Karmelo Anthony’s mom begs jury deciding son’s sentence to ‘have mercy’

Karmelo Anthony’s sobbing mother, Kala Hayes, begged a Texas jury for mercy Tuesday just moments after her 19-year-old son was convicted of murdering fellow teen Austin Metcalf.

“Please have mercy on my son,” Hayes said during the highly emotional sentencing phase.

Karmelo Anthony’s sobbing mother, Kala Hayes, begged a Texas jury for mercy Tuesday just moments after her 19-year-old son was convicted of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. Family handout

“He’s my oldest,” Hayes testified. “He’ll always be my baby. I love him very much.”

“I know my son, and he’s very sorry for what he did,” she continued.

Anthony now faces up to 99 years in prison for the fatal April 2, 2025 track meet stabbing in Frisco.

Here’s the latest on Karmelo Anthony’s murder trial following the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf

• Karmelo Anthony sobs as he’s convicted of murder for stabbing Austin Metcalf — and killer’s angry supporters claim, ‘This whole thing’s been racist’
• Hate-filled protests erupt outside courthouse after Karmelo Anthony found guilty of murder
• Karmelo Anthony’s lawyer blames Austin Metcalf for his own death in shocking argument
• Karmelo Anthony jurors shocked to their core over ghastly autopsy photo — and accused killer refuses to look

The jury, which deliberated for less than three hours after the defense and prosecutors delivered closing arguments, will decide Anthony’s sentence.

The swift guilty verdict followed a racially fraught trial where prosecutors eviscerated Anthony’s self-defense claims, emphasizing that he  brought a deadly weapon to a high school sporting event and refused to walk away.