By USA Daily Now 
DALLAS, Texas — Tensions flared at a press conference Thursday as DOMINIQUE ALEXANDER, head of the Next Generation Action Network and spokesman for the family of KARMELO ANTHONY, lashed out at JEFF METCALF, the father of slain 17-year-old AUSTIN METCALF. The event, intended to address the ongoing case, quickly devolved into accusations of racism and bigotry.
Karmelo Anthony, 17, is accused of fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf during a dispute at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, on April 2. Anthony, who was released on a reduced $250,000 bond, faces first-degree murder charges. The press conference, organized by the Next Generation Action Network, aimed to address rumors surrounding over $450,000 raised through GiveSendGo for the Anthony family and to allow KAYLA HAYES, Anthony’s mother, to speak on behalf of the family.
The event took a contentious turn when Jeff Metcalf attempted to attend. He was escorted from the premises under the threat of criminal trespass charges, according to the Dallas Police Department. No incidents were reported during the removal.
Dominique Alexander criticized Jeff Metcalf’s presence, calling it “disrespectful” and accusing him of attempting to politicize the case. “What he has fallen into is the political operatives that want to make this thing a political thing of hate, bigotry, and racism,” Alexander said. He also defended the Anthony family, stating that none of the GiveSendGo funds had been spent and dismissing claims of misuse as “intentional disinformation.”
Alexander further criticized the Frisco Independent School District for its decision to expel Anthony, who has a 3.7 GPA, just weeks before graduation. He suggested the district bore some responsibility for the incident, arguing that the track meet should have been canceled due to inclement weather. “As a person who is the administrator of children, you are responsible for the safety of the children,” he said.
Kayla Hayes, visibly emotional, spoke briefly, emphasizing the toll the case has taken on her family. “Our family has been under attack,” she said. “Whatever you think happened between Karmelo and the Metcalf boy, my three younger children, my husband, and I didn’t do anything to deserve to be threatened, harassed, and lied about.” She echoed Alexander’s assertion that the GiveSendGo funds remain untouched.
The press conference also touched on the role of Judge ANGELA TUCKER, a Black Republican presiding over the case. Alexander criticized what he called “ugly attacks” on her, stating, “No matter what you pick in the ballot box, it’s people out here reminding us of the Black struggle in America.”
Jeff Metcalf, in a previous interview with Fox News, denied that race or politics played a role in the tragedy. “This was not a race thing. This is not a political thing,” he said. “This is a human being thing. This person made a bad choice and affected both his family and my family forever.” He described Austin as “the light of my life” and shared that his son died in the arms of his twin brother, HUNTER METCALF, who tried desperately to stop the bleeding.
The incident occurred during an altercation under a tent at the track meet. According to the arrest report, Anthony allegedly stabbed Austin after a confrontation, telling him, “Touch me and see what happens.” Anthony later told responding officers, “I’m not alleged, I did it,” and inquired whether the act could be considered self-defense.
The case has drawn widespread attention, with both families grappling with the aftermath of the tragedy. As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains divided over the circumstances surrounding Austin Metcalf’s death.
**Sources:**
[Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com)
[GiveSendGo](https://www.givesendgo.com)
[Frisco Independent School District](https://www.friscoisd.org)