A judge has lowered the bond for the 17-year-old murder suspect and granted his release. Attorneys involved in the case shared their insights following the ruling.
On Monday, Collin County Judge Angela Tucker reduced Karmelo Anthony’s bond from $1 million to $250,000. She also imposed strict conditions, including house arrest, electronic monitoring, and a requirement for court approval before any travel. The decision quickly drew reactions online, as many shared their views on the teen’s case.
A netizen’s comment following Collin County Judge Angela Tucker’s decision about the fate of Karmelo Anthony | Source: Facebook/WFAA
As reported by WFAA, defense attorney Mike Howard called the judge’s decision “fair” in a press conference, stating, “Bond, as the judge said, is not supposed to be an instrument of oppression, it’s not supposed to keep people in jail, it’s not supposed to punish.”
Mike explained that a bond is meant to ensure the defendant appears in court, follows all conditions, and does not pose a threat to the public. He said the judge imposed reasonable measures that protect both Karmelo’s family and the community.
The judge also cited several factors in her ruling, including Karmelo’s age, lack of criminal history, U.S. citizenship, and strong ties to the community. In court, Karmelo appeared in a yellow jumpsuit as his father testified that the family could not access over $400,000 raised through a GiveSendGo campaign.
Karmelo Anthony steps out of the Collin County Detention Facility after posting bond, following a judge’s decision to reduce it to $250,000 | Source: YouTube/WFAA
Karmelo’s father said the financial burden of relocating and supporting the family made the original $1 million bond impossible to meet. Prosecutors argued that the family had the resources to pay the full amount. However, the judge disagreed and set the reduced bond with strict conditions.
The courtroom was filled with members of both families. Austin’s relatives — including his mother, father, aunt, and grandfather — sat quietly during the hearing, with his mother wearing a gold ribbon and a No. 11 pin in honor of her son. Karmelo’s supporters, including roughly ten people, were also present.
Karmelo Anthony leaves the Collin County Detention Facility alongside members of his legal team after being released on a reduced bond | Source: YouTube/wfaa
Meanwhile, Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis said the judge has made her ruling, and the prosecution will continue reviewing evidence as the investigation proceeds. “We will go where the facts lead us,” he stated.
The judge’s decision has sparked intense reactions online. “YESSSSS !!!!! Innocent until proven guilty !!!” a netizen wrote. Another aked, “Why? The other boy will never be able to go home.” One added, “Look at his smirk. 
he’s still guilty no mater what. Everyone knows he’s a killer [sic].”
Some expressed outrage, arguing that the suspect did not deserve to be released. One person opined that if the roles had been reversed, the public reaction would have been far more severe, highlighting perceived inequality in the justice system.
Another voiced concern for the victim’s family and pointed to an earlier altercation involving the suspect, reportedly handled internally by Frisco ISD, as a missed opportunity for intervention.
Karmelo Anthony is escorted by his companions as reporters approach after his release | Source: YouTube/fox4news
Several reactions also focused on systemic failures, with blame directed at parents, school officials, and students for not doing enough to prevent such incidents.
Others supported the bond reduction. One individual believed the original amount was “super unreasonable and unacceptable” compared to similar cases and hoped the teen would receive counseling and support. Another emphasized the importance of mental health care before trial and offered sympathy to both families involved.
The Next Generation Action Network (NGAN), which previously described the ruling as “a much-needed window of relief,” also issued an additional statement on social media. The group confirmed it is now working with Karmelo’s family to process the bond and thanked supporters for their overwhelming response.
NGAN emphasized this as only the beginning of a long legal journey, urging continued fundraising support and pledging to stand firm in defense of Karmelo’s rights. The organization framed the moment as an example of justice in action and reaffirmed its broader advocacy for civil and human rights.
Shortly after the hearing, Austin’s father, Jeff Metcalf, shared a post on Facebook announcing a community fundraiser hosted by Halo Pizzeria in honor of his son. The event, scheduled for April 14, is aimed at supporting Meghan and Hunter Metcalf as they navigate funeral, legal, and personal expenses.
