A witness testified he warned Metcalf "don't touch him" because he believed Anthony had something in his backpack, before Metcalf made contact with Anthony.

Defense

If a bystander independently perceived enough of a threat to warn Metcalf off, this could support that the backpack created a genuine, reasonably-perceived risk — though it's also consistent with mere bystander caution rather than an actual weapon threat.

Prosecution

A warning that went unheeded before Metcalf made only a "touch" (per this same witness) may support the state's proportionality argument — contact was reportedly non-aggressive despite the warning.