According to several reports, 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony is being charged with first-degree murder as an adult under Texas State law in the murder of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. Anthony — who claims self-defense — now faces life in prison if convicted.
As we previously shared, on April 2, police arrested Anthony, charging him with first-degree murder for allegedly killing Metcalf.
The football and track star died in his twin brother Hunter Metcalf’s arms during an incident at a track meet — where the boys’ schools both met — in Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Anthony claims he was told he was sitting in the wrong seat and things quickly escalated.
Karmelo Anthony, 17, Being Tried As Adult In First-Degree Murder Of Austin Metcalf, 17; Faces Mandatory Life In Texas Prison
In recent news, it has been confirmed that Karmelo Anthony will be tried as an adult under Texas State law. Capital B News reported that generally, at 17, a person is considered an adult in Texas criminal justice proceedings. Anthony is being prosecuted under Texas’ “concurrent jurisdiction” laws, often referred to as prosecutor “direct file” laws.
The publication further explains that by using these laws, prosecutors can charge minors as adults without judicial oversight. Capital B adds, “[This] policy has disproportionately affected Black and brown youth accused of serious crimes like homicide in 12 states and Washington, D.C.”
The outlet further reports that if indicted by the Collin County District Attorney’s Office and later convicted of first-degree murder, Anthony could be sentenced to a mandatory life in prison. However, because the alleged crime was committed at 17, he would be eligible for parole after 40 years served under Texas State law.
According to Capital B, Texas ranks among the states with the highest number of individuals under 25 sentenced to life in prison. Currently, there are 18,358 people serving life terms in the state of Texas.
RELATED: Karmelo Anthony Permitted To Graduate High School, Barred From Ceremony Amid Murder Case
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