Six weeks after the murder conviction of a teen who killed his son, Jeff Metcalf says he’s focused on preventing another family from experiencing the same loss. Friday, he announced the Austin Metcalf Foundation, a non-profit aimed at teaching young people how to regulate emotions and resolve c onflicts. “We don’t need split-second decisions changing lives forever. You don’t want to have to visit your son in cemetery or in the cell,” Metcalf said. But as he announced the foundation, Metcalf was met with questions about racist comments he made in an online video after the trial that drew widespread criticism. “I said that that night. I own it. I admit it. Not my best moment. Can I do better? Yes, that’s what I’m trying to teach,” he said. Bruce Carter, an Austin Metcalf Foundation board member, co-signed and said: “he [Metcalf] knows there’s some schools he can’t go to because of his conversation.” The foundation plans to focus on emotional regulation, conflict resolution, outreach and scholarships centered around a message Metcalf says could’ve changed everything. “Could either one of them done something different? Yes. You know what they could’ve done? Walk away,” Metcalf told reporters. Perhaps the most unexpected part of Friday’s announcement was who sat beside him. Bruce Carter has said publicly that he believes Karmelo Anthony should have been convicted of manslaughter, not murder, and that a 35-year sentence was too harsh. “That’s not going to change, and he said ‘I’m ok with that’,” Carter recalled. The two, who met during a press conference last year, now serve on the foundation’s board, saying they found common ground in trying to prevent future tragedies. “I don’t work with people because of skin color. I work with people because of purpose,” Carter said. Next week, Austin Metcalf would’ve celebrated his 19th birthday alongside his twin brother Hunter, a milestone Jeff Metcalf says is another reminder of the future his son never got to live. “I’m happy and proud [of Hunter], then there’s the other half of me that’s a wreck, that’s broken, shattered, wishing Austin was here to reach his potential, but he’ll never get that chance,” Metcalf said tearfully. He said Hunter is also a board member for the foundation. Attorneys for Anthony are appealing his conviction. ...read more read less