An online fundraiser supporting Karmelo Anthony and his family has been taken down after collecting nearly $634,000. Anthony was convicted of murder on June 6, 2026, and sentenced to 35 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas. Following his conviction, Anthony filed a notice of appeal in which he claimed to be unable to afford legal representation.
According to reports, Anthony described himself in court documents as “penniless, destitute, and indigent,” unable to hire a new attorney for his appeal. This assertion contrasts with the substantial funds raised through the family’s GiveSendGo campaign, titled “Help Karmelo Official Fund,” which aimed to gather support for both legal fees and various personal needs related to the case.
The fundraiser was launched on April 15, 2025, shortly after the incident that led to Anthony’s conviction. Initially set with a goal of nearly $1.4 million, the campaign attracted significant contributions before its removal. The campaign’s description indicated that the funds would not solely be used for legal defense but also for urgent family needs resulting from Anthony’s case, including relocation due to perceived threats to their safety, along with basic living expenses, transportation, counseling, and security measures.
Aftermath and Family Relocation
It remains unclear where Anthony’s family has relocated from their Frisco, Texas residence. However, a man identifying himself as Anthony’s father has indicated on social media that he currently resides in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Following the removal of the fundraiser, GiveSendGo issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) explaining that the campaign had accomplished its objectives. They clarified that the funds raised had been utilized for legal defense and family relocation as initially stated, and thus, the campaign was closed to maintain transparency for contributors regarding the purpose of their donations.
New Fundraising Efforts
Even with the initial fundraiser taken down, reports suggest another fundraising campaign has begun in support of the Anthony family. This initiative was started by Dominique Alexander, a Dallas-based civil rights activist and minister who has acted as a spokesperson for Anthony’s family throughout the legal proceedings.
Karmelo Anthony’s conviction has reignited discussions regarding his self-defense claim, which was ultimately deemed unsuccessful in the courtroom. His case sparked national attention, drawing protests outside the courthouse and inciting heated debates regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident. As a 19-year-old, Anthony will now serve his sentence while continuing the appeal process.
The filing that claims he is too impoverished to hire legal counsel raises further questions, particularly given the substantial amount raised through the fundraiser in his name. The juxtaposition of his assertion of being unable to afford representation and the total funds collected adds complexity to the already intricate legal and social discourse surrounding the case.
This series of events underscores the ongoing challenges that come with high-profile cases, highlighting the conflict between public perception and legal realities.