Closure of Fundraiser for Karmelo Anthony Following Murder Conviction
Fundraiser Ends After Conviction
A crowdfunding initiative that successfully gathered over $630,000 for Karmelo Anthony and his family has been shut down following his murder conviction. The platform, GiveSendGo, indicated that a new campaign could potentially be initiated in the future. Anthony, aged 19, was found guilty on Tuesday for the murder of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, who was fatally stabbed during a high school track event in Texas back in April 2025. The fundraising effort was taken offline on Wednesday.
According to a statement from the crowdfunding site, the campaign was originally set up to assist with Anthony's legal defense and other pre-trial expenses. The company noted, "The fundraiser was intended to support pre-trial needs, and those funds were allocated over the past year." With that purpose fulfilled, the campaign has been closed.
Before its removal, the campaign had amassed around $630,000, with donations still coming in after Anthony's conviction, totaling more than $4,000 during that time. It remains uncertain if these additional funds will be distributed, as GiveSendGo typically processes payouts several days post-donation.
The platform mentioned that Anthony's family could create another fundraiser in the future, possibly for an appeal, as long as it adheres to the company's terms of service. Jacob Wells, the CEO of GiveSendGo, stated, "We can't comment on the specifics of the movement of the campaign funds, just that they will be disbursed in accordance with our typical procedure. The family will be able to set up a new campaign if they desire as long as it aligns with our terms of service."
GiveSendGo permits fundraising efforts related to criminal cases but prohibits campaigns that advocate violence, illegal activities, or lack transparency regarding fund usage. Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison after being convicted of first-degree murder. Prosecutors indicated that the incident stemmed from a confrontation at a track meet when Anthony entered a tent used by another school. Witnesses reported that Metcalf repeatedly requested Anthony to leave before the situation escalated. Testimonies revealed that Anthony allegedly warned Metcalf, "Touch me and find out." Following this, Metcalf pushed Anthony, who then retrieved a knife from his bag and stabbed him in the chest. Anthony contended that he acted in self-defense, asserting he felt threatened during the encounter.
The case attracted significant public attention and ignited discussions online. Supporters and family members of Anthony claimed he faced disproportionately severe treatment due to his race, as he is Black and Metcalf was white. Concerns were also raised regarding the jury's composition, which included white, Asian, and Hispanic jurors but lacked any Black jurors.
The fundraising campaign itself became contentious after allegations surfaced online suggesting that the funds would be used to buy a new home for Anthony's family. GiveSendGo refuted these claims, clarifying that no funds had been allocated at the time the allegations emerged. The campaign description indicated that the money was meant to cover legal fees, relocation expenses due to safety concerns, and everyday living costs.
In defending its choice to host the fundraiser, GiveSendGo stated, "Hosting a campaign has never been an endorsement of a person, their actions, their legal arguments, or their public statements. It is not a declaration of innocence and it is not a political statement. GiveSendGo provides access to lawful fundraising, which we extend across the full spectrum of cases." The company further expressed, "Our hearts are with Austin's family, his twin brother, and everyone mourning a loss that no verdict can undo."