$500K fundraiser for teen murder suspect surpasses donations for victim’s family

The 17-year-old suspect accused of murdering another 17-year-old at a Texas track meet this month has raised more money online than the dead boy’s family. 

A GiveSendGo account set up for Karmelo Anthony has taken in more than $460,000 as of Thursday, two weeks after he told police he stabbed Austin Metcalf with a knife at a track meet in Frisco, Texas. Metcalf, an honor student and football team captain, died from his injuries while in his twin brother’s arms. 

The incident has gripped the nation’s attention, with money pouring in on both sides. A GoFundMe set up by Metcalf’s family had raised more than $393,000, funds the family will use for the funeral and to help his parents and twin brother Hunter. 

“I love you forever, son,” wrote Jeff Metcalf on the fundraiser page. “It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later. God will take care of us till we meet again.” 

Anthony’s family reportedly tried to create a GoFundMe page but was rejected because the platform doesn’t allow “raising money for the legal defense of an alleged violent crime.” GiveSendGo, based in Redding, California, has no such limitation. 

The company acknowledges it is one of the few platforms that lets people fund legal defenses because “we believe people are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law,” regardless of the case circumstances or media narrative. Daniel Penny, a former Marine accused in the death of a threatening man on the New York City subway, raised $3 million on the platform for his successful defense. 

The Help Karmelo page says the following: 

“This fundraiser has been established to provide comprehensive assistance to the Anthony family as they navigate the many challenges surrounding Karmelo’s case,” the page reads. “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. 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.” 

Criticism has swirled after a judge reduced Anthony’s bond from $1 million to $250,000 because of “financial hardship” despite reports of the family’s luxury car and new home. 

The family reportedly moved into a rented $900,000 home in a gated community for security reasons and hired a security team. Some neighbors have said they are unnerved by having an alleged killer in their neighborhood. 

There are conflicting reports about the family’s Cadillac Escalade – whether it was purchased after his arrest or in 2023 – and whether or not the family has withdrawn funds from the account. 

Either way, some have questioned the spending, and the influx of cash for someone accused of murder. 

“Half-way to being a millionaire,” actor James Woods posted on X, accompanied by pictures of Anthony holding a gun and another of him holding a lighter and making a defiant gesture. “Pays to be handy with a knife.”  

“Karmelo, as a 17-year-old, is learning that when you kill in anger, you get a new house, a new car, a full security team, and hero status. No wonder he stabbed someone,” posted Sarah Fields, a Texas Republican delegate who bills herself as an investigative journalist. “His family is celebrating him. There is no accountability.” 

Others believe race is a factor. 

“We know the truth. The more they lie, the more we will double down in support. This is My 3rd donation and I will keep donating. Stay mad racists,” wrote one donor to the accused. 

Others see it as a case of the media coddling a violent black teen and ignoring the plight of a slain white child. 

“We have criminals in this country getting widespread media attention and sympathy, and we are forced to ‘talk about race’, yet when an innocent child is killed and the perpetrator is black, ‘it’s not about race, don’t bring race into it,’” donor Elijah Stein wrote on the Metcalf’s page. “The system is broken, and the media ignoring it (and some outlets and ‘activists’ defending the killer) only makes it more obvious. Austin’s story deserves to be heard. He needs justice and you don’t get justice unless you fight hard.” 

More controversy erupted Thursday when Jeff Metcalf was prevented from attending a public press conference hosted by Dominique Alexander of the Next Generation Action Network (NGAN) that featured Anthony’s parents. Police were called and Alexander, who is a convicted felon with his own history of violent charges, refused to start the event until Metcalf was removed. 

“Insanity,” wrote conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. “Dominique Alexander, who represents Karmelo Anthony, just attacked Austin Metcalf’s father Jeff for attending a press conference held by the Anthony family, calling his presence ‘a disrespect to the dignity of his son.’ This is revolting.” 

One thing the families have in common is both claim to be following God. 

Jeff Metcalf said immediately after the incident, “God is going to take care of me. God is going to take care of my family.” He also said, “I already forgive this person,” a reference to Anthony. 

“We ask for your continued prayers, support, and solidarity,” Anthony’s family wrote on their fundraising page. “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.”