A Texas teen accused of fatally stabbing a classmate at a track meet has raised over $250,000 for his legal defense, igniting controversy across the nation about self-defense claims versus murder charges. A GiveSendGo fundraiser for Anthony’s legal defense has exceeded $250,000, claiming he has been “wrongfully charged.” Anthony claims self-defense, telling police, “He put his hands on me. I told him not to.” Police are warning about misinformation being spread on social media, including fake posts from accounts impersonating officials
Fatal Confrontation at High School Track Meet
On April 2, what should have been a routine high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, turned deadly when 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony allegedly stabbed fellow student Austin Metcalf. According to police reports, the incident began when Anthony, a student at Centennial High School, was sitting in seats designated for Memorial High School students. Witnesses reported that Metcalf approached Anthony and asked him to move, leading to a confrontation that escalated quickly.
Anthony currently remains in jail with bond set at $1 million after being charged with murder. An affidavit states that Anthony admitted to the stabbing but claimed he acted in self-defense after Metcalf allegedly touched him. Police recovered the knife used in the stabbing from the bleachers at the scene.
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Karmelo Anthony’s “GiveSendGo” Page Is Receiving Over $100,000 In Donations After He Stabbed 17-Year-Old Austin Metcalf To Death #Violentcrimehttps://t.co/8WOVoEamAu— Billy Washinton (@BillyLovesUSA) April 7, 2025
Fundraising Controversy Emerges
In the days following the arrest, a fundraiser on the Christian crowdfunding platform GiveSendGo for Anthony’s legal defense has raised significant attention and funds. The campaign, which claims Anthony has been “wrongfully charged,” has exceeded $250,000 toward its $300,000 goal. This comes after a previous fundraising attempt was reportedly removed from another platform that prohibits fundraisers for legal defense of violent crimes.
The substantial financial support has proven controversial given the serious allegations against Anthony. Donations ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 include messages supporting his self-defense claim. Meanwhile, the Metcalf family has also received significant public support, with their fundraiser similarly exceeding $250,000. The dueling fundraising campaigns reflect the divided public opinion surrounding the case.
Karmelo Anthony’s “GiveSendGo” Page Is Receiving Over $100,000 In Donations After He Stabbed 17-Year-Old Austin Metcalf To Death.https://t.co/m9DIMAG0Di pic.twitter.com/wGvC8KbZLQ
— magaret Olaniran oluwakemi (@Jamesmagaret701) April 8, 2025
Conflicting Accounts and Misinformation
Conflicting narratives about what happened that day have emerged from both families. Anthony’s father, Andrew Anthony, has defended his son’s character, stating, “Everyone has already made their assumptions about my son, but he’s not what they’re making him out to be. He works two jobs. He’s an A student and has a 3.7 GPA.” Meanwhile, Austin’s twin brother has presented a different account, alleging that Anthony escalated the situation.
Frisco Police Chief David Shilson has issued warnings about misinformation spreading on social media, including fake posts from accounts impersonating him. The department clarified that a purported medical examiner’s report circulating online is false. Both local police and the FBI are investigating fake social media posts that may incite racial tension, as Austin Metcalf is white and Karmelo Anthony is Black. The police department has stated they plan to pursue criminal charges related to these fake posts.
Self-Defense Claims and Legal Proceedings
According to police reports, Anthony told officers, “I did it,” following the stabbing, adding, “He put his hands on me. I told him not to.” Witnesses reported hearing Anthony say, “Touch me and see what happens,” during the confrontation. His attorney, Deric Walpole, has indicated support for the self-defense claim but emphasized the need for thorough investigation.
Jeff Metcalf, Austin’s father, has urged against politicizing or racializing the incident. As the legal process moves forward, Anthony remains in custody, with his attorneys reportedly seeking a lower bond. Law enforcement officials continue to stress the importance of avoiding speculation and misinformation while the investigation and legal proceedings progress according to due process.