Latest news with #NGAN
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Texas teen accused of fatal track meet stabbing set to graduate high school
Karmelo Anthony, the Texas high schooler accused of fatally stabbing another student at a track meet in Frisco, Texas will graduate high school and receive his diploma, social justice organization Next Generation Action Network (NGAN) told NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. 'We are proud to share that Karmelo Anthony will graduate and receive his high school diploma, and that his academic achievements will not be disrupted,' NGAN president Dominique Alexander said in a statement to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. The nonprofit organization working with Anthony's family announced that the 17-year-old met all the academic requirements for graduation, with the necessary amount of credits and maintaining a 3.7 GPA, according to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. Anthony will not be allowed to participate in any senior graduation activities, NGAN told NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. The teen was arrested on April 2 in connection with the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. Metcalf was stabbed in the chest at a track meet and reportedly died in his twin brother's circulating on social media and media outlets about the Centennial High School graduation ceremony was addressed by Frisco Independent School District (ISD) superintendent Dr. Mike Waldrip in an email to students, staff and families of the school, WFAA reported. Waldrip stated that no student who commits a Title V felony, or serious criminal offense, would be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony, WFAA said. 'Frisco ISD does not condone violence or crime in our schools or at our events and will not reward or celebrate those who hurt others," Waldrip said, according to WFAA. Frisco ISD did not immediately respond to an NBC News request for comment. Anthony's parents spoke publicly at a press conference hosted by NGAN on April 17, after the organization asked police to remove Metcalf's father, Jeff Metcalf, from the event, calling his presence 'inappropriate.' Kala Hayes, Anthony's mother, said her family has faced death threats and harassment since her son's arrest, leading the family to relocate to a rental home over security concerns. She also addressed backlash over the crowdfunding page — which has now raised more than $500,000 — the family established to help with legal and moving costs. Anthony posted the $250,000 bond for his release on April 14, required to wear an ankle monitor under house arrest and check in with a bailiff every Friday, NBC Dallas-Fort Worth reported. This article was originally published on
NBC News
15-05-2025
- NBC News
Texas teen accused of fatal track meet stabbing set to graduate high school
Karmelo Anthony, the Texas high schooler accused of fatally stabbing another student at a track meet in Frisco, Texas will graduate high school and receive his diploma, social justice organization Next Generation Action Network (NGAN) told NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. 'We are proud to share that Karmelo Anthony will graduate and receive his high school diploma, and that his academic achievements will not be disrupted,' NGAN president Dominique Alexander said in a statement to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. The nonprofit organization working with Anthony's family announced that the 17-year-old met all the academic requirements for graduation, with the necessary amount of credits and maintaining a 3.7 GPA, according to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. Anthony will not be allowed to participate in any senior graduation activities, NGAN told NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. The teen was arrested on April 2 in connection with the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. Metcalf was stabbed in the chest at a track meet and reportedly died in his twin brother's arms. Misinformation circulating on social media and media outlets about the Centennial High School graduation ceremony was addressed by Frisco Independent School District (ISD) superintendent Dr. Mike Waldrip in an email to students, staff and families of the school, WFAA reported. Waldrip stated that no student who commits a Title V felony, or serious criminal offense, would be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony, WFAA said. 'Frisco ISD does not condone violence or crime in our schools or at our events and will not reward or celebrate those who hurt others," Waldrip said, according to WFAA. Frisco ISD did not immediately respond to an NBC News request for comment. Anthony's parents spoke publicly at a press conference hosted by NGAN on April 17, after the organization asked police to remove Metcalf's father, Jeff Metcalf, from the event, calling his presence 'inappropriate.' Kala Hayes, Anthony's mother, said her family has faced death threats and harassment since her son's arrest, leading the family to relocate to a rental home over security concerns. She also addressed backlash over the crowdfunding page — which has now raised more than $500,000 — the family established to help with legal and moving costs. Anthony posted the $250,000 bond for his release on April 14, required to wear an ankle monitor under house arrest and check in with a bailiff every Friday, NBC Dallas-Fort Worth reported.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Karmelo Anthony Will Receive His Diploma While on Trial for Fatal Stabbing of Austin Metcalf, But There Are Many Restrictions
When Karmelo Anthony was charged with murder just two months before his high school graduation, his mother pleaded to let her son still get his diploma. Now, she got her wish. Anthony is currently awaiting trial for the murder of another Texas high school student, but despite his legal issues, he will be allowed to graduate with the class of 2025. The news was announced by Next Generation Action Network (NGAN) President Dominique Alexander, who is the spokesman for Anthony's family. 'We are proud to share that Karmelo Anthony will graduate and receive his high school diploma, and that his academic achievements will not be disrupted,' he said in a statement. Anthony is expected to graduate with a 3.7 GPA, according to PEOPLE. The teen made national news last month after he was arrested and charged with the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf, a 17-year-old student at Frisco Memorial High School, back in April. Anthony, who attends Frisco Centennial High School, was released on bond after a judge reduced his bail from $1 million to $250,000, as The Root previously reported. Since being released, Anthony went into hiding following death threats and continuous harassment from MAGA supporters and others mourning Metcalf's killing, The Root also reported. He will not be permitted to attend the graduation ceremony, but he will receive his diploma as part of a deal between his reps and the school district, according to the NGAN release. Speculation that Anthony would still be allowed to cross the graduation stage quickly swarmed the Frisco community. Frisco ISD Superintendent Mike Waldrip said the rumors hold no merit. 'It is disheartening that the incredible accomplishments and achievements of our Centennial seniors may be dampened by needless fearmongering, attention-seeking and media vitriol. Our students, staff and community deserve better,' he told WFAA. 'I want to be clear. No student who commits a serious criminal offense (Title V felony) is permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony,' Waldrip continued before warning that any trespassers will be promptly removed and subject to arrest. 'Let's come together as a community to honor and support our students and staff. This moment is about their success, and they deserve our full attention and encouragement,' he concluded. 'Congratulations to the Centennial Class of 2025!' For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
CBS News
14-05-2025
- CBS News
Austin Metcalf's father seeks answers after learning Karmelo Anthony may still graduate high school
The father of a Frisco teen fatally stabbed during an April track meet is demanding answers after learning his son's accused killer will graduate high school — despite facing a murder charge. Tuesday night, an advocacy group announced that Karmelo Anthony, the teen accused of fatally stabbing Frisco Memorial High School athlete Austin Metcalf during a track meet in early April, will get his diploma. Dallas-based advocacy group announced Karmelo Anthony will receive diploma According to Next Generation Action Network, Anthony will not be allowed to participate in senior graduation activities. However, the organization said his 3.7 GPA and completion of all graduation requirements mean he can graduate without attending the final month and a half of the academic year. "We are proud to share that Karmelo Anthony will graduate and receive his high school diploma, and that his academic achievements will not be disrupted," said Minister Dominique Alexander, president of NGAN. "As the largest social justice organization in North Texas, NGAN has worked diligently alongside the Anthony family's legal team to bring about this fair and student-focused resolution. This is a moment of dignity for Karmelo and a reminder of the power of advocacy done right." In response to a request for comment, a Frisco ISD spokesperson said the district cannot discuss individual student records due to privacy laws. The district also shared a letter that Superintendent Mike Waldrip sent to the Centennial High School community, which criticized "needless fear-mongering, attention-seeking, and media vitriol" surrounding the school's upcoming graduation. The letter also said that "no student who commits a serious criminal offense (Title V felony) is permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony." Title V felonies include homicide, kidnapping and sexual assault. "Frisco ISD does not condone violence or crime in our schools or at our events and will not reward or celebrate those who hurt others. We work to ensure every student is safe to learn and feels part of our culture of respect, honor, and integrity," the letter said. Austin Metcalf's father wants answers from Frisco ISD superintendent The news sent Austin Metcalf's father on a mission to confront the Frisco ISD superintendent. Jeff Metcalf said he just wants answers, but when he arrived at Frisco ISD's administration building, he was told he would not be let in without an appointment. The father of Austin Metcalf wanted to hear directly from Frisco ISD Superintendent Mike Waldrip what he heard from media reports on Tuesday regarding Anthony's graduation. "I've been stonewalled. Sad, you know, I understand the protocol," Jeff Metcalf said. "They said I have to make an appointment, which I did." The day of the track meet fatal Frisco stabbing According to authorities, the altercation between Anthony and Austin Metcalf occurred when Austin Metcalf confronted Anthony for sitting in a restricted area. After a brief exchange, Austin Metcalf allegedly pushed Anthony, who then stabbed him in the chest. Anthony fled the scene but later claimed self-defense. Anthony is facing a charge of first-degree murder. Anthony's parents, who claim their son was just defending himself, asked Frisco ISD to allow him to get his high school diploma. Sources said an agreement was reached to allow that. "So I'm just curious on how they arrived at it," Jeff Metcalf said. "When I read their own policy manual about what it states for mandatory expulsion and also graduation, now, he may be placed in a program where he was able to continue his education at home, where he did maintain the credits and could get his diploma." In a statement to CBS News Texas, Minister Dominique Alexander, the president of NGAN and a representative of the Anthony family said: "We cannot and will not speak about the agreement made with Frisco ISD — that remains confidential and legally protected. However, it is truly a shame that anyone would go so far as to threaten a graduation ceremony or try to ruin a day that should be filled with joy, pride, and accomplishment for so many students and their families." The controversy has resulted in a new online petition to award Austin Metcalf an honorary diploma next year when he would've graduated along with his twin brother. "That would be great, because his name will be called right before his brother's name," Jeff Metcalf said. "But the fact of the matter is, it's not going to bring my son back. I mean, it's a nice gesture, but in the long run, my son doesn't get a diploma. So, there's part of me that says maybe Mr. Anthony shouldn't get one either."
CBS News
14-05-2025
- CBS News
Will Karmelo Anthony be allowed to attend graduation? Here's what Frisco ISD's superintendent says.
The superintendent of Frisco ISD is pushing back against what he called "needless fear-mongering" and "media vitriol" surrounding Centennial High School's graduation ceremony, following rumors that Karmelo Anthony, a student charged in the fatal stabbing of student-athlete Austin Metcalf, would be allowed to graduate. In a letter sent to the Centennial High community Tuesday evening, Superintendent Mike Waldrip criticized what he described as misinformation circulating through news outlets and social media about the upcoming commencement. While the letter did not name the student in question, a Frisco ISD spokesperson shared it in response to inquiries about Anthony, who was arrested in connection with the April stabbing death of 17-year-old Metcalf. "It is disheartening that the incredible accomplishments and achievements of our Centennial seniors may be dampened by needless fear-mongering, attention-seeking, and media vitriol," Waldrip wrote. "Our students, staff, and community deserve better." Earlier on Tuesday, the Dallas-based social justice group Next Generation Action Network (NGAN) claimed in a public statement that Anthony would receive his high school diploma following "multiple discussions" with Frisco ISD leadership. NGAN said Anthony would not participate in any senior activities, but would graduate based on his 3.7 GPA and completion of all required credits. Frisco ISD declined to confirm any individual student information, citing federal privacy laws. However, Waldrip's letter underscored that "no student who commits a serious criminal offense (Title V felony) is permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony." Such felonies include homicide, kidnapping, and sexual assault. Anthony is currently facing a murder charge in the stabbing of Metcalf at a Frisco IS track meet last month.
