Trigger Warning: This story contains mentions of violence.
Anthony Vanelli is heading to prison.
Starcasm reported earlier this week that Anthony, who was featured on Season 3 of Unexpected, has been sentenced to 51 months and 11 days in Florida state prison for violating the terms of his probation. As The Ashley reported, Anthony was arrested three years ago for stabbing his mother’s boyfriend multiple times. His mother told police her son had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Anthony was originally found not competent to stand trial and was sent to a treatment facility.
As The Ashley reported, Anthony— who is the father of Rilah Ferrer‘s daughter Malayah— was eventually found “competent to proceed” and was resentenced in November to 918 days in prison after he was found guilty of the stabbing. Anthony was credited with 918 days for time served and therefore released from prison. He was, however, ordered to enter a treatment facility.
Just six days after being transferred out of custody, Anthony was arrested for “violation of probation/community control/summons” for failing to remain enrolled (and successfully completing) a required residential treatment program, The Ashley reported.
On December 23, Anthony was transferred to the Crossroads Program dual-diagnosis inpatient treatment program. However, he only lasted one day at the facility before he was discharged “due to displaying aggressive behavior towards staff and other clients.”
According to court documents obtained by Starcasm, it was recommended that Anthony be put back behind bars until he completes a mental health evaluation. From there— if he is “deemed incompetent”— it was recommended that Anthony be placed in a long-term mental health institution.
The report labeled Anthony a danger to those around him and recommended he be incarcerated.
“The offender poses a threat to himself and the community,” the Officer’s recommendation states. “The offender has proven that he is in need of a stricter form of treatment as evident by his unpredictable behavior that led to his unsuccessful discharge from the Crossroads Program.”
Because Anthony failed to complete the treatment program that was part of his parole conditions, he had to go back to court last week for re-sentencing for his original crimes: aggravated battery with a deadly weapon (aka the stepdad stabbing), and resisting an officer.
The judge in the case has sentenced the former ‘Unexpected’ dad to 51 months, 11 days in a Florida state prison. He was given 99 days credit for time served, making his prison sentence four years.
Anthony has a long history of legal trouble. He was arrested twice in 2021, once for allegedly stealing his grandmother’s car and firing a gun at his former stepdad’s house, and later for assault with a deadly weapon. In 2022, he was arrested for allegedly tampering with his ankle monitor and attempting to run from a police officer.
Due in part to these issues, Anthony has no relationship with Rilah or with their daughter, Malayah. At the time of Anthony’s arrest in 2023, Rilah– who is expecting a baby with her current boyfriend— commented on an Instagram post.
“His family was pressing me about me not letting him be around Malayah and I rest my case,” she wrote. “He’s a nut job and I haven’t had my daughter around him in years. Hope his mom feels stupid rn.”
She added, ” … I have no idea what he does and what goes on in his life, he’s far away from me and my family.”
Anthony is currently shacking up at the John E Polk Correctional Facility in Florida.
(Photos: Instagram; TLC)
4 Responses
Imagine if he was actually punished accordingly when he repeatedly stabbed his mom’s boyfriend.
That young man should have been put in prison a long time ago, imo.
To the individual who gave this a thumbs down, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your values and moral compass. Engaging with differing perspectives can lead to greater understanding and growth.
I hope someone has educated Rilah on what to look for in her daughter as she gets older. Both Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia have strong genetic components. It means her daughter is at a much higher risk for developing either or both. Schizophrenia doesn’t even present until the early 20’s usually.