by The family of Karmelo Anthony is getting close to their $300,000 legal defense fund goal, while the victim’s fund also approaches its $300,000 target. As previously reported, authorities took 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony into custody and charged him with first-degree murder for the alleged death of Austin Metcalf.
Hunter Metcalf, his twin brother, held him when he passed away. The event happened during a track meet where both of the boys’ schools were present at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
The broken father of Metcalf, Jeff Metcalf, told NBC Dallas-Fort Worth, “He’s a good kid.” He works at two different jobs. He has a 3.7 GPA and is an A student. Karmelo, a senior at Centennial High School, said Austin informed him that he was sitting in the wrong seat before allegedly pointing a knife at the athlete.
Karmelo is accused by authorities of stabbing Austin in the chest while his identical twin brother looked on in horror and rushed to help.
“Despite lifeline measures by police and fire personnel, including CPR and the administration of blood, the [17]-year-old died,” said Frisco Police. Later, hospital officials pronounced him dead. The adolescent suspect, who was reportedly being held on a $1 million bond, asked Austin how he was doing after being taken into custody.
The father of Austin Metcalf forgave the victim, while Karmelo Anthony’s father claims his son is a “Good Kid” but provoked.
Karmelo’s father, Andrew Anthony, told The New York Post on April 3 that while he is “a good kid,” violence provokes him. “Everyone has already assumed about my son, but he’s not what they’re making him out of,” Andrew said. It wasn’t he who was being hostile. It wasn’t he who started it.
Andrew stated that his son made a mistake because he was caught up in the moment.”I feel bad for the other parents and family; words cannot express the impact this tragedy has had on both [families].” Karmelo admits what happened, but he also says it was self-defense. Austin Metcalf’s grieving father questions Karmelo Anthony’s parents and upbringing while forgiving his son’s alleged murderer.
After the tragic incident, Karmelo Anthony’s family established a support fund for their child, who is suspected of killing the high school track star. According to PEOPLE, the family’s GiveSendGo fundraising page received over $85,000 in donations as of Sunday, April 6, out of a $100,000 goal.
The goal had risen to $300,000 by Monday night (April 7), when this piece was published, and donations had nearly hit $210,000.
The $300K legal defense fund is the Karmelo Anthony family’s goal in the Austin Metcalf murder.
The family of Karmelo writes on the fundraiser page:
“This is Karmelo and his family’s official support fund during this challenging time. People are spreading a false, unjust, and harmful narrative. As a religious family, we sincerely appreciate all of your assistance at this difficult time. Your prayers and assistance are more important to us now than they have ever been.”
Additionally, Karmelo’s family has hired two well-known Dallas lawyers who have handled viral racial justice cases overseas with success and notoriety. On April 4, defense attorney Deric Walpole stated to NBC 5 that Karmelo had acted in self-defense. Additionally, he requested the judge lower his client’s $1 million bond, saying:
“My client told me that she did it in self-defense. I have no reason to deny anything, but I need to collect evidence, speak with others, and figure things out before I speak about what I think happened. I don’t currently have any reason to think it wasn’t self-defense.”
The tragic death of Austin Metcalf and the subsequent arrest of Karmelo Anthony have sent shockwaves through the Frisco, Texas, community. The details emerging paint a chaotic scene at a high school track meet, culminating in a fatal stabbing allegedly triggered by a seating dispute.
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The stark contrast in narratives—Metcalf being described as a “good kid” and Anthony’s father claiming his son was “provoked” and acted in self-defense—highlights the complexity and emotional weight of the case.
The rapid mobilization of support for both families through online fundraising underscores the community’s engagement with this tragedy. While the Metcalf family grieves the loss of their son, the Anthony family is actively building a substantial legal defense fund, indicating their intent to vigorously contest the charges against Karmelo.
The hiring of experienced defense attorneys known for their work in high-profile cases further emphasizes the seriousness with which the Anthony family is approaching the legal battle. The case now rests on the investigation and the evidence presented in court.
The defense’s claim of self-defense will be a central point of contention, requiring a thorough examination of the events leading up to the stabbing. The statements from both families, the police report, and any eyewitness accounts will be crucial in determining the truth of what transpired at Kuykendall Stadium.
Ultimately, this case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence in unexpected places and the devastating impact it has on families and communities. The legal proceedings will undoubtedly be closely watched as the justice system seeks to determine responsibility for the tragic loss of a young life.
