The family of 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, who is accused of murdering fellow high school athlete Austin Metcalf, has raised nearly $450,000.
The Details: Anthony's family launched a fundraiser on the platform GiveSendGo, labeling the “narrative being spread” as “false, unjust, and harmful.” As of early April 10, they’ve raised nearly $450,000 of a $500,000 goal. The goal was previously set at $100,000, $150,000, $200,000, $300,000, $350,000, and $450,000. Metcalf's family has also established a fundraiser for their expenses via GoFundMe, raising over $365,000 since April 2. Metcalf's family has also extended its fundraising goal several times to where it currently sits at $370,000.
For Context: The altercation between Metcalf and Anthony allegedly began after Metcalf told Anthony he was sitting in the wrong seat. Things then escalated physically – after Metcalf allegedly put his hands on Anthony – and resulted in the stabbing, all of which “really was under 30 seconds,” according to Metcalf’s twin brother. Anthony’s attorney said Anthony told him he acted in “self-defense.”
How The Media Covered It: Several mainstream outlets covered the fundraiser and its progress over the weekend, with most totals reflected in headlines being outdated by early on April 7. Outlets have continued to author new headlines as the totals have risen. Both People (Lean Left bias) and Daily Mail (Right) noted that Anthony said to police, “I did it,” in reference to the stabbing. People wrote in its headline that Anthony’s family launched the fundraiser “for his legal defense,” though the family’s description on the fundraising page is brief and does not mention how the funds will be used.
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Editor's note: Updated 6:20 a.m. ET, April 16 to reflect current totals.
Teen accused of fatally stabbing track rival has $100K fundraiser launched in his name by supporters
Defenders of the 17-year-old student athlete accused of murdering a rival at a Texas track have launched an online fundraiser in his name.
Karmelo Anthony (no relation to retired NBA star Carmelo Anthony) remains in the Collin County Jail, where he's being held on a $1 million bond following the stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf.
While seeking to reduce the cost of Anthony's bond, defense attorney Deric Walpole told reporters this week that his client is claiming self defense in the tragedy.
Family of Texas Teenager Accused of Killing Track Rival Has Raised More Than $80K for His Legal Defense
The family of the Texas teenager accused of fatally stabbing a fellow high school track star has started a legal defense fund on his behalf. In a fundraiser posted on GiveSendGo , the family of 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony — who was charged with murder following the death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf on April 2 — wrote that the accusations against the teen were "false, unjust and harmful." "This is the Official Support Fund for Karmelo and his family during this challenging and difficult time," the family's message states. "The narrative...