Karmelo Anthony’s Mom
Begs Jury For Mercy …
As Son Faces 99 Years In Prison
Published
June 9, 2026
1:09 PM PDT
Karmelo Anthony’s mom took the stand to plead with the jury set to determine her son’s fate, TMZ has learned.
Kala Hayes testified minutes after her son was found guilty of murdering Austin Metcalf. She told the 12-person jury she knows her son is very sorry for what he did.
Prosecutors asked Kala if she still had love for her son.
Kala was asked, “Regardless of what happens, you realize he will still get to be part of your life?” She replied, “Yes, I do.”
Karmelo’s mom is the only witness to take the stand for the defense in the sentencing thus far.
As TMZ previously reported, Karmelo is facing 5 to 99 years in state prison for murdering Austin at a Texas high school track meet in 2025.
