Texas Teen Accused of Fatally Stabbing High School Football Star Allegedly Living in $900K Gated Community Home Despite Claiming Financial Hardship: Report
Karmelo Anthony, 17, who is charged with the fatal stabbing of fellow student Austin Metcalf at a recent track meet, is reportedly living with his family in a $900,000 home within the upscale gated community of Richwoods in Frisco, Texas, the Daily Mail reported.
Despite previously requesting a bond reduction due to financial hardship, Anthony was released Monday after his bond was lowered to $250,000.
The property, where rent is estimated at $3,500 per month, had three vehicles parked in the driveway on Tuesday—a white Suburban, a black Acura, and a third sedan, according to the outlet.
A neighbor claimed the family had recently purchased a new vehicle.
“They got a new car,” the resident told the outlet. “If you check the license plate, it still has a paper tag that expires on June 4.”
Richwoods, located about a mile from Centennial High School—where Anthony was a student and track athlete—had residents reportedly unaware that his family was living there until his release on Monday.
Since then, some neighbors in the upscale gated community have expressed unease about having the accused teen in their midst.
“Not good. Not good. I don’t think he should be out,” one anonymous mother told the Daily Mail.
The gated community sits roughly a mile from Centennial High School, where Anthony was a student and member of the track team.
Another neighbor told the outlet that the family’s presence in the gated community contradicts claims of financial hardship.
“They’re not poor people. That’s for sure,” the resident said.
According to the report, the home has also seen a steady stream of deliveries—allegedly for Anthony—with Amazon trucks making multiple drop-offs.
“The best thing they can do is move,” another neighbor added. “I think that would be best for everyone.”
Karmelo Anthony was released on a $250,000 bond and placed on house arrest following the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf.
It remains unclear how long Anthony and his family have been living at the residence.
Anthony had been held in the Collin County Jail on a first-degree murder charge for allegedly stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf in the chest during a dispute over a seat at a track meet on April 2.
Anthony reportedly told authorities he acted in self-defense. Meanwhile, his family has pushed back against the public narrative, calling it “false, unjust, and harmful” in a GiveSendGo.com fundraiser created to help cover legal expenses. The campaign had raised over $440,000 as of Wednesday.
The Richwoods gated community
Initially, Anthony was held on a $1 million bond. However, a Collin County judge later reduced it to $250,000, allowing him to await trial at home under 24-hour supervision from his parents or an “adult designee,” with an ankle monitor in place.
The bond reduction came a week after Anthony’s attorney requested a reduction of the “excessive” $1 million bond and urged the local district attorney to reassess the charges.
The fundraiser, intended to support the teen’s legal fees, is also being used to help relocate the family and hire additional security due to the backlash following Metcalf’s death, according to his defense attorney, Mike Howard.
Anthony had been held in Collin County Jail, facing a first-degree murder charge for allegedly stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf in the heart during a dispute over a seat at a track meet on April 2.
Anthony reportedly told police that he was acting in self-defense.
“Considering Karmelo has no prior criminal record and has never been in any trouble before, a $1 million bond is unnecessary,” said Howard.
“This family needs to be able to function,” he continued. “There’s been immense pressure. Given the circumstances, living in a gated community, their younger children’s safety is a legitimate concern. Security details and criminal defense aren’t cheap.”
However, Collin County First Assistant Prosecutor Bill Wirsky cross-examined the family, questioning why they hadn’t used the funds raised to pay for Anthony’s bond.
“It’s not as simple as just making a phone call to access it,” Anthony’s parents said, according to Fox 4.
They clarified that obtaining the funds had been challenging, and a significant portion had already been used for Anthony’s legal defense.
