The mother of Karmelo Anthony spoke to the public for the first time Thursday at a news conference hosted by the Next Generation Action Network. As the case has gained national attention, NGAN said it is critical for the public to hear directly from the family.

Karmelo Anthony, the 17-year-old charged with first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of a teen at a Frisco track meet earlier this month, was released from jail on bond Monday. Earlier on Monday, a Collin County judge lowered Anthony's bond from $1 million to $250,000.

Next Generation officials said the press conference will be a "critical" opportunity for the public to hear directly from the Anthony family.