Karmelo Anthony‘s mom, Kayla Hayes, has spoken out at a recent press conference. Furthermore, the father of Austin Metcalf, Jeff Metcalf, was escorted from the event.
RELATED: Say WHAT?! 17-Year-Old Accused Of Fatally Stabbing Fellow High School Student During Track Meet In Texas
Austin Metcalf’s Father, Jeff Metcalf, Is Escorted From The Press Conference For Karmelo Anthony’s Family
According to Fox 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth, Karmelo Anthony’s family held a press conference on Thursday, April 17. Furthermore, the conference, initially scheduled to begin around 11 a.m., started around 12 p.m. About twenty minutes prior, Austin Metcalf’s father was seen in the crowd and escorted out of the event by Dallas police.
Per the outlet, Jeff Metcalf explained that he wanted to hear the family’s statement. Additionally, he reportedly indicated that he had no plans to disrupt the conference.
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Karmelo Anthony’s Mom, Kala Hayes, Speaks Out
According to the outlet, once Hayes took the podium, she opened up about her family’s experience.
“…In the wake of this tragic incident, our family has been under attack. Whatever you think that happened between Karmelo and the Metcalf boys; my three younger children, my husband, and I didn’t do anything to deserve to be threatened, harassed, and lied about,” she said. “The lies and false accusations that have been said about us, especially over the past week, has been overwhelming.”
Hayes explained that her family’s address was leaked online. Since then, she said, her husband “had to take a leave of absence because he’s afraid [of ]what may happen” to their family.
“His mental health is deteriorating day by day. We have endured death threats. My 13-year-old daughter is afraid to sleep in her own bedroom because she’s fearful of what might happen to her,” Hayes continued. “… I don’t know why we are being targeted and discriminated against before a fair trial. Our son deserved the same rights under the law that everyone is afforded to. He’s been raised in a two-parent home with structure, stability, love, and we put God first in everything that we do. We believe in the Constitution. We believe in the laws of this state. But those laws must apply to all of us, not just some of us.”
Before concluding, Hayes noted that the April 2 incident remains under investigation. Additionally, she stated that she and her family “believe in the legal process, and that is where the truth will come out.”
“For the family who experienced the loss, my heart goes out for you,” she said. “[Also to] those who have supported my family, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We ask for your continued support, patience, and prayers as we navigate this difficult process. Thank you.”
To note, during Hayes’ speech, she refuted online claims alleging that her family plans to use her son’s public donations to buy another home.
“We have not received a single dime from the GiveSendGo fundraiser. And the co-founder has stated that clearly. In reality, we were just notified yesterday that we could begin to draw funds. And it still takes seven days to receive those funds once the request is made,” she said.
Click here to see footage of her speech.
More Details On The Case
As The Shade Room previously reported, Kayla Hayes’ son, 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, is accused of fatally stabbing fellow 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. The incident reportedly occurred on April 2 during a track meet at Kuykendall Stadium in Texas. Initially, it was reported that stabbing ensued after Metcalf informed Anthony that he was in the wrong. However, Anthony reportedly told cops the stabbing was done in self-defense.
Following the incident, Anthony was taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder.
RELATED: Texas Police Address “Misinformation” As Lawyers For 17-Year-Old Accused Of Stabbing Student At Track Meet Speak Out
Most recently, on April 14, Anthony was released from police custody on bond reduced from $1 million to $250,000, per The Shade Room. At the time, it was reported that as he awaits trial, he’s ordered to refrain from using social media, contacting the Metcalf family, and leaving his home without court approval. Additionally, Anthony must be supervised by an appointed adult at all times.
Per Fox 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth, Anthony has been expelled from the Frisco Independent School District.
