The Defense rested its case today in the first degree m*rder trial of Karmelo Anthony – the 19-year-old, who is on trial for stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf in the heart,
Anthony decided not to testify in his own defense.
Judge John Roach sent the 12 jurors home for the day. They will return on Tuesday to hear closing arguments and then will decide if Anthony acted in self-defense or if what he did classifies as m*rder.
The trial was originally set to last for two weeks, but it wrapped in about a week which many say is very telling about the direction the trial took.
The Defense suffered a huge setback today as one of their witnesses, who said he saw Anthony surrounded by people in the Memorial High School tent before the stabbing, was countered by video evidence, played in court, that showed the teenager was on the field and not even looking at the tent when the stabbing happened.
Of the six witnesses that the Defense called – a police officer, a coach and four students – the students all agreed that Anthony was in the wrong, and he provoked the situation. Some said that they’ve never gone underneath another teams tents while others said if they were asked to leave another team’s area, they would leave.
There was an extended lunch period – in which many speculated there could be a plea deal or that Anthony may be preparing to take the stand, however neither happened.
Judge Roach told the jurors -who have been sequestered – not to get on social media or talk to anyone about the case.
Court resumes tomorrow at 9 am.
