Anthony’s mother, Kala Hayes, spoke, her voice wavering as she read prepared remarks. She described how her family had come “under attack” online from what she called false accusations, racially charged disinformation and death threats.
His father, Andrew Anthony, wiped tears from Hayes’ eyes as she addressed the crowd. Hayes urged both the public and the criminal justice system to ensure he receives a fair trial.
“Our son deserves the same rights under the law that everyone is afforded,” she said. “He’s been raised in a two-parent home with structure, stability, love — and we put God first in everything we do.
“We believe in the Constitution. We believe in the laws of this state, but those laws must apply to all of us, not just some of us.”
Jeff Metcalf, Austin Metcalf’s father, previously stood among the cameras, waiting for the news conference to start. He declined to speak with reporters, including The Dallas Morning News.
Hayes expressed sympathy for the Metcalf family.
“To the family that experienced that loss, my heart truly goes out to you,” she said.
Anthony’s parents and Alexander did not take questions from the media. Alexander said the news conference would be their last public remarks on the case, though he forecast “direct action” aimed at Frisco ISD, which he said was moving to expel Anthony from school.
“We’ll see you at trial,” he said, before guiding the parents away from the cameras and lights.
The news conference comes days after Anthony was released on bond, which was decreased from an initial amount of $1 million to $250,000. He had been in custody since April 2 and faces a charge of murder in Metcalf’s death.