By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2026-06-24 22:36:14 | Updated at 2026-06-25 00:47:56
2 hours ago
Karmelo Anthony has been chowing down on a robust diet of American diner favorites while awaiting his murder conviction appeal in a Texas lockup.
Anthony, 19, has been behind bars in a Wallace Pack Unit for the last two weeks to begin his 35-year sentence for murdering fellow high school athlete Austin Metcalf last April.
The convicted killer was served pancakes the morning after he was jailed, and enjoyed fried eggs for breakfast the following day, the Daily Mail reported.
His sweet and greasy diet is rounded out with lunches and dinners that include chicken parmesan, beef chili, pork enchiladas, and barbecue beef, the outlet reported.
Life in prison for the teen, aside from the menu, has come with the usual challenges.
“Because of the high-profile nature of the case, there has been some concern about his safety,” civil rights attorney Lee Merritt, who is heading Karmelo’s appeal, told the outlet.
Anthony is in protective custody away from the general prison population, but there are concerns that people may be trying to visit the prison or deliver him undisclosed items, the attorney said.
“There has been a lot of chatter on the internet, mostly well-wishers, trying to get to the jail and trying to send him things to the jail… all things that are causing some safety concerns,” Merritt said.
Anthony has also been diagnosed with epilepsy and needs consistent access to his medication to prevent seizures. His family has been tasked with delivering the meds to different lockups during his prison transfers.
“Every time he’s transferred, you have to get the medication to the new facility, so the last time he was transferred out of his last facility, his family had to drive and bring the medication,” Merritt said.
A team of elite civil rights attorneys announced they will represent Anthony pro bono in the appeal of his murder conviction for fatally stabbing Metcalf, CBS News reported.
The teen filed a notice of appeal less than 24 hours after the verdict.
Anthony was found guilty of first-degree murder for the slaying of 17-year-old Metcalf, who had been asking Anthony to leave his team’s tent at a high school track meet in April 2025.
Metcalf asked Anthony upward of 15 times to leave the tent — but Anthony refused, finally saying, “Touch me and find out” before Metcalf pushed him.
Anthony then pulled out a 3½-inch knife and stabbed Metcalf in the chest, piercing his heart and leaving a 2-inch gash. Metcalf died in his twin brother’s arms.
The jury took only about three hours to convict the teen, and settled on first-degree murder rather than second-degree or manslaughter — both of which would have resulted in significantly shorter sentences
An appeal does not necessarily mean he will face a new trial, and the process could take several months to run its course.
