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Frisco murder suspect, 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, appeared in court Monday morning as his attorneys asked for a reduction in his $1 million bond.
Bond Reduction Hearing
The bond reduction hearing began at 9 a.m. with Karmelo Anthony entering the courtroom in a gold jumpsuit, handcuffed and chained.
His father and mother both testified at the hearing.
During the hearing, we learned Karmelo is the oldest child and has three siblings. The family moved to the DFW area in 2021.
He was the captain of the football and track teams, and he had never been arrested before this incident. He has worked at Foot Locker for two years and worked a second job at H-E-B.
Defense Attorney Request:
Anthony’s attorneys asked the judge to reduce his bond to $150,000. Defense Attorney Mike Howard said, “Given that Karmelo has no prior criminal history…given that this young man has not been in any sort of trouble before. 1 million dollars is not necessary.”
“This family needs to be able to survive. There’s been a tremendous amount of pressure. I think at this point, living in a gated community, given everything, the safety of their younger children is very warranted. Security details and criminal defense are not cheap.”
Howard suggested putting Karmelo on an ankle monitor and imposing house arrest to “give this young man a chance to get out of jail and be with his family.”
Prosecutors Cross Examination:
In cross-examination, the prosecutors said Anthony was in an “altercation” on Feb. 4 in school. This altercation did not involve law enforcement.
They brought up the fundraising page that is operated by Anthony’s mother. The goal was raised from $450,000 to $500,000. It is currently at $412,000.
Bill Wirsky, Collin County First Assistant, asked if they had more than $400,000, why haven’t they bonded him out of jail yet?
The family said it is a difficult process to get the money and “it isn’t as simple as giving a phone call to access it.” The family also said a lot of the money has to go to the legal defense.
Wirsky said this appears to be unjustified first degree murder. “For reasons unknown, the defendant brought a knife to a track meet. For what probably could have been a fist fight at worst. [The family] could make this million-dollar bond as soon as they get access to it. I don’t know why we are here.”
He also said this has devastated two families.
Bond Reduced:
The judge reduced the teen’s bond to $250,000, and he will be placed on house arrest. He will have to speak to the bailiff every Friday morning and he is not allowed to be on social media.
The Judge:
Judge Angela Tucker of the 199th Judicial District Court says she learned of this case assignment last Monday, and the cases are assigned at random. She will only preside over the bond reduction hearing. There will be another random selection for the judge assigned to the trial.
Judge Tucker said they’ve never had the security issues they’ve faced with this case.
She also said during the hearing that this is a bond hearing and not a trial, and at the bond hearing you don’t get everything.
The purpose of a bond is to ensure the defendant will return to court and to ensure the safety of the community, she said.
“I don’t take that lightly at all. I take those things very seriously.”
She goes on to say, “There is no replacement for the loss of life or the loss of a child. I don’t want the family to think a bond amount is connected to the dignity of loss. You cannot make the person come back.”
