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At one point, Hayes addressed the crowd and made a fiery statement regarding the verdict.
“They sent a MESSAGE that a white person can hit a black boy and get away with it! They can do whatever the F—K they want!” she said from her car.
The remarks immediately sparked reaction on social media, where users debated both the verdict and the comments made outside the courthouse. Many observers pointed out that the jury’s decision came after hearing testimony from multiple witnesses and reviewing evidence presented throughout the trial.
Video from the scene also showed Hayes making heart gestures with her hands toward supporters gathered nearby. The crowd responded enthusiastically, chanting in support of Anthony and calling for his release.
Several supporters were heard yelling “Free Karmelo” while others continued repeating, “Racist! Biased! Prejudiced!” as Hayes’ vehicle slowly departed. The gathering resembled a rally as participants cheered and praised Anthony despite the conviction.
The case has remained a source of national attention since the deadly incident that occurred in April 2025.
According to evidence presented during trial, Austin Metcalf, a 16-year-old track and football standout, was fatally stabbed during a championship track meet held at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas. The tragedy shocked the local community and generated widespread media coverage.
Supporters of Anthony have continued to maintain that he acted in self-defense during the confrontation. However, prosecutors argued that the evidence told a different story.
Throughout the proceedings, multiple eyewitnesses testified that Anthony was the aggressor and that he initiated the conflict that ultimately led to Metcalf’s death. Jurors ultimately sided with the prosecution’s case and returned a guilty verdict for murder.
The sentencing marked a major victory for prosecutors and brought a measure of closure to the Metcalf family, who have spent more than a year seeking justice following the loss of their son.
Even so, the legal battle appears far from over.
Court records show that Anthony has already filed a notice of appeal in an effort to challenge the conviction. The appeal process could take months or even years as higher courts review arguments from both sides.
For now, however, the jury’s verdict stands, and Anthony faces decades in prison for the killing of Austin Metcalf. Meanwhile, the dramatic scenes outside the courthouse have added yet another controversial chapter to a case that continues to generate intense public debate across the country.
