FRISCO, Texas — Karmelo Anthony’s lawyers asked the public to “refrain from rushing to judgment before all the facts and evidence are presented,” in their first public statement since the fatal stabbing. 

Anthony, 17, was charged with the murder of 17-year-old Frisco high school student Austin Metcalf. The stabbing happened April 2 at a UIL District 11-5A championship track meet, WFAA previously reported. An arrest affidavit released later that week revealed Anthony had reportedly confessed to the incident, claiming he was protecting himself, WFAA reported. 

Anthony is being held in the Collin County jail, where his bond amount has been set at $1 million. Criminal defense attorneys Billy Clark and Kim T. Cole will represent Anthony, according to a press release from The Clark Law Firm and K Cole Law. 

“Karmelo and the entire Anthony family are sincerely saddened that a life was lost and offer their condolences to the family of Austin Metcalf,” the press release states. “Karmelo, like all citizens of the United States, is entitled to a fair and impartial legal process; we are committed to ensuring that Karmelo’s rights are indeed protected throughout each phase of the criminal justice system.”

Clark and Cole plan to work with the Collin County District Attorney’s Office, seeking an agreement to reduce Anthony’s $1 million bond and “a better determination of the filed charge,” the release states. 

“This will certainly be a long road ahead and during this challenging time, we ask for prayers for both families and we ask for your patience and respect for the legal process as we seek the truth,” the release states. 

Anthony’s lawyers will not make any additional public statements, according to the release.