Texas track meet stabbing suspect fundraiser raised over $150,000.
jbk_photography/Getty Images/iStockphoto
The family of the Texas teen accused of stabbing fellow 17-year-old student-athlete Austin Metcalf to death at a Frisco track meet last week has surpassed $150,000 in donations.
“The narrative being spread is false, unjust, and harmful,” the Anthony family said in a statement on the crowdfunding platform GiveSendGo. “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.”
Article continues below this ad
The Help Karmelo Official Fund was set up to assist “Karmelo and his family during this challenging and difficult time.” The total amount raised to date is $158,923, with the fundraising goal set at $200,000.
The boys were competing in the state’s University Interscholastic League’s District 11-5A championship meet at Kuykendall Stadium when an altercation between the two had fatal consequences. Despite lifesaving measures, the victim succumbed to his injuries.
Metcalf’s family also created a fundraiser for their expenses, which has raised over $250,000 on GoFundMe since April 2.
“He was a bright young man with a great future ahead of him,” Metcalf’s father wrote regarding the late teen. “He was a leader of men. His smile would light up the room. His passion for football was unbelievable. Voted team MVP this past season and carried a 4.0 GPA. He was looking forward to taking his game to the next level.”
Article continues below this ad
Austin Metcalf X
Authorities charged Anthony with first-degree murder. The teenager claims he was acting in self-defense, as Metcalf put his hands on him first, according to FOX 4. He also reportedly asked police “if what happened could be considered self-defense,” the affidavit states.
The 17-year-old is currently being held in the Collins County Jail on a $1 million bond, an amount that his attorney has asked the court to reduce.
Karmelo Anthony’s mugshot.
Frisco Police Department
“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,” attorney Deric Walpole, hired by Anthony’s family told KXAS-TV.
Article continues below this ad
Frisco Chief David Shilson put out a message to the public Friday: “This week, our Frisco community suffered the devastating loss of one of our young residents because of a senseless act of violence. On behalf of the Frisco Police Department, I want to offer our deepest condolences to all the families involved especially the Metcalf family.”
“Therefore, I ask everyone to be cautious of the inaccurate information that is circulating related to this incident, and to only
trust information that comes from official releases and verified sources,” said Shilson.
Following the circulation of an image from a fake social media account said to belong to the Chief, prompting Shilson to put out a public statement. The Frisco Police Department says they will pursue criminal charges regarding the false and misleading information.
Article continues below this ad
