Spokesperson for Anthony Family Continues Attacks on Grieving Father
The saga surrounding the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf, a promising high school track star in Frisco, Texas, took another disturbing turn this week as Dominique Alexander, spokesperson for the family of accused murderer Karmelo Anthony, launched a renewed attack on Metcalf’s father, Jeff. Alexander’s actions, amplified by his social media presence, have sparked outrage and further inflamed tensions in a community already reeling from tragedy.
Alexander, who heads the Next Generation Action Network (NGAN), first drew criticism for his behavior at an April 17th press conference intended to offer the Anthony family’s perspective on the tragedy. Instead, Alexander used the platform to berate Jeff Metcalf, ultimately leading to the grieving father being escorted from the premises by police. Alexander accused Metcalf of being "disrespectful" and claimed his presence was "a disrespect to the dignity of his son."
In a recent video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, Alexander doubled down on his attacks, asserting that his organization did not call the police on Metcalf, implying they were already present due to security concerns. "This press conference wasn’t organized by him," Alexander stated, emphasizing that Metcalf was not invited and his presence was "inappropriate, not only ethically, but its inappropriate for that family to interact." He cited unspecified safety concerns as justification for his actions.
Alexander further elaborated on his perceived need to secure the facility, claiming the Anthony family was unaware of Metcalf’s presence until his removal. He recounted a security person asking Metcalf to move back, which prompted Alexander’s intervention. "[The media member] was like, ’Yeah, thats Austins dad. I said, ‘I know youre lying. Like, What? He cant be here.’ And so what we initiated was making sure we secured the facility," Alexander explained, seemingly implying Metcalf posed a potential threat.
Jeff Metcalf responded to Alexander’s continued attacks with a statement to Fox News Digital, dismissing them as attention-seeking ploys. "I dont allow [Alexander] to live rent free in my mind," Metcalf said. "It really doesnt matter about the lies this man spreads. He just wants more attention. Dont give it to him. Justicer [sic] will prevail."
Alexander also addressed criticism leveled at him online, particularly regarding his past criminal record. He dismissed the negativity, claiming it only served to "boost his ego." He went on to connect the Anthony case to high-profile cases involving Kyle Rittenhouse and Daniel Penny, alleging racial bias in the public discourse surrounding them. He lamented the lack of support for Anthony, contrasting it with the financial support received by Rittenhouse, stating, "Because these racist bigots try to prevent us from standing up for our baby, our boy, he should be afforded the same rights that Kyle Rittenhouse had, Daniel Penny and all the people who have claimed whatever their defense was – he should be afforded the same right."
Prior to the press conference, Alexander claimed the NGAN had acted with respect and restraint, stating, "Next Generation Action Network from the beginning has respected the loss of life, no matter our opinion of it. We have kept our opinion close. We have not attacked. We have not shared the information that was shared with us about Austin Metcalf because we respect the dignity of life and loss."
However, the video and the events of the press conference suggest a markedly different approach. During that conference, Alexander repeatedly interrupted and spoke over Kayla Hayes, Anthony’s mother, who had prepared a statement expressing her family’s distress and fear. Hayes detailed the harassment and threats her family had received, including the online posting of their address and her husband’s previous employer. She explained that her husband had taken a leave of absence due to safety concerns, and their children were experiencing emotional distress. "Our family has been under attack," Hayes stated. "Whatever you think, what happened between Karmelo and the Metcalf boy, my three younger children, my husband and I didnt do anything to deserve to be threatened, harassed and lied about."
The incident has sparked a broader debate about the role of advocacy groups and spokespersons in sensitive legal cases. Critics argue that Alexander’s actions are insensitive, inflammatory, and counterproductive to fostering healing and understanding in the community. His focus on attacking the grieving father has been widely condemned as cruel and unnecessary.
Despite the turmoil and personal attacks, Jeff Metcalf has expressed a desire to find peace and forgiveness. "People ask me, how can you forgive this other person? I said I forgive the other person because the forgiveness is not for him," Metcalf stated. "The forgiveness is for me so I can have peace. His life is destroyed. My life is destroyed." This sentiment stands in stark contrast to the combative rhetoric employed by Alexander, further highlighting the differing approaches to grief and justice within the community.
The legal proceedings against Karmelo Anthony are ongoing, and the community remains deeply divided over the tragic event. The involvement of figures like Dominique Alexander has only served to exacerbate tensions and complicate the already delicate process of mourning and healing. The focus, many argue, should remain on seeking justice for Austin Metcalf and supporting his grieving family, rather than engaging in personal attacks and inflammatory rhetoric. As the legal process moves forward, the community hopes for a resolution that brings closure and allows them to begin the long and difficult journey of healing. The actions of Alexander, however, continue to cast a long shadow over these efforts, raising questions about the motives and impact of his involvement. The case has become a flashpoint, highlighting issues of race, grief, and the role of advocacy in the aftermath of tragedy.