Adrian
DALLAS, Texas — Tensions flared during a press conference Thursday as DOMINIQUE ALEXANDER, head of the Next Generation Action Network and spokesman for the family of KARMELO ANTHONY, lashed out at JEFF METCALF, the father of the late AUSTIN METCALF. The event, intended to address the ongoing case surrounding the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf, quickly devolved into accusations and controversy.
Karmelo Anthony, 17, is accused of stabbing Austin Metcalf, also 17, during a dispute at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, on April 2. Anthony, who was released on a reduced bond of $250,000 after initially being held on a $1 million bond, faces first-degree murder charges.
The press conference, organized by the Next Generation Action Network, was intended to address rumors surrounding over $450,000 raised through GiveSendGo for the Anthony family and to allow KAYLA HAYES, Anthony’s mother, to read a prepared statement. However, the event took a contentious turn when Jeff Metcalf attempted to attend. He was escorted from the premises under the threat of criminal trespass charges, according to the Dallas Police Department.
Dominique Alexander criticized Jeff Metcalf’s presence, calling it “disrespectful” and accusing him of attempting to politicize the case. “What he has fallen into is the political operatives that want to make this thing a political thing of hate and bigotry and racism,” Alexander said. He also defended the Anthony family, stating that none of the GiveSendGo funds had been spent and dismissing claims of misuse as “intentional disinformation.”
Alexander further shifted blame to the Frisco Independent School District, suggesting the district should have canceled the track meet due to inclement weather. “As a person who is the administrator of children, you are responsible for the safety of the children,” he said. He also criticized the district’s decision to expel Anthony, noting the teen’s 3.7 GPA and arguing he could still graduate.
Kayla Hayes, visibly emotional, spoke briefly about the toll the case has taken on her family. “Our family has been under attack,” she said. “Whatever you think happened between Karmelo and the Metcalf boy, my three younger children, my husband, and I didn’t do anything to deserve to be threatened, harassed, and lied about.” She echoed Alexander’s assertion that the GiveSendGo funds remain untouched.
The press conference also touched on broader issues of race and justice. Alexander compared Anthony’s case to those of KYLE RITTENHOUSE and DANIEL PENNY, arguing that Anthony deserves the same rights and public support. “He should be afforded the same rights that Kyle Rittenhouse had,” Alexander said.
Jeff Metcalf, in a previous interview with Fox News, emphasized that the tragedy was not about race or politics. “This was not a race thing. This is not a political thing. This is a human being thing,” he said. He described Austin as “the light of my life” and shared that his son died in the arms of his twin brother, HUNTER METCALF, who tried desperately to stop the bleeding.
The incident occurred during an altercation under a tent at the track meet. According to the arrest report, Anthony allegedly stabbed Austin after a confrontation, telling him, “Touch me and see what happens.” Anthony later told responding officers, “I’m not alleged, I did it,” and inquired whether the act could be considered self-defense.
The case has left both families devastated, with Jeff Metcalf expressing forgiveness for Anthony. “The forgiveness is not for him. The forgiveness is for me so I can have peace,” he said. “His life is destroyed. My life is destroyed.”
The Frisco Independent School District declined to comment on specific disciplinary actions but outlined its general protocol for expulsion cases. A spokesperson stated that if expulsion is recommended, the student is barred from school property pending a decision.
The case continues to draw national attention as both families grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy.
**Sources:**
[Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com)
[GiveSendGo](https://www.givesendgo.com)
[Frisco Independent School District](https://www.friscoisd.org)
