Attorneys join Karmelo Anthony’s appeal pro bono following murder conviction
Horace Cooper, co-chair of Project 21 and author, discusses the involvement of civil rights lawyers in the pro bono legal team of Karmelo Anthony. These attorneys are working to appeal Anthony’s murder conviction. Cooper voices concern that the appeal could incite racial tensions, and he questions the argument that a miscarriage of justice occurred during Anthony’s trial. He highlights that the appellate court’s deliberations will center on legal issues rather than new evidence.
Stephen A. Smith remains steadfast regarding his opinion on the Karmelo Anthony verdict.
The outspoken sports commentator and host of the “Straight Shooter” podcast continues to leverage his platform to directly address supporters of Anthony.
In the latest episode of his podcast, Smith openly questioned the rationale behind ongoing challenges to the verdict.
Recently, Stephen A. Smith made his views known about the Karmelo Anthony case, stating, “Karmelo Anthony murdered Austin Metcalf.” Anthony was found guilty of murder and is serving a 35-year prison sentence. (Dave Kotinsky / Texas Department of Criminal Justice)
He said, “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.”
Earlier this month, Anthony was convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years behind bars. He fatally stabbed 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet in Texas last year.
Jeff Metcalf, father to Austin Metcalf, who was stabbed and murdered by Karmelo Anthony, sat down with News Media. (Matthew Symons for News Media / 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 Media 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 Media.
News Media has reached out to Alexander, who has been acting as a spokesperson for the Anthony family, but did not immediately hear back.