Defenders of the 17-year-old student athlete accused of murdering a rival at a Texas track have launched an online fundraiser in his name.
Karmelo Anthony (no relation to retired NBA star Carmelo Anthony) remains in the Collin County Jail, where he’s being held on a $1 million bond following the stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf.
While seeking to reduce the cost of Anthony’s bond, defense attorney Deric Walpole told reporters this week that his client is claiming self defense in the tragedy.
‘This is the Official Support Fund for Karmelo and his family during this challenging and difficult time,’ reads Anthony’s page at GiveSendGo.com.
‘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.’
As of midday on Sunday, the fund had $68,380 – more than halfway towards the family’s $100,000 goal.
Anthony reportedly told cops that he acted after Metcalf touched him in a confrontation
Metcalf was stabbed in the heart after telling Anthony to get up from a seat at a track meet
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Anthony is accused of stabbing Metcalf in the heart and even told police, ‘I did it,’ according to an arrest report reviewed by Dallas’ NBC affiliate. An officer also reports Anthony told him: ‘I was protecting myself.’
Metcalf was a star football player at Frisco’s Memorial High School and planned to be a college athlete. A GoFundMe set up for Metcalf says he was recently voted team MVP and had a 4.0 GPA at school.
Austin’s twin brother, Hunter, was with Austin at the track meet, and held his sibling in his arms as he died.
‘I pushed my hand on there [his brother’s chest], to try and make it stop and I grabbed his head and I looked in his eyes,’ Hunter told Fox News’ Will Cain. ‘I just saw his soul leave and it took my soul too.’
NBC 5 has reported that about 40 students and a handful of coaches witnessed the tragedy.
Witnesses claim to have seen an argument between Metcalf and Anthony, a Centennial High School student.
As described in the police report, Metcalf told Anthony to move out from Memorial’s pop-up tent that had been used during a downpour.
Austin’s twin brother Hunter held him in his arms and tried to stop the bleeding after the stabbing on Wednesday
High school senior Anthony, 17, admitted to fatally stabbing Metcalf at a track meet
Anthony allegedly reached into his gym bag and told Metcalf: ‘touch me and we’ll see what happens.’
Metcalf pushed Anthony, who responded by pulling out a knife, stabbing Metcalf in the chest and running away, according to a witness.
A high school football star who may have been in line to receive a scholarship, Metcalf is now being remembered as a bright student and talented athlete.
‘My son and I are profoundly thankful for the overwhelming support, prayers, and love we have received,’ Metcalf’s mother, Meghan, said of herself and her son Hunter.
‘Tragedies inevitably raise questions that remain unanswered. We will entrust the detectives handling the investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding Austin’s passing, while our family, Hunter, and I prioritize commemorating and honoring Austin. We extend our gratitude to everyone who has supported us in numerous ways and helped sustain our family during this difficult time.’
