Overview

• Jeff Metcalf, father of slain teen Austin Metcalf, was targeted by a swatting hoax just hours after attending a press conference held by the accused's family.
• Karmelo Anthony, 17, charged with first-degree murder, is under house arrest after being released on a reduced $250,000 bond on April 14.
• Both families report facing harassment, including leaked personal information, online threats, and misinformation campaigns since the April 2 incident.
• Crowdfunding efforts have raised nearly $500,000 for Anthony's legal defense and over $600,000 for the Metcalf family, reflecting starkly polarized public support.
• The case has sparked broader debates on juvenile justice, racial tensions, and the role of digital platforms in high-profile legal battles.