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Texas police are addressing “misinformation” as the lawyers representing Karmelo Anthony, a 17-year-old accused of stabbing Austin Metcalf, another high school student, at a track meet has spoken out.
According to ABC News, Karmelo Anthony’s family has retained Billy Clark, of the Clark Law Firm, and Kim Cole, of K Cole Law, to represent their son in the first-degree murder case. Per the outlet, the lawyers released a statement on behalf of Anthony and his family on Monday, April 7.
“Karmelo and the entire Anthony family are sincerely saddened that a life was lost and offer their condolences to the family of Austin Metcalf,” their statement reportedly asserted. “During this difficult time, we urge the public to refrain from rushing to judgment before all the facts and evidence are presented. Karmelo, like all citizens of the United States, is entitled to a fair and impartial legal process…”
Per the outlet, the lawyers are reportedly working with the Collin County District Attorney’s Office to reduce the 17-year-old’s $1 million bond.
According to the Austin American-Statesman, on Thursday, April 3, Frisco Police released a statement via X, formerly known as Twitter. The statement informed the public that a social media account appeared to be posing as Chief David Shilso. However, the account was fake and releasing false statements.
“Frisco PD is aware of a fake account on social media purporting to belong to Chief David Shilson. The post is NOT from an official source and may contain information that is false or misleading. Rely only on FPDs verified social media accounts. Criminal charges will be pursued,” the tweet reads.
Then, on April 4, a tweet was posted from the desk of Police Chief David Shilson.
“…Beware of those taking to social media to deliberately spread misinformation, hate, fear and division,” the message read, in part, “Yesterday evening a fictitious account account was created using my name perpetuating misinformation. This is a criminal offense and a 3rd degree felony which will beinvestigated.”
Read the full message below.
Per the Austin American-Statesman, the fake account alleged that Metcalf “sucker punched” Anthony and “smashed” his phone before the fatal stabbing. Additionally, another fake account reportedly alleged Metcalf’s cause of death was due to a “MDMA drug overdose.” However, the police department has also spoke out against these claims.
As The Shade Room previously reported, the fatal incident occurred on April 2 around 10 a.m. at a track meet held at Kuykendall Stadium. Per police, a stabbing between two students occurred and one teen was subsequently charged with first-degree murder.
Initially, it was reported that the stabbing was prompted by Metcalf telling Anthony he had been sitting in the “wrong spot” at the track meet. Per Austin American-Statesman, Anthony allegedly claimed that he was acting in self-defense.
“He put his hands on me. I told him not to,” Anthony reportedly said amid his arrest.
