In a tragic case that has sent shockwaves through a Texas community and ignited debate across the country, the father of 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony is now speaking out — urging the public to look beyond the headlines and understand the full story behind a fatal encounter that left another teen dead.

Andrew Anthony, Karmelo’s father, described his son not as the violent aggressor many assume, but as a hardworking, high-achieving teenager who found himself in an unimaginable situation. “Everyone has already made their assumptions about my son, but he’s not what they’re making him out to be,” he said. “He’s a good kid. He works two jobs. He’s an A student, has a 3.7 GPA.”