf. “We’ve just been praying and keeping the faith.”
Karmelo’s Attorney’s Formally File Notice Of Appeal Following 35-Year Prison Sentence
Shortly after receiving his 35-year prison sentence, officials transferred Karmelo Anthony to a Texas state prison. A new mugshot shows Karmelo with a noticeably different appearance, including a shaved head and what appears to be a sleeveless prison-issued tunic. Officials moved Karmelo from county jail to state prison on Wednesday, June 10, where he will begin serving his 35-year sentence in the death of Austin Metcalf.
Meanwhile, Karmelo and his legal team have continued to challenge the outcome of his case. His attorneys filed a notice of appeal, and a lawyer Mike Howard said in a statement that the defense believes the court must consider additional issues moving forward.
“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,”
