Karmelo Anthony, 19, is sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, who was killed during a high school track meet in Texas. Before the jury enters additional deliberations on sentencing, Anthony’s mother, Kala (Karmelo’s mother) Hayes, appears in court and pleads for mercy, describing him as her “baby” and asking jurors to show compassion. After the verdict, Hayes and Austin Metcalf’s family publicly react in and around the courthouse. Austin’s mother, Meghan Metcalf, expresses grief and anger toward Anthony after the sentence, saying he should “feel lucky” to receive 35 years. Separately, Hayes addresses the issue of race, shouting “racist!” and drawing attention from people outside the courtroom; supporters are reported to have expressed support for Anthony as the case concludes for sentencing.
Across coverage, the outcome is consistent: jurors convict Anthony of Metcalf’s murder and impose a 35-year prison term, while both families react emotionally to the sentence.
