“I’M LOW KEY ON THE VERGE” — Karmelo Anthony’s DISTURBING TEXTS TO EX REVEALED IN NEW TRIAL HEARING

A new hearing in Karmelo Anthony’s bid for a new trial has brought previously undisclosed evidence into the spotlight.

Anthony’s former girlfriend, Valerie Perez, reportedly told authorities that he had been stalking her and refusing to accept the end of their relationship.

Then came a disturbing message.

A MESSAGE SENT JUST HOURS BEFORE THE FATAL INCIDENT

Prosecutors revealed that on the morning of the April 2025 track meet where 17-year-old Austin Metcalf was fatally stabbed, Anthony allegedly sent Perez a message indicating he was “low key on the verge.”

He also reportedly sent her a photo of a knife.

Perez had previously warned a school official about Anthony’s behavior, according to testimony presented at the hearing.

The timing has become a major focus of the latest proceedings because the evidence was never presented to the jury during Anthony’s original trial.

WHY DIDN’T THE JURY SEE IT?

Prosecutors and defense attorneys had reached an informal agreement not to introduce extensive character evidence about either teenager.

That meant the jury did not hear about the allegations involving Anthony’s behavior toward his ex — nor did it hear certain information about Metcalf’s own past.

Anthony was ultimately convicted of murder in June 2026 and sentenced to 35 years in prison. He has maintained that he acted in self-defense and is now seeking a new trial.

The new defense team argues that problems surrounding the original proceedings deprived Anthony of a fair trial.

NOW THE COURT MUST DECIDE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

The hearing is not a new murder trial.

The immediate question is whether Anthony should be granted another trial based on the issues raised by his defense.

A new judge is reviewing the request after the original judge was removed from the appeal process amid concerns about impartiality.

A DISTURBING MESSAGE.

A PHOTO OF A KNIFE.

EVIDENCE THE JURY NEVER HEARD.

And now, more than a year after Austin Metcalf’s death, a judge must determine whether the newly revealed material is enough to change what happens to Karmelo Anthony next.