The family of Karmelo Anthony, a 19-year-old convicted of fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf in 2025, is seeking $250,000 in donations to fund his appeal. A GiveSendGo fundraiser has reportedly raised $27,000 so far.
A Texas judge recently denied Anthony's request for a new trial. The hearing for the new trial motion brought to light evidence that had been previously withheld due to a "handshake deal" between the prosecution and defense. Anthony's legal team argued that this deal prevented crucial evidence from being presented at trial, including threats made by Anthony and alleged racist graffiti by Metcalf.
According to Anthony's co-counsel, Sean Daredia, the evidence presented during the hearing showed that Anthony did not receive a fair trial. The defense team claimed that last-minute disagreements over the deal with the prosecution hindered Anthony from testifying, which ultimately harmed his case.
Metcalf was fatally stabbed at a high school track meet in Frisco in 2025. Anthony, a student-athlete from Frisco Centennial High School, was sentenced to 35 years in June for the stabbing. This marks the second fundraising effort by the Anthony family; a previous campaign raised over $600,000, which the family stated was used for legal defense and relocation.
The appeals process is expected to extend into the following year, with the possibility of further delays if a new trial is granted. Anthony's father, Andrew Anthony, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from donors.