‘It's about time': Austin Metcalf's father reacts to arrest in threats against his family

Kansas City woman faces federal charges accused of threatening to kill members of Frisco teen's family

The father of Austin Metcalf is speaking out after a Kansas City woman was arrested on federal charges for allegedly threatening him and his family.

Jeff Metcalf says he's dealt with threats for months and hopes the arrest sends an important message.

“Even today I had one, so for someone to be held accountable for their actions, I guess you could say it’s about time,” Metcalf said.

The Department of Justice says 34-year-old Sharifa Henderson, also known as Riffa Henderson, of Kansas City was arrested Friday, September 11.

The same day Karmelo Anthony was found guilty of murdering Metcalf and sentenced to 35 years in prison, the DOJ says Henderson sent a message through Facebook to the victim's family member, threatening to kill them.

“That one particular one started when I was in the courthouse,” Metcalf said. “I turned it over to the DA immediately when it was sent to me.”

The next day, on June 10, prosecutors say Henderson called Collin County Government and threatened to "demolish" the family, and "strangle" a family member.

Then on June 11, the indictment says Henderson sent another message on Facebook stating, “don’t worry I ll kill you next,” and “I will hunt you forever until I kill you ... I will be there. You will always have to look over your [expletive] shoulder.”

At a press conference in Plano Friday with the DOJ, Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis, and Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner, federal prosecutors said investigators traced the messages through phone records and online accounts.

“Our Constitution recognizes a God-given right to speak our mind. The First Amendment protects that right, but no person has a right to threaten to harm another person. That's not right. That's a crime,” said Jay Combs, acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas. Henderson faces three counts of Interstate Communications with a Threat to Injure and faces up to five years in federal prison for each count, if convicted.

Metcalf says the case is one part of a bigger problem. He says he’s received more than 100 threats since the trial, has been swatted six times since his son’s death, and was forced to change careers due to safety concerns.

He says his life now revolves around the Austin Metcalf Foundation, a nonprofit founded in his son's name aimed at helping young people manage emotions.

“I want somebody to walk up to me in maybe five or 10 years and say, the Austin Metcalf Foundation saved my kid's life,” Metcalf said.

The DOJ says U.S. Marshals are bringing Henderson back to North Texas to face charges.

Her attorney has not responded to our request for comment.