Texas Track Meet Stabbing Suspect Released After Bond Significantly Reduced

Karmelo Anthony, 17, was placed on house arrest and ordered to wear an ankle monitor after his bond was reduced by $750,000

The Texas teen accused of fatally stabbing a 17-year-old student at a track meet has been released from jail after his bond was significantly reduced.

On Monday, April 14, a Colin County judge reduced Karmelo Anthony’s bond from $1 million to $250,000, The Dallas Morning News reports; he was released later that day.

Anthony, 17, was arrested on April 2 and charged with first-degree murder after allegedly fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf, also 17, under a tent at a track meet in Frisco that day.

Anthony told authorities he was acting in self-defense after Metcalf allegedly grabbed him and tried to move him when an argument erupted between them, according to an arrest affidavit previously obtained by PEOPLE.

Anthony came into the courtroom on Monday morning handcuffed and chained and wearing a yellow jumpsuit, according to Fox 4 News.

His parents testified on his behalf, speaking about how active he is in school and that he had never been arrested before this, WFAA reports.

“Given that Karmelo has no prior criminal history and given that this young man has not been in any sort of trouble before, $1 million is not necessary,” Anthony’s defense attorney, Mike Howard, said Fox4 News reports.

The judge placed Anthony on house arrest and ordered him to wear an ankle monitor, WFAA reports.

His bond conditions include leaving home only with the judge’s permission to go to his lawyer’s office and court, The Dallas Morning News reports.

Outside of court, Howard spoke to reporters, saying, “Every Texan deserves the right to defend themselves when they reasonably fear for their life.

“There are two sides to every story,” he said. “Karmelo is a 17-year-old kid and an excellent student. He is the captain of his track team and the captain of his football team. This is a tragedy all the way around for both families.”

Asked why Anthony was allegedly carrying a knife, he noted, “That’s an understandable question but it’s not something that we are prepared to go into.”

Anthony’s family has been receiving death threats since his arrest, WFAA reports.

His supporters started a fundraiser on GiveSendGo to help with his legal fees, which has raised more than $431,000.

Anthony’s family wrote on the page, “As a family of faith, we are deeply grateful for all of your support during this trying period. Your prayers and assistance mean more to us now more than ever.”

A GoFundMe started by Metcalf’s father, meanwhile, has raised more than $350,000.

Calling his son a “bright young man with a great future ahead of him,” his father, Jeff Metcalf, wrote in the GoFundMe. “He was a leader of men. His smile would light up the room. His passion for football was unbelievable.”