Contributions are steadily flowing in for Karmelo Anthony, with donations surpassing $627,000 online shortly after he was convicted of first-degree murder by a Texas jury on Tuesday.
In the wake of the verdict, numerous individuals have donated to a fundraising effort supporting Anthony, who is 19 years old.
Aiming to reach $1.39 million, the campaign continues to gain momentum as the trial has ignited discussions on racial issues and provoked protests against perceived systemic racism among Anthony’s supporters following the decision.
Anthony, an African American, received a 35-year prison sentence on Monday for the April 2, 2025, stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, a white teenager, during a track meet in Frisco.
The substantial funds raised are intended to assist with relocating the Anthony family, covering their basic living expenses, and ensuring their security, according to the campaign’s organizers.
“This fundraiser is designed to offer comprehensive support to the Anthony family as they confront the numerous challenges associated with Karmelo’s case,” wrote Kala Hayes, Anthony’s mother, on the GiveSendGo page, which was initiated on April 15, 2025, 13 days after the incident occurred.
“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 top donation is from an anonymous source who forked over $3,000.
The high-profile fundraiser and its steady stream of donations has incensed many unsympathetic social media users.
“Karmelo Anthony’s family IS STILL RAISING MONEY,” wrote an angry X user.
“And people are donating even now.”
Many are calling for GiveSendGo to close the campaign.
“@GiveSendGo Karmelo Anthony is now guilty of murder in the first degree. … So are you going to shut his fundraiser down finally?” said an X user.
