Missouri woman accused of threatening to kill Austin Metcalf's father after Karmelo Anthony trial

A Missouri woman has been federally indicted for allegedly threatening to kill Jeff Metcalf, the father of Austin Metcalf, following the Karmelo Anthony murder trial, federal authorities announced Friday.

Sharifa Nicole Henderson faces three federal counts stemming from threatening messages authorities say she sent to Jeff Metcalf in June, around the time Anthony's trial ended. The charges were announced Friday at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Plano.

U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas Jay R. Combs said investigators traced the alleged threats to Henderson by examining phone records and social media accounts.

"Those messages included violent and vulgar threats," Combs said. "The social media messages included threats to stalk and kill members of the Metcalf family."

According to the indictment, Henderson sent a message through Facebook Messenger to "a member of a crime victim's family" and allegedly threatened to kill the person and put them "in a body bag."

Authorities identified the recipient as Jeff Metcalf, whose son, Austin Metcalf, was killed in the case that led to Anthony's murder trial.

"Now this is a threat take me to court [expletive]," the message stated, according to the indictment.

Click on the image below to read the full indictment. 

Prosecutors allege Henderson sent another message to Jeff Metcalf the following day in which she threatened to "demolish" the family and "strangle" a family member.

A third alleged threat included the messages, "don't worry I'll kill you next," and "I will hunt you forever until I kill you," according to the indictment. The message also allegedly told Jeff Metcalf he would "always have to look over your [expletive] shoulder."

A federal grand jury indicted Henderson on three counts. She has already made an initial court appearance and faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted.

Henderson was arrested in Kansas City, Missouri, and is being transported to the Eastern District of Texas, according to Combs. If convicted, she faces up to five years in federal prison for each charge.

The charges are the latest criminal case stemming from threats and violent rhetoric surrounding the Anthony trial.

Collin County authorities previously charged right-wing activist Jake Lang with threatening to kill Anthony.

Combs said authorities would pursue threats directed at people involved in the judicial system as well as victims and their families.

"The stability of our society rests in part on the proper functioning of our system," Combs said. "If you threaten to kill or harm jurors, judges, prosecutors or victims, we will treat those threats seriously. Our highest priority is keeping our community safe."