Empire State Review Team 
Fundraising for Frisco Murder Suspect Karmelo Anthony Raises Controversy
FRISCO, Texas – Fundraising efforts for Karmelo Anthony, a 17-year-old charged with murder, have gained significant traction, raising nearly $300,000 to date.
Details of the Incident
Karmelo Anthony faces murder charges following the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a track meet. This tragic incident occurred last week, stirring both community grief and debate surrounding the appropriateness of supporting Anthony through crowdfunding.
According to reports, during the contest at Kuykendall Stadium, Anthony allegedly stabbed Metcalf in the chest after a confrontation escalated. Eyewitness accounts suggest that Anthony was confronted over his presence at the event, leading to the altercation.
Fundraising Efforts
As of Wednesday afternoon, a fundraiser hosted on GiveSendGo has surpassed $285,000, with a target of $350,000. A portion of the support message from Anthony’s family reads:
“This is the Official Support Fund for Karmelo and his family during this challenging and difficult time… The narrative being spread is false, unjust, and harmful.”
Community Response
The fundraising initiative has sparked outrage on social media, with many users calling for its removal. Critics argue that platforms like GiveSendGo should reconsider their policies on fundraising for individuals charged with serious crimes.
GiveSendGo’s Position
Heather Wilson, co-founder of GiveSendGo, defended the platform’s decision to allow the fundraiser. She emphasized the principle of presuming innocence until proven guilty, drawing parallels to past high-profile cases that stirred similar debate.
“We’re not here to decide who deserves a defense. That’s the role of our justice system,” Wilson stated, advocating for due process in Anthony’s case.
Comparative Fundraising Policies
In contrast, GoFundMe has removed several campaigns aimed at supporting Anthony, citing their terms of service which prohibit fundraisers for legal defenses in violent crime cases. The platform stated that all donations would be fully refunded.
The Anthony family clarified that they did not endorse any GoFundMe campaigns and requested that donations not be made through that platform.
Upcoming Court Proceedings
Karmelo Anthony’s next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, where his defense team is expected to petition for a reduction of his $1 million bond.
Tragic Loss of Austin Metcalf
Austin Metcalf, a junior at Memorial High School, was remembered by his father as an accomplished student and a leader within his athletic community. Metcalf was actively involved in both track and football, known for his sportsmanship and dedication.
His family’s grief is palpable, as they mourn the loss of a son described as a natural leader and promising athlete, with funeral services tentatively organized for April 12.
Background on GiveSendGo
Established in 2014, GiveSendGo has emerged as a prominent platform for crowdfunding, particularly in situations involving personal hardships and legal support. It notably gained visibility during controversies involving notable cases like that of Kyle Rittenhouse, highlighting its commitment to free Speech and financial support in contentious legal battles.
