Nationwide — Karmelo Anthony’s parents, Andrew Anthony and Kala Hayes, say they believe their son did not get a fair trial and claim they were set up during the legal process. They spoke publicly after his 2025 murder conviction and sentencing in Texas.
Karmelo Anthony was convicted of killing Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Collin County, Texas, in 2025. Both teens were 17 at the time. A jury later sentenced Anthony to 35 years in prison.
The parents discussed the case in an interview with radio host Mimi Brown this week, according to Atlanta Black Star. Kala Hayes, speaking emotionally, said, “We’re going to keep fighting. And we will not stop until we get justice for my son.”
Andrew Anthony said the trial process made him feel targeted and misled. He said he was advised not to speak to certain people and was told to hire white attorneys, though he did not identify who gave that advice. He also said he struggled to manage the demands of the trial while caring for his family.
Hayes also spoke to CBS News and said she asked the jury for mercy during sentencing. She said she believed the jury had already made up their minds before she addressed them. The jury included 12 members, none of whom were Black.
Andrew Anthony said he believed the case was unfair from the beginning. He claimed witnesses gave conflicting testimony and said some lied under oath. He also said public opinion had already turned against his son before the trial even started, leaving him feeling judged in advance.
“He was already convicted when he walked out of the jail,” he said. “If you look at the news, he was already convicted. It was already done. There was no ‘innocent until proven guilty ’; he was already guilty.”
The family also said they continue to receive threats following the conviction. Andrew Anthony said some messages have included calls for harm against them. Anthony is currently in the process of filing an appeal.