Updated: June 10, 2026
The tragic stabbing at a Frisco, Texas track meet in April 2025 thrust the Anthony family into the national spotlight. Karmelo Anthony, then 17 and now 19, was convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison for the death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. While the case sparked intense debate, many are curious about the young man’s background—specifically, his parents and the family that raised him.
This post explores what we know about Karmelo Anthony’s parents, their public statements, and the family’s life before the incident, drawing from court testimonies, press conferences, and reliable reports.
Table of Contents
Who Are Karmelo Anthony’s Parents?
Karmelo Anthony was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and moved with his family to North Texas around 2021 in search of better opportunities. He is the oldest of four children in what his mother has described as a stable, two-parent household centered on faith, structure, and love.
- Mother: Kala (or Kayla) Hayes – A stay-at-home mom who has been vocal in defending her son while expressing sympathy for the victim’s family. She appeared emotional during the sentencing phase, pleading with the jury for mercy and calling Karmelo her “firstborn” and “baby.”
- Father: Drew (or Andrew) Anthony – Previously worked as a General Sales Manager at a car dealership. He has spoken out early in the case, emphasizing that his son was a good student with a 3.7 GPA, held two jobs, and was not the aggressor.
The family has faced significant challenges since the incident, including harassment, doxxing, and threats that reportedly forced the father to take a leave from work.
Family Life and Values Before the Tragedy
By all accounts, the Anthonys presented as a close-knit, upwardly mobile family. Social media glimpses showed vacations, a comfortable home, and a focus on education and athletics. Karmelo excelled as captain of his high school’s football and track teams at Centennial High School.
Key highlights from family descriptions:
- Strong emphasis on God and family structure.
- Relocation to Texas for improved opportunities.
- Karmelo as a hardworking teen balancing school, sports, and part-time jobs at Foot Locker and H-E-B.
- Siblings affected by the intense public scrutiny, with reports of a younger daughter struggling with fear.
His mother highlighted these values during a press conference, noting the family sought a better life and provided their children with stability.
Public Statements and Courtroom Moments
The parents have maintained a relatively low profile but spoke at key moments. In an April 2025 press conference organized with the Next Generation Action Network (NGAN), Kala Hayes addressed the harassment their family endured and offered condolences to the Metcalf family.
During the trial’s sentencing phase, Kala Hayes broke down on the stand, asking the jury for mercy. Both parents were seen leaving the courtroom in tears after a private visit with their son.
Drew Anthony told reporters early on that the incident would haunt both families forever and expressed sorrow for the Metcalfs.
Key Family Timeline Table:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Mother’s Name | Kala/Kayla Hayes |
| Father’s Name | Drew/Andrew Anthony |
| Family Origin | Baton Rouge, LA; Moved to North Texas 2021 |
| Children | Karmelo (oldest of 4) |
| Karmelo’s Profile | 3.7 GPA, athlete, two jobs |
| Public Stance | Two-parent home, faith-first, self-defense claim |
| Recent Challenges | Harassment, threats, job impacts |
This table summarizes core publicly reported details related to the family title and background.
The Impact of the Case on the Family
High-profile cases like this often ripple far beyond the courtroom. The Anthonys have dealt with swatting incidents, online attacks, and divided public opinion. Despite the conviction, supporters raised significant funds for the defense, highlighting ongoing polarization.
Experts note that families in such situations frequently experience long-term emotional and financial strain, regardless of the legal outcome. The parents’ visible distress in court underscored the human cost on their side as well.
Conclusion: A Tragic Story with Lessons for All
The story of Karmelo Anthony parents is one of a family navigating unimaginable pain amid intense scrutiny. Kala Hayes and Drew Anthony have portrayed a loving home disrupted by a single violent encounter with devastating consequences for two families. While justice was served with the 35-year sentence, the case reminds us of the importance of conflict resolution, youth mental health, and avoiding rushed judgments in polarized times.
As details continue to emerge, this remains a sobering reminder that behind every headline are real parents, siblings, and shattered futures. Our thoughts remain with both the Metcalf and Anthony families as they seek healing.