After 17-year-old murder suspect Karmelo Anthony was charged with the killing of a high school track star, his family spokesperson lashed out at ‘white supremacy.’
The spokesman, Dominique Alexander, urged Anthony’s supporters to join them in opposing ‘white supremacy’ following the indictment in the case of Austin Metcalf’s murder in Frisco, Texas in April.
Alexander defiantly stated, ‘To the racists, bigots, and individuals filled with hatred who have singled out Karmelo, his family, and myself – we refuse to be intimidated. We will not retreat.’
‘This case is yet another example of what it means to be black in America, where even our self-defense is questioned, scrutinized and politicized.Â
‘My involvement – like many others — came as a direct response to the overwhelming hate, threats and outside influence that have surrounded this case since day one.’
Anthony’s family insist he was defending himself against Metcalf when he stabbed him to death at a high school track meet. But surveillance footage of the killing at a track meet viewed by Daily Mail appears to show Anthony’s attack was unprovoked.
Meanwhile, Anthony’s latest court docket has asked for taxpayer-funded legal counsel for his trial – despite a recent fundraiser than raised almost $600,000.
Outrageously, the family raised their fundraising goal to $1.4 million, with the Anthonys saying some of the cash would go on ‘trauma counseling.’
The family will continue to use some of the cash for relocation to a ‘safe neighborhood’, after Daily Mail reported that bought a new car and already live in a sprawling $800,000 home in a gated community. Â
The family of accused murderer Karmelo Anthony have pleaded poverty to the courts and requested a court-appointed attorney despite raising almost $600,000 on an online fundraiser
Anthony has claimed he stabbed track star Austin Metcalf in the heart out of self-defense, while others have said Anthony drew a knife and attacked after being told he was sat in Metcalf’s school’s seating area at a track meet
This week, Anthony’s family raised their target on their controversial GiveSendGo page to $1.4 million as they say they need funds to pay for ‘trauma-informed counseling for our entire family’Â
When Karmelo was indicted this week, his family wrote in an update to the fundraiser that it was an ‘unimaginable tragedy’ and a ‘moment we hoped we would never face.’Â
Anthony’s case divided the nation as his supporters alleged that he is being unfairly prosecuted for murder because he is black, while critics argue there was no reason to fatally stab Metcalf, who was not armed, in the heart.Â
In April, Anthony was released on house arrest and returned to his family’s gated community home after his attorneys successfully reduced his bail.Â
The bail was initially set at $1 million, and prosecutors argued that his family could use the $439,000 they had fundraised at the time to pay his bail.Â
His father Andrew Anthony told the court that he didn’t have access to the funds at the time, and that he was planning to use the money to pay for his son’s defense.Â
Following Karmelo’s indictment on murder charges this week, his family spokesman Dominique Alexander (right) blamed ‘white supremacy’ for the decision
It is unclear why the family cannot use the now-$539,000 they have raised for his defense as they filed the indigent packet in court.Â
Alongside paying for trauma therapy and relocation, the family also said in their fundraiser that the money would pay for transportation to and from Karmelo’s court hearings.Â
They added that it would be used for enhanced security measures after facing threats and public backlash following Metcalf’s death.Â
‘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,’ they wrote.Â
The controversy surrounding the Anthony family’s use of funds comes after it was revealed that they moved to a $900,000 home (pictured) in an exclusive gated community and appeared to purchase a new vehicle
Anthony was indicted on murder charges this week over the stabbing death of Metcalf in AprilÂ
The altercation between Anthony and Metcalf happened at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas April 2. Anthony, who does not attend school with Metcalf, sat under Metcalf’s school’s tent before allegedly stabbing him when told to moveÂ
Austin’s twin brother Hunter (seen together) held him in his arms and tried to stop the bleeding after the fatal stabbing on April 2
In a previous post to the GiveSendGo back in April, the family clarified that ‘while legal defense is a critical part of this journey, we want to make it clear that this fund is not solely dedicated to legal expenses.Â
‘The funds raised will also support a range of urgent and necessary needs that have emerged as a result of this situation, including — but not limited to — the safe relocation of the Anthony family due to escalating threats to their safety and well-being, as well as basic living costs, transportation, counseling, and other security measures,’ the fundraiser added.Â
‘We ask for your continued prayers, support, and solidarity. Your contribution not only helps protect and stabilize the family, but also serves as a powerful message of community care and resistance in the face of injustice.’Â
