Crime
Karmelo Anthony Family Used Donation Money for Relocation Before $600K Fundraiser Was Shut Down
Just days after Karmelo Anthony was convicted of murder in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf, a fundraising campaign is facing new scrutiny as questions swirl over how the donations were used.
According to a report from Fox News published on Thursday, June 11, the campaign raised more than $600,000 before it was removed from GiveSendGo following Karmelo’s conviction, and a portion of the funds was used for relocation and living expenses incurred by Karmelo’s family during his case.
Shortly after Karmelo was convicted, GiveSendGo shared a statement on X regarding the fundraiser.
The statement pointed out that a fundraiser on the site “has never been an endorsement of a person, their actions, their legal arguments, or their public statements.” It added that it was also “not a declaration of innocence” nor “a political statement.”
“This fundraiser was created to support pre-trial needs, and those funds were disbursed over the past year for lawful purposes including legal defense and family relocation,” the message continued. “With that stated purpose now complete, the fundraiser has been closed. Our policy is that a fundraiser’s stated purpose stays accurate, so givers always know what they are supporting.”
It remains unclear where Anthony’s family has moved. The family was initially based in Frisco, Texas. However, a Facebook profile belonging to a man who identifies himself as Karmelo’s father, Drew Anthony, lists New Orleans, Louisiana, as his current city.
As Globe previously reported, Karmelo, 19, was found guilty of murder on June 9 in connection with the fatal stabbing of Metcalf, 17, during a confrontation at a high school track meet in Frisco in April 2025. He was sentenced to 35 years in prison.
Karmelo filed a notice of appeal less than 24 hours after the verdict, TMZ reported on June 10.
