At the start of the Karmelo Anthony trial, prosecutors argued the case was "race-neutral."
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Anthony was accused of fatally stabbing fellow high school student Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, in April last year. Anthony claimed self-defense.
But a controversy began when no Black jurors were selected for the trial. Anthony is Black, and Metcalf, who was 17, was White.
Yesterday, the jury found Anthony guilty of murder and sentenced him to 35 years in prison. After the verdict, rapper Cardi B then went on social media to share her reaction.
What Did Cardi B Say About Karmelo Anthony?
The "Bodak Yellow" artist took to X to share her thoughts on Anthony's verdict.
"Wow! Just freakin wow! DISGUSTING," she wrote. "This is not justice, this is trying to make an example!!!"
She also retweeted other posts supporting Anthony.
And Cardi B isn't alone in her feelings. TMZ reports that donations to Anthony's crowdfunding page, set up for him after the incident, have increased. The page said that, in addition to funding Anthony's legal expenses, funds would be used to support "the safe relocation of the Anthony family due to escalating threats to their safety and well-being, as well as basic living costs, transportation, counseling, and other security measures."
What Happens Now?
According to authorities, Anthony stabbed Metcalf after asking him to move from a tent where he was sitting.
An affidavit stated that when Metcalf made the request at the track meet, he replied, "Touch me and see what happens."
Metcalf then attempted to physically move Anthony. That's when Anthony allegedly pulled a knife from his bag and stabbed him in the chest.
"I was only protecting myself," Anthony told police as he was arrested. He confessed to the crime, claiming self-defense. He was held on a $1 million bond, which was later reduced to $250,000.
After his sentencing, Anthony, who is now 19, became emotional. He reportedly mouthed "I'm sorry" to his parents before leaving the courtroom in handcuffs. He is now being held in isolation inside Collin County Jail before heading to state prison.
TMZ reported that during victim impact statements, Metcalf's father demanded that Anthony look him in the eye.
"We were robbed! Don't look down," he said. "You can't look me in the eyes, but you can stab my f*****g son! You don't belong in this community!"
He added that the case wasn't about race. It was about right and wrong.
Keep your hands to yourself, and this never happens.