An apparent TikTok from Karmelo Anthony’s alleged girlfriend, Valeria Perez, is drawing intense reactions online after Anthony was convicted and sentenced to 35 years for the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf.
The day after Karmelo Anthony was convicted and sentenced for the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf, an apparent TikTok post from his alleged girlfriend has ignited a fresh wave of comments.
On Tuesday, June 9, Karmelo Anthony’s alleged girlfriend, Valeria Perez, reportedly took to TikTok following his conviction and sentencing. In the caption of a video reposted to an apparent backup account. Perez wrote: “Hold your head high. my sweet boy. You’re not alone we’re fighting for you, always. I love you more than words [red heart emoji]…”.
The TikTok featured various photos of the pair, according to the post. As the video circulated, TikTok users poured into the comment section—some offering support, others questioning the situation and pointing to the impact on a family.
TikTok user Diona Lane wrote, “Justice for Karmelo.” TikTok user Kennedi Mccorkle added, “girl be so real…” Bash posted, “Praying for you both princess,” while ragexrae commented, “Girl don’t make me cry… he had a family!” YKbosswhit said, “Stay strong sweetheart…”
Other reactions were more pointed. TikTok user Kamm.3_ wrote, “Your dude has the temperament of a child. Threw half of his life over a damn tent and ego….” Jaysten echoed, “Justice for Karmelo,” while thejuicendsqueeze urged, “FREE MELO… continue loving him out loud ! We are all routing for him !”
The timing of Perez’s post comes after Karmelo Anthony’s legal outcome earlier that day. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison on Tuesday, June 9. The decision was handed down by an all-white jury in connection with the fatal stabbing of fellow high school student Austin Metcalf on April 2. 2025.
The stabbing reportedly occurred after an apparent conflict during a track meet.
After the sentencing, Anthony’s lawyers reportedly filed their notice of appeal. The period following the ruling also included public comments from his alleged uncle and parents as a new mugshot of the 19-year-old surfaced and began circulating online.
Even as the case moves into the appellate phase, the TikTok response from Perez—and the wide range of reactions it sparked—underscored how quickly personal tributes can collide with public grief and public scrutiny.
Karmelo Anthony Valeria Perez Austin Metcalf TikTok alleged girlfriend sentencing 35 years first-degree murder social media reactions appeal mugshot
FREE MELO like it’s that simple… people acting wild.
So she posts all that love right after he gets sentenced?? Either she’s super loyal or she’s completely ignoring the fact he killed somebody. Also they talking bout “tent” and “ego” like what even happened at the track meet.
Hold your head high? I mean… Austin Metcalf’s family didn’t do nothing. And how is it an all-white jury like that’s supposed to change the outcome? I’m not saying anything about the law, but it just feels messy that her TikTok went viral during the grieving part.
Not gonna lie I don’t even trust TikTok stuff. “Apparent girlfriend” sounds like made up half the time, and those captions get screenshotted and reposted by random backup accounts. 35 years tho… that’s crazy. And the appeal already? Like he’s gonna get out bc of some mugshot circulating? idk man.