A fundraising campaign launched online to support Karmelo Anthony, the Texas teenager accused of fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a recent track meet, has rapidly garnered significant financial backing. The effort, operating under the name “Help Karmelo Official Fund” on GiveSendGo, is nearing $150,000 out of a stated goal of $200,000.
The incident occurred during the University Interscholastic League’s District 11-5A championship meet at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Witnesses reported an altercation between Anthony and Metcalf escalated into violence, resulting in Metcalf’s death. Anthony has been formally charged with first-degree murder but maintains he acted in self-defense.
In a statement posted on the fundraising platform, the Anthony family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support.
“The narrative being spread is false, unjust, and harmful,” the statement read. “As a family of faith, we are deeply grateful for all of your support during this trying period. Your prayers and assistance mean more to us now more than ever.”
Currently incarcerated at the Collins County Jail on a $1 million bond, Anthony’s attorney is seeking to have that amount reduced. Attorney Deric Walpole stated he had no reason to doubt his client’s claim of self-defense, emphasizing the need for further investigation.
“I know that my client said it was self-defense. I don’t have any reason to disbelieve that, but I need to develop facts, talk to people and figure out what’s going on before I make any statements about what I think happened,” Walpole told KXAS-TV.
According to reports from FOX 4, Anthony admitted to the stabbing but asserted Metcalf initiated the physical contact. He reportedly inquired with law enforcement officers whether his actions could be considered self-defense.
Comments on the GiveSendGo platform overwhelmingly reflect support for Anthony, drawing parallels to past cases like those involving Daniel Penny and Kyle Rittenhouse.
- One comment stated: “Self defense in a stand your ground state this young man did nothing wrong and has the right to defend himself as the legal system said it was right for Daniel Penny and Kyle Rittenhouse it’s right for him too.”
- Another contributor suggested racial bias played a role, stating: “stay strong young brother, all of us that have came up in this country hope to never go through this or see others like us go through this, but it is an unfortunate reality of this country that these people can appear to do as they like until we make a drastic and lasting change. Let your legal be the fight one of the many victories in this seemingly eternal fight against racism and evil.”
The young men were competing athletes at the championship meet when the tragic event occurred.
