Full Breakdown
Karmelo Anthony Appeal Highlights New Threatening Texts and Unreleased Evidence
9/9/2026, 5:30:25 AM
Core Event: Murder Conviction and Ongoing Appeal
On April 2, 2025, 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony fatally stabbed 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high-school track meet in Frisco, Texas. A jury convicted Anthony of murder, and a Texas court sentenced him to 35 years in prison. Anthony has appealed the conviction, arguing he cannot afford counsel for the appellate process.
Background & Context
Prosecutors have introduced a 75-page docket of texts, photos and videos that were not presented at trial because of a “gentleman’s agreement” between the prosecution and defense. The material shows Anthony repeatedly threatening his former girlfriend, Valeria Torres Perez, describing himself as “low key on the verge” and boasting about weapons. Subsequent messages in March 2025 escalated to explicit murder threats.
Photos and video clips captured Anthony holding a handgun in May 5, 2024, an AK-47-style rifle later that month, and aiming a firearm at a residence on January 4, 2025. The documents also contain racist and homophobic slurs directed at Black women and gay people, as well as references to prior assaults and robberies.
Timeline
- April 2, 2025 – Stabbing of Austin Metcalf at a track meet.
- May 5, 2024 – Instagram photo shows Anthony with a handgun.
- June 10, 2024 – Text threatening to shoot Perez.
- May 8, 2026 – Prosecutors file a notice of extraneous offenses to be used at trial.
- March 14, 2025 – Alleged assault on Perez.
- May 2, 2025 – Alternative report of Metcalf’s stabbing (see Conflicting Reports).
- January 4, 2025 – Video of Anthony pointing a gun at a house.
Data & Statistics
- Sentence: 35 years imprisonment.
- Initial fundraising campaign (April 2025) raised $633,908; a new campaign seeks $250,000.
- As of the latest check, the new page shows $30,194 pledged.
Official Statements & Responses
Attorney Russell Wilson explained the appeal process, stating:
“I think there's a misconception that the motion for new trial denial would have ended an appeal,” — Russell Wilson, including attorney
Verbatim Quotes
“He posted where he was at and we pulled up and got em,” — Karmelo Anthony, JUDGE
Criticism & Opposition
Civil-rights activist Dominique Alexander rejected claims that the earlier fundraiser was misused, calling accusations “deliberate lies” and emphasizing that the money was intended to relocate the family after threats.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact date of Metcalf’s stabbing: Fox News cites April 2, 2025, while the New York Post reports the incident occurred on May 2, 2025. The docket does not clarify which date is correct, and no court record has been cited to resolve the discrepancy.
What’s Next
The appellate record is slated for compilation in October. Both parties will submit written briefs, and the Dallas Court of Appeals may hold a hearing later in the year. Anthony remains in custody while the appeal proceeds.
