FRISCO, Texas – The Collin County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating reports of doxing related to the judge who recently approved a bond reduction for Karmelo Anthony, the suspect in the stabbing of Frisco teen Austin Metcalf at a track meet.
Understanding Doxing
Doxing involves the unauthorized search and publication of private information about an individual with harmful intent. In Texas, this act is deemed illegal, particularly concerning judges and law enforcement personnel.
The Incident Related to the Frisco Track Meet
Karmelo Anthony, 17, was released from custody after his bond was decreased from $1 million to $250,000.
This situation unfolded when Judge Angela Tucker lowered Anthony’s bond earlier this month, citing that $1 million was disproportionately high for a defendant with no prior criminal record. The case has attracted significant media attention, especially as it has taken on racial implications.
Concerns escalated when court officials and members of the public reported online postings of Judge Tucker’s personal address. The Sheriff’s Office has issued a statement prioritizing the judge’s safety and has implemented security measures accordingly.
Context of the Stabbing Incident
Karmelo Anthony was charged with first-degree murder following the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf, also 17, during a UIL District 11-5A track meet on April 2. Allegations assert that a confrontation escalated, leading Anthony to stab Metcalf in the chest.
In a statement recorded by a school resource officer, Anthony reportedly claimed, “I’m not alleged. I did it,” after being taken into custody. Witnesses described an altercation where Anthony allegedly warned Metcalf before the stabbing occurred.
Legal Implications of Doxing
According to former Dallas County Assistant District Attorney Russell Wilson, there has been an observable increase in threats and the distribution of private information in connection with high-profile criminal cases. Wilson explained, “Certain information is publicly available. But judges and individuals in law enforcement do have a statute that allows them to remove some of their information from being publicly available. And so, publication of that information with the intent to cause harm or for them to get a threat is a crime in Texas.”
Potential Consequences
Those responsible for the doxing could face serious legal repercussions. A collaboration with the FBI and a local Fusion Center is underway to monitor any dangerous rhetoric that may arise from this situation, according to the sheriff’s office.
Responses to Threats Against Families
The Anthony family has also reported threats and harassment since the bond reduction. Officials moved Karmelo to a secure location for his safety amidst rising tensions. Allegations of harassment against the Anthony family have emerged, including loiterers taking photographs of their home and making false food deliveries.
Investigations into Swatting Incidents
In a separate but related development, Frisco police have responded to multiple “swatting” calls directed at homes associated with the Metcalf family. Swatting refers to the act of misleading law enforcement into dispatching emergency services under false pretenses, often to intimidate the targeted individual.
The Tragic Background
The violence that led to Austin Metcalf’s death has deeply affected the community. A junior at Memorial High School, Metcalf’s passing during what should have been a celebratory event has sparked outrage and sorrow, with his family and friends mourning a life cut tragically short.
The information in this article has been sourced from the Collin County Sheriff’s Office, former Dallas County Assistant District Attorney Russell Wilson, and the Frisco Police Department, along with additional reports from the Next Generation Action Network.