Latest news with #NextGenerationActionNetwork
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.
Fox News
15-05-2025
- Fox News
Teen Murder Suspect Karmelo Anthony Allowed to Graduate
The teen accused of stabbing another teen to death at a track meet will be allowed to graduate. I'm Tomi Lahren, more next. Karmelo Anthony, the Frisco, Texas teen who allegedly though admittedly stabbed fellow teen Austin Metcalf to death at a track meet over a seating dispute, will be allowed to graduate. Yes, even though he's been out of school the last month and a half and even though he is facing a murder charge, the activist group supporting him was able to work out a deal with the school district so Anthony will receive his diploma. The Next Generation Action Network calls this perk a 'student focused resolution' and a 'moment of dignity for Karmelo' and a 'reminder of the power of advocacy done right.' That's cute and all, but let's not forget why Karmelo is in this situation. He is accused- though he openly admitted to- stabbing another teen to death at a track meet. Austin Metcalf will not graduate. Austin Metcalf is not entitled to a 'student-focued resolution' or a 'moment of dignity' because Austin Metcalf was stabbed to death. The way Karmelo Anthony has been uplifted as a hero and a martyr is disgusting and despicable. From the fundraisers to the press conferences to this diploma perk, it's all lopsided and wrong. I'm Tomi Lahren and you watch my show 'Tomi Lahren is Fearless' at Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
USA Today
14-05-2025
- USA Today
Teen accused in fatal track meet stabbing will receive diploma, won't attend graduation: Reports
Teen accused in fatal track meet stabbing will receive diploma, won't attend graduation: Reports Show Caption Hide Caption Frisco track meet stabbing suspect released on bond Frisco track meet stabbing suspect Karmelo Anthony has been released on bond after it was reduced from $1 million to $250,000. Anthony is accused of stabbing and killing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf after an altercation at a track meet. Fox - 4 News Karmelo Anthony, a Texas teenager charged in the fatal stabbing a fellow track athlete, is reportedly set to receive his diploma but will be barred from participating in his high school's graduation ceremony. The 18-year-old, who was released from custody last month after posting a $250,000 bond, is charged with murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf, 17, on April 2 at a track meet in the Dallas suburb of Frisco. An affidavit previously obtained by USA TODAY alleges Anthony admitted to stabbing Metcalf out of self-defense. 'I did it': Texas teen charged with murder in track meet stabbing cites self-defense Next Generation Action Network, a nonprofit advocating for Anthony's right to a fair trial, said in a news release that the teenager is set to graduate and receive his diploma without needing to attend school for the final month and a half of the academic year, according to WFAA. The nonprofit added that Frisco ISD allowed this because Anthony completed the necessary credits, has a 3.7 GPA and his family reached an agreement with the district, which included the teenager not participating in "any senior graduation activities," Dallas-based TV station reported. '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,' Minister Dominique Alexander, NGAN president, said, per CBS News Texas and NBC 5 DFW. 'This is a moment of dignity for Karmelo and a reminder of the power of advocacy done right.' USA TODAY contacted Next Generation Action Network and Anthony's attorney, Mike Howard, on May 14 but has not received a response. Frisco ISD emails staff, students and families before graduation With Anthony being charged with murder, Frisco ISD's Superintendent Mike Waldrip, in an email to staff, students and families on May 13, said: "I want to be clear. No student who commits a serious criminal offense (Title V felony) is permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony." Frisco ISD did not explicitly mention Anthony in the email, telling USA TODAY on May 14: "Due to privacy laws, Frisco ISD cannot discuss individual student records." The email alluded to "misinformation" that Waldrip said was being shared about the graduation "via several media outlets and perpetuated through social media," but did not elaborate. "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," the email reads. Ahead of the graduation ceremony, Waldrip said, "Anyone who trespasses on Frisco ISD property or at a District event will be subject to immediate removal and possible arrest by law enforcement." More than $500,000 raised for Karmelo Anthony's legal defense The Next Generation Action Network, which celebrated Anthony turning 18 on May 10 in an X post, continues to defend the teenager's right to due process through news conferences and on social media. In the May 10 post, the nonprofit shared an online fundraiser page, which as of May 14 has raised over $500,000 toward Anthony's legal defense and expenses. "Karmelo should be celebrating the final stretch of his senior year — prom, graduation, and preparing for the next chapter," the nonprofit's May 10 post reads. "Instead, he's facing a legal system that has historically failed young Black men, fueled by media spin, hate-filled attacks, and political pressure that ignores due process and humanity." The nonprofit has alleged there are "double standards" surrounding the case, saying Anthony and his family have received death threats despite not being convicted. 'Their personal address has been exposed,' Alexander said about the Anthony family during a news conference last month. 'This justice must be fair and impartial, and protected from biases. We do not pull the race card. We live it.' Metcalf's father recalls spending last weekend with son Metcalf's family has also garnered support since his death. Multiple fundraisers have been created, including one by his father, Jeff Metcalf, that has raised over $550,000 in donations. Jeff Metcalf previously spoke with local media outlet KDFW-TV about a hunting trip he took with his son before his death. "I'm so fortunate to be able to spend that weekend, not knowing it was the last weekend I'll ever spend with him," Jeff Metcalf told KDFW. "I was able to watch and be blessed, so much, to have such, both my sons are amazing. My other son is just crushed. I feel for him now, he won't be the same. None of us will." The father, who learned of his son's stabbing when a coach called him, added that he hopes for "justice, because this is unacceptable," according to KDFW. Contributing: Saleen Martin and Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at JLimehouse@
Fox News
06-05-2025
- Fox News
Karmelo Anthony family rep doubles down on attacking Austin Metcalf's father: ‘It's inappropriate'
The spokesperson for the family of Karmelo Anthony, accused of fatally stabbing Frisco, Texas high school track star Austin Metcalf, took to X late Monday to attack Metcalf's father for the second time. On April 17, Dominique Alexander of the Next Generation Action Network (NGAN), led a chaotic news conference where Jeff Metcalf, Austin's father, was escorted out by police. At the beginning of the news conference, Alexander turned his wrath toward the elder Metcalf, calling him "disrespectful" and saying that his appearance was "a disrespect to the dignity of his son." In Monday night's video, Alexander doubled down on those attacks and said his organization never called the police on Metcalf. They were there before Metcalf arrived, he said. TEXAS TRACK MEET STABBING SUSPECT TOLD RESPONDING OFFICERS HE 'DID IT': DOCS "This press conference wasn't organized by him," Alexander said. "This press conference wasn't about him. This press conference didn't invite him. Yet at the end of the day, it's a criminal case y'all." "It's literally inappropriate, not only ethically, but it's inappropriate for that family to interact, and we don't know what we don't know," Alexander said. "And at the end of the day, I have to ensure that the safety of all of the parties are intact. Just someone showing up at our press conference, we can't just have that. We don't know what it is." Alexander added that he had also lost a son and did feel for Jeff Metcalf. Alexander then launched into a tirade about those online who have criticized him for his past criminal behavior and posted his past mugshots. GRIEVING TEXAS FATHER SPEAKS OUT AFTER SON WAS STABBED TO DEATH AT HIGH SCHOOL TRACK MEET "I really don't care what no one says about me, I really don't," he said. "I don't care about the racist p----- who want to say something about Dominique and say something about my past. I really, quite frankly, don't. If you know me, you know your attacks towards me only do one thing: boost my ego. The reality is, I really don't, quite frankly, give a damn." Alexander then returned to speaking about the press conference, saying the Anthony family was not aware that Metcalf was there until he was removed by Dallas Police, and that he didn't know Metcalf was in attendance until a member of the media tipped him off. "One of our security people asked [Metcalf] to move back," Alexander said. "He looked at him like he was entitled, or like he didn't have to move, whatever it may be. I said, 'Who? What?'" said Alexander. "[The media member] was like, 'Yeah, that's Austin's dad.' I said, 'I know you're lying.' Like, 'What? He can't be here.'" "And so what we initiated was making sure we secured the facility," he said. "How do we know what he came here for?" Alexander later complained that people online deemed him "insensitive" for his attacks on Metcalf during the first news conference. The April 17 news conference was held for the Anthony family to speak for the first time since Karmelo Anthony allegedly murdered Austin Metcalf, but an agitated Alexander spent much of the news conference attacking Jeff Metcalf. SLAIN TEXAS TEEN AUSTIN METCALF'S HOME SWATTED HOURS AFTER TENSE PRESS CONFERENCE SHOWDOWN "What we've seen at the beginning of this press conference, of the father being at this press conference, these are my words – don't quote anybody – is a disrespect to the dignity of his son," Alexander said at the time. "Next Generation Action Network from the beginning has respected the loss of life, no matter our opinion of it. We have kept our opinion close," he said. "We have not attacked. We have not shared the information that was shared with us about Austin Metcalf because we respect the dignity of life and loss." Later, Anthony's mother, Kayla Hayes, read a prepared statement. "Our family has been under attack," she said. "Whatever you think, what happened between Karmelo and the Metcalf boy, my three younger children, my husband and I didn't do anything to deserve to be threatened, harassed and lied about." She said such lies have put her family in danger, along with the community and those involved in the investigation. "Our address and my husband's previous employer's address has been put on all social media platforms," she said. "My husband had to take a leave of absence because he's afraid of what may happen to our family." She said her husband's mental health is deteriorating, and her daughter is afraid to sleep in her own bed. Before concluding, Alexander turned to the issue of race. TEEN SUSPECT FREE ON BOND AFTER ALLEGEDLY STABBING TEXAS TRACK STAR AUSTIN METCALF TO DEATH "Because these racist bigots try to prevent us from standing up for our baby, our boy, he should be afforded the same rights that Kyle Rittenhouse had, Daniel Penny and all the people who have claimed whatever their defense was – he should be afforded the same right," Alexander said. "Nobody in the public media has one video, but we got the video of Kyle Rittenhouse with an AK-47 shooting three people in the back," he said. "We got that, and he raised more than $2 million publicly, and nobody said anything about that." Jeff Metcalf and the Dallas Police Department declined to comment. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Jett Metcalf previously told Fox News , "This person made a bad choice and affected both his family and my family forever." He said Austin, who died in his twin brother's arms, "was the light of my life." "People ask me, how can you forgive this other person? I said I forgive the other person because the forgiveness is not for him," he said. "The forgiveness is for me so I can have peace. His life is destroyed. My life is destroyed."
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Yahoo
As Death Threats Continue, Karmelo Anthony Is Forced into Hiding Before Murder Trial
Since being charged with murder, a Texas teen's family has been vocal about threats to their safety. And after weeks of alleged harassment, now it seems drastic steps have been taken ahead of 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony's trial. The teen was accused of the murder of another 17-year-old, Austin Metcalf, during a track meet. Anthony bailed out of jail after Judge Angela Tucker lowered his bond and placed him on house arrest, as we previously reported. Now, Anthony has been removed from his family home in response to growing concerns, according to a Next Generation Action Network (NCAN) news release obtained by the Daily Mail. The move was approved by the courts, and the location of the teen hasn't been shared with the public for obvious reasons. NCAN said in a statement there's been an 'alarming increase in death threats, continued harassment, and physical intimidation targeted at the family's home' since his arrest. The threats reflect growing tensions as the high-profile killing of Metcalf continues to divide the nation. As The Root previously reported, Anthony was arrested after an April 2 altercation between Anthony, Metcalf, and his twin brother, Hunter, during a track meet. According to police, the brothers confronted Anthony about sitting under a tent designated for athletes, and that's when things escalated. Anthony allegedly told Austin, 'Touch me and see what happens.' That's when witnesses say a scuffle ensued, sparking the fatal stabbing. Austin died in his brother's arms as Anthony fled the scene. The 17-year-old claimed self defense to arresting officers. During a press conference held by Anthony's reps, the teen's mother, Kayla Hayes, addressed misinformation concerning her family. 'Whatever you think that happened between Karmelo and the Metcalf boys, my three younger children, my husband and I didn't do anything to deserve to be threatened, harassed and lied about,' she said. Hayes went on to claim 'the lies and the false accusations,' such as the family buying a new lavish home, purchasing new cars and even hiring security, are without merit and have put her family in danger. 'I don't know why we are being targeted and discriminated against before a fair trial,' she continued. 'Our son deserved the same rights under the law that everyone is afforded to.' After Anthony went into hiding, NGAN shared examples of the alleged harassment against the teen's family. This included strangers allegedly loitering near the family home, sending copies of Metcalf's obituary, and going as far as to send fake food delivers to the family's door, Fox 5 reported. A rally also took place this past weekend at Frisco's Kuykendall Stadium, where the stabbing took place. The protest was organized by Protect White Americans, an group founded by Jake Lang who was arrested during the Capitol Insurrection, according to the Guardian. Signs at the rally read 'protect white Americans' and 'stop black violence on white Americans,' the Daily Mail reported. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
