The family of Karmelo Anthony, the Texas student accused of killing a high school track star Austin Metcalf, nears their $300,000 legal defense fund goal as the victim’s fund nears its own $300,000 goal.
As we previously shared, on April 2, 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony was arrested and charged with first-degree murder for allegedly killing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. He died in his twin brother Hunter Metcalf’s arms. The incident occurred at a track meet — where the boys’ schools both met — in Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Metcalf’s heartbroken father, Jeff Metcalf, told NBC Dallas-Forth Worth, “He’s a good kid. He works two jobs. He’s an A student, has a 3.7 GPA.” Before allegedly pulling a knife on the athlete, Karmelo, a senior at Centennial High School, claimed Austin told him he was sitting in the wrong seat. Officials accuse Karmelo of stabbing Austin in the chest as his identical twin brother watched in horror and ran over to help.
Frisco Police said, “Despite lifesaving measures by police and fire personnel, including CPR and the administration of blood, the [17]-year-old died.” Later, hospital officials pronounced him dead. Reportedly, the teen suspect, who is being held on a $1 million bond, asked if Austin was okay during his arrest.
Karmelo Anthony’s Father Says Son Is A ‘Good Kid’ But Provoked As Austin Metcalf’s Father Forgives Victim
On April 3, Karmelo’s father, Andrew Anthony, told The New York Post he’s “a good kid,” but provoked by violence. Andrew said, “Everyone has already made their assumptions about my son, but he’s not what they’re making him out to be. He was not the aggressor. He was not the one who started it.”
Andrew said his son was in the moment and made a mistake. He added, “I feel bad for the other parents and family, and words can’t explain how both [families] have been affected by this tragedy.” Although Karmelo admitted to the incident, he is also claiming self-defense. Meanwhile, Austin Metcalf’s grieving father questions Karmelo Anthony’s upbringing and parents as he forgave his son’s alleged killer.
Since the tragic incident, Karmelo Anthony’s family has set up a support fund for their student accused of killing the high school track star. According to PEOPLE, the family’s fundraiser, set up on GiveSendGo, garnered more than $85,000 in donations toward a $100,000 goal as of Sunday (April 6). By Monday evening (April 7), at the time of publishing this article, the goal grew to $300,000 and neared $210,000 in donations raised.
Karmelo Anthony Family Nears $300K Legal Defense Fund Goal In Austin Metcalf Killing
On the fundraiser’s page, Karmelo’s family writes:
“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. As a family of faith, we are deeply grateful for all of your support during this trying period. Your prayers and assistance mean more to us now more than ever.”
Elsewhere, Karmelo’s family has hired two big-time Dallas lawyers who have garnered success and buzz fighting viral racial justice cases. On April 4, defense attorney Deric Walpole told NBC 5 that Karmelo acted in self-defense. He also said he asked the judge to lower his client’s bond from $1 million, explaining:
“I know that my client said it was self-defense. I don’t have any reason to disbelieve that, but I need to develop facts, talk to people and figure out what’s going on before I make any statements about what I think happened. I don’t have any reason to think it wasn’t self-defense at this time.”
Meanwhile, at the time of publishing this article, Austin Metcalf’s family has raised almost $275,000 on GoFundMe since April 2.
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