By CHRISTIAN FRANKLIN
Opinion Editor
The tragic case of Austin Metcalf’s death which took place at Frisco‘s track meet on April 2, has quickly gained the world‘s attention.
This is not just a typical crime scene, it took place at a local track meet over the weekend in Frisco, Texas.
The accused Carmelo Anthony, also 17, is finally released on bail after his $1 million bond was reduced to just $250,000.
The decision alone has begun to pick up more intense criticism and more emotions are being shown.
Especially since a fundraiser was created for Anthony’s legal defense and certain demographics of the public are out slashed and upset because of the donations being made.
After following the police report there are key witnesses that have come out and shed light on what truly happened under the memorial High school tent.
Anthony, an attending student at Centennial High school was allegedly told to leave from under it.
Then after words were exchanged Metcalf reportedly pushed him.
That’s when student Anthony responded by reaching in his backpack and pulling out a knife that fatally stabbed Metcalf in the chest.
An official officer was later told by Anthony that he had done it, and if his actions could be considered self-defense.
A hearing took place on April 14, regarding lowering Anthony’s bond from $1 million to just $250,000.
This was all possible because of his defense attorney, Mike Howard, who emphasized Anthony’s clear record, captain status both on the Football and Track team along with his two part-time jobs at Foot Locker and H-E-B.
Following the case Howard mentioned that the legal defense cost is “tremendous”.
With the bond agreement Anthony is now out on house arrest, and he’s required to wear an ankle monitor and he is prohibited from using any social media in contacting any victims.
But what has truly gained the public attention is a fundraiser for Anthony on the GiveSendGo platform that has raised over 390,000 with a goal of 500,000.
On the page created by Anthony’s family they have put out a statement, the narrative being spread is false and is harmful and they thank all supporters for their prayers and donations during this difficult time.
Public backlash has only just begun to pick up as social media users are asking for the platform to remove the campaign, referring that it is a monetization of a tragedy.
Prosecutors even questioned the families financial narrative during the hearing, asking why you haven’t got him out sooner.
The family’s response to the access to the funds isn’t simple and the legal fees come with other complications.
Anthony’s defense continues to lean on the argument of self-defense.
Why did the teenager bring a knife to school at a sanction track meet?
These are the questions that question the heart of whether Anthony’s response was even remotely reasonable.
Certain demographics are in outrage and they feel as if it is a miscarriage of justice with there being a dead boy and his accuser is at home with a big bank account to fund his defense.
The case has shown more than just a tragic consequence of teenager violence.
It has highlighted inequalities in our justice system down to the advantage of legal strategy to the financial resource.
It continues to trigger debates about race, privileges, and ethics of crowdfunding, criminal cases most of the community now find itself choosing sides in a tragedy that has no winners.
