Karmelo Anthony, the 17-year-old charged in the fatal stabbing of another student during a high school track meet in Frisco earlier this month, was released from jail on Monday after a judge drastically reduced his bond.

Emotions in the courtroom
The case involving Karmelo Anthony and Austin Metcalf has stirred strong emotions across the United States — and the developments surrounding it continue to unfold dramatically.

Anthony Karmelo faces a murder charge and, if convicted, could be sentenced to five to 99 years in prison under Texas law.

But on Monday, Collin County Judge Angela Tucker reduced the bond for 17-year-old Karmelo from $1 million to $250,000, a decision that has sparked a wave of public reaction and reignited emotions.

The decision was met with contrasting emotions in the courtroom. Austin’s mother, Meghan Metcalf, bowed her head and wept. On the opposite side sat about ten of Anthony’s supporters, including family and friends.

Judge Tucker imposed strict conditions after reducing the bond: Anthony is now under house arrest, must wear an ankle monitor, cannot travel without court approval, and must remain accompanied by an adult at all times. He is prohibited from contacting the Metcalf family, including through social media.

Defense attorney Mike Howard called the ruling “fair,” stating during a press conference, “Bond, as the judge said, is not supposed to be an instrument of oppression. It’s supposed to ensure that a person shows up to court, complies with all conditions, and keeps the community safe.”