THE family of a teen accused of stabbing another teen in the heart has been slammed for launching a fundraiser with a goal of $1 million.
Karmelo Anthony’s family asked for contributions hours after he was indicted for murder by a grand jury on Tuesday.
Anthony, now 18, is accused of killing Austin Metcalf, 17, at a track meet in Frisco, Texas, on April 2.
The teenager claimed he acted in self-defense and is now facing a serious charge of first-degree murder. He has been under house arrest since being released from jail on a reduced bond of $250,000.
While he was incarcerated, his family started a fundraising campaign to cover his legal expenses and to ensure his safety. Anthony, who was only 17 when the incident occurred, allegedly faced racist threats following the crime.
Now, the family has increased their fundraising goal after raising over $500,000.
On Tuesday, Anthony’s dad shared a statement asking for more donations after updating the target amount to $1,396,725.
“Today, we were informed that the Collin County District Attorney has formally charged our son – who is your nephew, your friend, your neighbor,” shared Drew Anthony on Facebook.
“This is a moment we hoped we would never face, yet one we’ve been preparing for throughout these long and painful months.”
He continued, “Now, as the legal process moves forward toward trial, we enter an even more intense phase — one that will demand everything from us emotionally, financially, and spiritually.”
The dad said that aside from legal funds, the fundraised money would cover the family’s relocation “after repeated threats and the public leaking of our address.”
He also said the money would support living expenses, transportation costs, counseling, and more security.
“So today, we humbly ask: Please consider making another contribution to the fund for Karmelo,” he wrote in part.
“Please continue to share it within your network. Please stand with us — for truth, for justice, for our son.”
Social media users were quick to criticize the fundraiser while demanding justice for Metcalf, whose dad said he was pleased with the indictment as he looks forward to Anthony’s trial.
“Is there any way I can take money from Karmelo Anthony’s gofundme?” one person wrote on X.
“Thats what needs to happen to give to the family of the victims. That would at the very least fulfill some form of justice minimally.”
Another slammed, “They should confiscate the money from the family that raised half a million dollars for Karmelo and give it to the family that lost their son!”
Drew Anthony’s full statement
Karmelo Anthony’s dad, Drew Anthony, released the following statement asking for more contributions after his son was indicted on first-degree murder charges after allegedly killing Austin Metcalf at a track meet:
A Message from the Anthony Family
With Gratitude, Strength, and Faith
The Anthony family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us through this unimaginable tragedy. Thank you all for your prayers, letters, donations, and unwavering encouragement.
Today, we received the official news that the Collin County District Attorney has indicted our son — your nephew, your friend, your neighbor. This is a moment we hoped we would never face, yet one we’ve been preparing for throughout these long and painful months.
Through it all, you — our community — have been our strength.
Your support has reminded us that we are not alone. Your love has helped us stand in the face of heartbreak, threats, and misinformation.
Now, as the legal process moves forward toward trial, we enter an even more intense phase — one that will demand everything from us emotionally, financially, and spiritually.
Some may wonder what this fund is truly for, and we want to clarify with transparency and honesty.
These funds are being used to cover essential and urgent needs that have arisen as a result of this tragic situation, including but not limited to:
- Safe relocation for our family after repeated threats and the public leaking of our address
- Basic living expenses, as we’ve had to uproot our lives
- Transportation to and from court proceedings
- Trauma-informed counseling for our entire family
- Enhanced security measures
- And critically, retaining qualified legal counsel and a thorough, fair investigative team
While legal expenses are a significant part of this fund, they are only one part. Our family — a loving, God-fearing family — is simply seeking safety, justice, and peace in these trying times.
Despite the lies that have endangered us and others, we continue to choose forgiveness. But forgiveness does not mean silence or surrender. We stand firm in our commitment to truth and justice — and we need your continued support to carry that forward.
This is not just about our son. This is about every young person’s right to a fair process, and every family’s right to safety, dignity, and justice. This is about ensuring the Constitution applies to all of us — not just some.
We are not here to try this case on social media. We are not interested in online arguments or judgment from those who do not know the full story. Karmelo will defend himself in a court of law — not in the court of public opinion.
So today, we humbly ask:
Please consider making another contribution to the fund for Karmelo.
Please continue to share it within your network.
Please stand with us — for truth, for justice, for our son.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Your prayers, your compassion, and your generosity have meant more than words can express.
With love, faith, and determination,
The Anthony Family
https://www.givesendgo.com/HelpKarmelo
PLEASE SHARE! PLEASE SHARE!!
WATCH THE HATE FOR A CHILD COME ON THIS MESSAGE…
Source: Drew Anthony’s Facebook
Anthony’s family has been facing backlash about the fundraiser since they launched it in April.
Speculation swirled about the family buying a new house with the donated money.
PREVIOUS PRESS CONFERENCE
The criticism prompted the family to hold a press conference to address the controversial money on April 17.
Metcalf’s dad briefly interrupted the press conference in a silent protest against his son’s alleged killer before being escorted out.
Kala Hayes, Anthony’s mom, then broke down crying at the podium as she told reporters all of the money was going to security because her family received death threats.
“Our family have been under attack,” she said through tears.
“The lies and false accusations that have been said about us, especially throughout the past week, have been overwhelming.”
STATEMENTS AFTER INDICTMENT
After Tuesday’s indictment, Anthony’s lawyer said the family was anticipating the public hearing the “full story” of the stabbing.
“Karmelo and his family are confident in the justice system and the people of Collin County to be fair and impartial,” Anthony’s attorney, Mike Howard, said in a video statement.
“Of course, Karmelo looks forward to his day in court.”
Metcalf’s dad also shared a brief statement following the indictment.
“I am pleased that we are moving forward,” Jeff Metcalf said.
“With the first-degree murder indictment, it now goes into the court system. I fully believe that justice will be served for Austin Metcalf.
“I look forward to the forthcoming trial. But it will never bring my son back,” he concluded.
