Karmelo Anthony, the Texas high schooler accused of fatally stabbing another student at a track meet in Frisco, Texas will graduate high school and receive his diploma, social justice organization Next Generation Action Network (NGAN) told NBC Dallas-Fort Worth.
“We are proud to share that Karmelo Anthony will graduate and receive his high school diploma, and that his academic achievements will not be disrupted,” NGAN president Dominique Alexander said in a statement to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth.
The nonprofit organization working with Anthony’s family announced that the 17-year-old met all the academic requirements for graduation, with the necess amount of credits and maintaining a 3.7 GPA, according to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth.
Anthony will not be allowed to participate in any senior graduation activities, NGAN told NBC Dallas-Fort Worth.
The teen was arrested on April 2 in connection with the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. Metcalf was stabbed in the chest at a track meet and reportedly died in his twin brother’s arms.
Misinformation circulating on social media and media outlets about the Centennial High School graduation ceremony was addressed by Frisco Independent School District (ISD) superintendent Dr. Mike Waldrip in an email to students, staff and families of the school, WFAA reported.
Waldrip stated that no student who commits a Title V felony, or serious criminal offense, would be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony, WFAA said.
“Frisco ISD does not condone violence or crime in our schools or at our events and will not reward or celebrate those who hurt others,” Waldrip said, according to WFAA.
Frisco ISD did not immediately respond to an NBC News request for comment.
Anthony’s parents spoke publicly at a press conference hosted by NGAN on April 17, after the organization asked police to remove Metcalf’s father, Jeff Metcalf, from the event, calling his presence “inappropriate.”
Kala Hayes, Anthony’s mother, said her family has faced death threats and harassment since her son’s arrest, leading the family to relocate to a rental home over security concerns. She also addressed backlash over the crowdfunding page — which has now raised more than $500,000 — the family established to help with legal and moving costs.
Anthony posted the $250,000 bond for his release on April 14, required to wear an ankle monitor under house arrest and check in with a bailiff every Friday, NBC Dallas-Fort Worth reported.
