By Emily Herr

The Scoop Digital Newspaper: July 2025

Frisco, Texas – The legal proceedings surrounding Karmelo Anthony, the teenager indicted on a first-degree murder charge in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet, have brought significant public attention to his family’s finances and the use of funds raised through crowdfunding efforts. While reports have circulated about the family asking for $1.4 million after using $540,000, available information clarifies that the primary focus has been on the $412,000 to $440,000 raised for Anthony’s defense and family expenses, rather than an explicit $1.4 million demand.

Karmelo Anthony, now 18, was charged as an adult in the April 2 stabbing. His bail was initially set at $1 million but was later reduced to $250,000 by a Collin County judge. He was subsequently released on house arrest with an ankle monitor, under strict conditions including prohibition from social media and contact with the victim’s family.

During Anthony’s bond reduction hearing, prosecutors questioned his father about why the substantial funds raised online were not used to cover the original $1 million bond. Anthony’s father stated, “We don’t have access to the money.” Defense attorneys, however, clarified that the funds, primarily raised through a GiveSendGo campaign, were not intended solely for bond. They asserted that the money was crucial for the family’s survival, covering living expenses, including rent and bills, as Anthony’s father had to take leave from work. The defense also argued for the necessity of “security details and criminal defense,” stating, “Security details and criminal defense are not cheap.”

This explanation came amidst public scrutiny and rumors suggesting the family was misusing donations for luxury items, private security, and an expensive home. However, Minister Dominique Alexander of the Next Generation Action Network (NGAN), speaking on behalf of the Anthony family, unequivocally stated that “The family has not received a single dime from the GiveSendGo fundraiser. Not one” at the time of a press conference in April 2025. He noted that the family had only recently been authorized to begin the withdrawal process, which typically takes several days. Alexander also highlighted the existence of numerous fraudulent GoFundMe campaigns that exploited Karmelo’s name, amassing thousands without the family’s knowledge.

The family has reported enduring a “wave of falsehoods, misinformation, and hateful attacks,” including doxxing, public harassment, and death threats, which they cite as reasons for needing enhanced security and assistance with living expenses while navigating the legal battle. Karmelo’s mother, Kayla Hayes, spoke publicly about the emotional and financial strain on her family, stating that the online lies had forced her husband to take leave from work and left their younger daughter fearful.

The case has drawn significant attention, with the defense asserting that Anthony acted in self-defense. The legal team is expected to argue that he reasonably believed he was in imminent danger and used proportional force. The use of a knife by Anthony in the altercation, however, will likely be a key point of contention for prosecutors, who may argue it was excessive.

As the legal process continues, the financial aspect of the Karmelo Anthony case remains a point of public discussion, with the family maintaining that the donated funds are essential for their legal defense and to address the severe pressure and threats they have faced.

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The Scoop Digital Newspaper
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