Support continues to pour in for 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, the high school student accused of fatally stabbing another teen during a heated moment at a Texas track meet.
As of Monday morning, more than $155,000 has been raised through a GiveSendGo campaign launched by Anthony’s family, a response to what they say is a mischaracterization of the events and their son.
The April 2 incident left 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, a student-athlete at Frisco Memorial High School, dead. Authorities allege that Anthony, who attends Frisco Centennial High School, stabbed Metcalf during an argument over a seat at the University Interscholastic League’s District 11-5A meet in Frisco. He now faces a first-degree felony murder charge and remains in custody on a $1 million bond.
Family Pushes Back On Accusations
Anthony’s family has publicly defended him, insisting he wasn’t the aggressor that day. “Everyone has already made their assumptions about my son,” Karmelo’s father, Andrew Anthony, told the New York Post. “But he’s not what they’re making him out to be. He works two jobs. He’s an A student, has a 3.7 GPA.”
On the GiveSendGo page, the Anthonys say they aim to raise $200,000 for legal expenses. “The narrative being spread is false, unjust, and harmful,” the family wrote. “As a family of faith, we are deeply grateful for all of your support during this trying period.”
Karmelo’s attorney, Deric Walpole, told KXAS-TV that they are seeking a bond reduction hearing to secure his release.
Meanwhile, the Metcalf family has also received a wave of public support. Their fundraiser has surpassed $250,000, as the community mourns the loss of Austin, a popular student and athlete.
Details of the case remain under investigation, with sharply contrasting accounts emerging from both sides. Austin’s twin brother has alleged that Anthony was the one who escalated the situation, speaking “reckless” and then pulling a knife. But the Anthony family continues to push back, determined to clear their son’s name.
