Texas Teen Murder Suspect Under House Arrest in Upscale Gated Community, Despite Claims of Financial Hardship
In a development that has stunned residents of a quiet Texas suburb, 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony—charged in the fatal stabbing of a high school athlete—is now living in a luxury gated community, even as his family cited financial difficulties to request a reduced jail bond.
Anthony, accused of stabbing Memorial High School junior Austin Metcalf during a confrontation at a track meet on April 2, was released from custody after a judge approved a controversial bond reduction over the objections of prosecutors, according to Resist the Mainstream.
Following his release, Anthony was placed under house arrest in a residence located on Mercedes Lane in Frisco, Texas. The property, within the exclusive Richwoods community, is under electronic monitoring and estimated to be worth nearly $900,000. Rent for the home is reportedly around $3,500 per month.
Witnesses say the deadly altercation began when Metcalf confronted Anthony for sitting under another school’s team tent. The dispute escalated into a physical confrontation, ending with Metcalf being fatally stabbed in the chest. He died at the scene, reportedly in the arms of his twin brother.
When Daily Mail reporters visited the residence, they observed multiple vehicles in the driveway, including a newly purchased car with temporary tags. Deliveries from Amazon and a midday pizza delivery raised further questions about the family’s financial status.
Andrew Anthony, the teen’s father, previously testified that he was the sole financial provider for the family and lacked access to over $439,000 raised through public donations—funds he claimed were strictly for legal expenses. Prosecutors have disputed this claim, pointing out that none of the money was used to pay the original $1 million bond.
Local residents have expressed growing concern about safety and fairness. “Why would you stab someone? And now he’s a few doors down,” one concerned mother told the Daily Mail. Others echoed worries about the family’s presence in the neighborhood, noting that the community’s gated status was supposed to offer a sense of security.
“They’re not poor people. That’s for sure,” one neighbor commented, while another added, “The best thing they can do is move.”
In response to threats received after Metcalf’s death, the family’s attorney stated that some donation funds would be allocated for relocation and enhanced security.
Anthony, formerly a standout student-athlete at Centennial High School, now awaits trial while living just blocks from the school—an unsettling circumstance for many who believe justice has yet to be served.