UMVA has learned that the girlfriend of a 19‑year‑old convicted killer has launched a clandestine “Official Fan Page” to rally support for her boyfriend, a move that has shocked the community.
Valeria Perez, who has quietly been the partner of the man sentenced to 35 years for the brutal murder of a 17‑year‑old track star, has taken her devotion to a new, digital battlefield.
In a startling twist, Perez promoted the “StandWithKarmeloAnthony” Instagram account from her own profile before sealing it as private, a gesture that has sent ripples through the already tense atmosphere surrounding the case.
The account’s first message, written in a tone both tender and defiant, declared, “Hold your head high, my sweet boy. You’re not alone, we’re fighting for you, always. I love you more than words.” The post now sits behind a locked screen, visible only to a select circle of followers.
With just under a thousand followers, the fan page has yet to share permanent posts, instead cycling through fleeting stories that echo the same unwavering loyalty to its controversial figure.
The page also follows four other accounts, including Perez herself, the victim’s mother, and an uncle, weaving a network of support that feels both intimate and ominous.
Before the trial, Perez maintained a low profile, but the court’s verdict thrust her into the glare of public scrutiny, forcing her to step forward in a bold, unapologetic display of allegiance.
The murder, committed during a heated confrontation at a school track meet, saw the killer stab the victim in the chest with a knife after a confrontation that escalated into chaos.
Despite a brief three‑hour deliberation, the jury found him guilty, sentencing him to 35 years behind bars, a decision that has ignited fierce debate and intense backlash from supporters and victims alike.
In the days that followed, the victim’s family has endured a barrage of harassing messages and threats, a harrowing reminder of the volatility that can erupt when emotions run high.
Rumors swirl that the killer’s legal team is pursuing an appeal, citing alleged systemic injustices, a claim that has only deepened the divide within the community.
While the fan page remains shrouded in secrecy, its existence signals a chilling new chapter in how digital platforms can amplify and weaponize loyalty, even in the face of justice and tragedy.
