Karmelo Anthony Found Guilty of Murder – Professional Black Grievance Activists Very Upset
The jury deliberated for three hours and returned the verdict of guilty against Karmelo Anthony, for murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. Anthony stabbed Metcalf in the heart.
The evidence against Karmelo Anthony was overwhelming. The trial now moves to the sentencing phase for jurors to decide Anthony’s punishment. Anthony, who is now 19 years old, faces a sentencing range of five to 99 years, or life in prison with the opportunity for parole.
TEXAS – […] Testimony during the punishment phase can include evidence of other crimes or bad acts, character and the impact on the families. The defense called Anthony’s mother, Kala Hayes, as its only witness and asked few questions, KXAS-TV reported.
“He’s my oldest,” said Hayes, who began crying, according to KXAS. “He’ll always be my baby. I love him very much.” Karmelo also appeared to be crying as his mother spoke, KXAS reported.
On cross examination, prosecutor Bill Wirskye asked Hayes if Anthony “still gets to be a part of your life” and she said yes, WFAA-TV reported.
The defense rested its case on punishment about 2:50 p.m., and the judge called for a short break before giving the jury instructions to deliberate on punishment. Closing arguments on punishment are expected this afternoon, WFAA reported. (source)
But then came the question of sentencing. As Bob Hoge reported, the jury was allowed to consider the "sudden passion" defense, which, if they unanimously found that Anthony caused Metcalf's death "under the immediate influence of 'sudden passion,'" could have resulted in a sentence of as little as two years.
However, the jury, as it did in reaching the guilty verdict, moved swiftly in the sentencing phase and has now sentenced Anthony to 35 years in prison.
A Collin County jury has sentenced Karmelo Anthony to 35 years in prison after he was found guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Memorial High School student Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas.
Anthony broke down in tears and was shaking as the verdict was read Tuesday afternoon, and he was immediately taken into custody. The case immediately moved into the sentencing phase, with Anthony's mother as the sole witness called to the stand to implore the judge to impose a lenient punishment.
"Please have mercy on my son," Kayla Hays said as mascara stains could be seen streaking her tear-soaked cheeks.
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Jurors were then tasked with determining Anthony's sentence, in which they decided Metcalf's stabbing was not in "sudden passion," which would have capped his potential prison time at 20 years behind bars. He ultimately faced the possibility of up to 99 years in prison.
There likely will be an appeal, so this is not the final word. But with the verdict and sentencing rendered, the case moves several steps closer to resolution.
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