Over $220K Raised for 17-Year-Old who Allegedly Killed Teen at Track Meet During Fight

A Texas teenager, Karmelo Anthony, is facing charges after allegedly stabbing another teen to death during a high school track meet, but his family has managed to raise more than $200,000 through an online fundraising campaign. The tragic incident occurred on April 2 at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, where Anthony, 17, is accused of using a knife from his backpack to stab Austin Metcalf, also 17. Anthony reportedly told police he was acting in self-defense during the confrontation.

Fundraising Efforts Amid Allegations of Murder

Since the incident, Anthony’s family has launched an online fundraiser through GiveSendGo, claiming that he has been wrongfully charged with murder. The campaign, which initially sought to raise $100,000, quickly exceeded its goal and had accumulated over $220,000 by Tuesday morning. The family’s message on the fundraising page states that the narrative surrounding the incident is “false, unjust, and harmful” and expresses gratitude for the support they have received during this difficult time. As of now, the fundraising total for Anthony’s defense stands at more than $220,000, with the goal raised to $300,000. In contrast, two GoFundMe fundraisers for Metcalf’s family have raised more than $400,000 combined. The stark difference in fundraising totals underscores the public’s divided opinion on the case.

The Incident: Self-Defense or Murder?

According to the arrest affidavit obtained by local ABC outlet WFAA, witnesses at the track meet reported that Metcalf had confronted Anthony, telling him to move his seat in the bleachers. Anthony, who was sitting in the Memorial High School section of the bleachers despite being a Centennial High School student, allegedly responded by reaching into his backpack and warning Metcalf, “Touch me and see what happens.” A witness stated that Metcalf then grabbed Anthony, prompting him to pull out a knife and stab Metcalf once in the chest. Anthony is said to have fled the scene after the stabbing. The knife was later found in the bleachers by authorities. When police arrived, Anthony claimed that he had acted in self-defense and had been physically assaulted by Metcalf.

Anthony’s Arrest and Emotional Response

Upon his arrest, Anthony reportedly admitted to the stabbing, stating, “I’m not alleged, I did it,” when identified as the attacker by an officer. According to the affidavit, Anthony was “emotional” and “crying hysterically” as he was taken into custody. He allegedly expressed concern about Metcalf’s condition, asking officers, “Is he going to be OK?” During his transport to a squad car, Anthony reportedly repeated, “He put his hands on me, I told him not to.”

Currently, Anthony is being held at the Collin County Jail on a $1 million bond, and the legal proceedings surrounding his case are ongoing. His family continues to maintain that he was merely defending himself from an unprovoked attack. This case has sparked heated debates about self-defense, the use of force, and the circumstances surrounding the tragic loss of life at a school event. As the investigation continues, both families are receiving widespread support, with ongoing discussions about justice, accountability, and the impact of the incident on the community.