Attorneys join Karmelo Anthony’s appeal pro bono following murder conviction
Project 21 author and co-chair Horace Cooper weighed in on civil rights attorneys joining Karmelo Anthony’s pro bono defense team as they seek to appeal his murder conviction. Cooper warned that the effort could heighten racial tensions and pushed back on claims that Anthony’s trial amounted to a miscarriage of justice, noting that appellate judges are tasked with reviewing legal issues rather than considering new evidence.
Stephen A. Smith is not backing away from his position on the Karmelo Anthony verdict.
The sports commentator and host of the “Straight Shooter” podcast has again used his platform to directly address those continuing to support Anthony.
During his latest episode, Smith asked why some people are still disputing the jury’s decision.
Stephen A. Smith recently addressed the Karmelo Anthony case publicly, saying, “Karmelo Anthony murdered Austin Metcalf.” Anthony was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison. (Dave Kotinsky / Texas Department of Criminal Justice)
“When we sit up here and we think about the battles that need to be fought, we gotta be mindful of what’s worth fighting for and what’s not worth fighting for,” Smith said.
Anthony was convicted earlier this month and received a 35-year prison sentence. He was found responsible for fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Texas last year.
Jeff Metcalf, the father of Austin Metcalf, who was stabbed and killed by Karmelo Anthony, spoke with News Agency. (Matthew Symons for News Agency / Jeff Metcalf)
In the podcast episode titled “We’re Fighting the Wrong Battle!”, Smith maintained his stance on the verdict.
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“He killed someone and his argument of self-defense in the jury’s eyes didn’t hold weight,” he said.
Authorities photographed a folding pocketknife with a dark blade and gray handle used in the murder of Austin Metcalf in Texas. (Collin County Courts)
News Agency previously reported the commentator said, “Karmelo Anthony murdered Austin Metcalf. There is no other way to slice it,” in another podcast episode.
While Smith is calling on “viewers to think critically,” activist and founder of the Next Generation Action Network Minister Dominique Alexander started a movement titled “Stand with the Anthony Family.”
In a recent social media post advertising the initiative, Alexander said in part, “It is important that people have access to accurate information, meaningful opportunities to participate, and a way to stay connected to the movement. We cannot allow misinformation, division, or confusion to define this moment.”
Karmelo Anthony is photographed handcuffed inside a police vehicle with blood visible on his left-hand finger. (Collin County Courts)
Smith referred to the recent violent spike in deadly shootings that happened over the weekend in Chicago as an example of battles not being fought.
“We can try to fight and fight and fight over that. But you know what? If you’re gonna fight as vigilantly, as diligently over that, how come we not fighting about what’s happening in Chicago? Why we ain’t fighting about that?”
A representative for Smith could not be immediately reached by News Agency.
News Agency has reached out to Alexander, who has been acting as a spokesperson for the Anthony family, but did not immediately hear back.
