Austin Metcalf’s father condemned what he called the “moral decay of society,” criticizing public figures for spreading what he says are false claims about his son’s killing as Karmelo Anthony prepares to pursue another effort to secure his release.
Jeff Metcalf took aim at “The View” co-host Sunny Hostin after she argued that jurors in the Texas case should not have dismissed the self-defense claim, citing newly released bodycam footage from the April 2, 2025 killing, and said Anthony, now 19, may have grounds to appeal.
“People had their own opinions without even seeing the facts, and that’s the part I have trouble with,” Jeff told Fox News host Will Cain, sounding frustrated by the commentary surrounding the case.
“Unfortunately, in today’s moral decay of society that we’ve witnessed, people believe that if they have their own voice, they scream loud enough, they’re right.
“I really wish they wouldn’t speak about it at all because one, if that woman said that, she has no idea about the facts of the case, but she wants to spew her public opinion on a platform that reaches millions of people every day.”
Metcalf also criticized commentators he believes are using the tragedy of his son’s death for personal attention or financial gain.
“They’re looking for their 15 minutes of fame, or their clickbait or their clicks,” he said.
“They’re just looking to monetize the death of my son.”
Hostin — a former federal prosecutor — raised eyebrows when she claimed Monday Anthony didn’t have a jury of his peers, referring to Batson challenges.
“It’s a challenge that is used to strike a juror of color for a race neutral reason,” she explained.
“You’re supposed to have a jury of your peers – you’re not just supposed to strike someone because they’re black.”
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“I don’t think he had a jury of his peers, so on appeal there is a legitimate thing” she said, citing demographics of the area.
“I also think we have to look at self-defense here, there seems to be two systems of justice at play in this country.”
Hostin said she didn’t understand why self-defense was thrown out during the trial after watching the video.
“The kid that died… was 200 pounds, this kid was 130 pounds, and the other kid was taller than he is. He was the only black kid under the tent. And the victim here had his twin brother with him who was also a very large person,” she said.
“If you don’t fear for your life. I weigh 130 pounds, facing someone that’s 200 pounds I would be terrified of that.”
Anthony was convicted of murder earlier this month and given a 35-year prison sentence – despite claiming throughout he had acted in self-defense.
But Anthony told cops “I’m not alleged, I did it” after being detained following the stabbing near the high school track meet, according to the bodycam video.
Anthony appeared to justify his actions, telling officers that Metcalf had put his hands on him after he warned him not to.
“I’m not alleged. I did it. He put his hands on me. I told him not to. He put his hands on me,” the tearful teen told cops.
The video was just one of the exhibits made public after his conviction.
The “Stand with Karmelo Coalition” announced Monday a new team of lawyers has taken on the teen’s case, spearheaded by Dallas-Fort Worth criminal defense lawyer Russell Wilson II.
“The team, serving pro bono, will review the trial record and pursue all available avenues of appeal,” the group said.
“Our responsibility is to determine whether a legal error occurred and to ensure every issue supported by the record is fully and vigorously presented on appeal.”
