UMVA has learned that a family representative for 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony has blasted the jury verdict that found him guilty of first-degree murder, claiming systemic racism played a role in the outcome.
Dominique Alexander, a spokesperson for the Next Generation Action Network and a representative for Anthony's family, publicly denounced the conviction, insisting it was unjust and that "black America should be very upset about what went on today." His comments came on the heels of a unanimous guilty verdict delivered by a 12-person jury.
The jury that delivered the verdict was not all white, as Alexander claimed, but rather a diverse group that included three Asian members, one Muslim woman who wears a hijab, and a Hispanic male. However, the panel did not include any Black members, a fact that Alexander seized upon to criticize the jury selection process.
Alexander's remarks sparked controversy, with many questioning his characterization of the jury as "all-white." The jury selection process had been lengthy, beginning on June 1, and ultimately resulted in a panel that reflected a range of backgrounds.
Despite the evidence presented during the eight-day trial, Alexander maintained that the prosecution failed to prove its case, and that the verdict was a travesty. He vowed to fight the conviction "like hell," and revealed that the Next Generation Action Network had already committed $10,000 toward an appellate attorney.
Anthony, a former high school football player, was convicted of stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf to death during a rain delay at a track meet. The victim's family, particularly his identical twin brother Hunter, were left to grapple with the devastating loss of a loved one.
The trial heard testimony from multiple eyewitnesses and video evidence that contradicted Anthony's claim of self-defense. The jury's unanimous guilty verdict led to a 35-year prison sentence for Anthony, who may be eligible for parole in 17 years.
Alexander's comments reflect a broader narrative that the justice system failed Anthony, and that systemic racism contributed to the verdict. However, many questions remain about the circumstances surrounding the crime and the trial.
