Frisco Teen Charged with Murder, Family Raises $300,000 Fund

FRISCO, Texas – Nearly $300,000 has been raised for Karmelo Anthony, the 17-year-old accused of murdering fellow student Austin Metcalf during a track meet. The funds were collected via a GiveSendGo campaign which aims to support Anthony and his family during this challenging time, as he faces a first-degree murder charge.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the campaign reported over $285,000 in donations, with the goal set at $350,000. A message on the fundraising page states, “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.”

Anthony’s arrest followed a fatal altercation on April 2 at Kuykendall Stadium, where the two students were attending a UIL District 11-5A track meet. Witnesses described a confrontation between Anthony and Metcalf, also 17, over seating arrangements. The situation escalated when Metcalf reportedly told Anthony he was sitting in the wrong place.

According to the arrest report, Anthony told a school resource officer, “I’m not alleged. I did it.” He claimed that Metcalf had put his hands on him and questioned whether the incident could be considered self-defense. After allegedly stabbing Metcalf in the chest, Anthony fled the scene but was soon apprehended by police.

“He was protecting himself,” Anthony reportedly told officers, demonstrating awareness of the dire situation. He was later taken into custody and is currently held on a $1 million bond.

The fundraising efforts have sparked significant outrage on social media, with calls for GiveSendGo to remove the campaign. Heather Wilson, co-founder of GiveSendGo, defended the platform’s stance. “From the beginning, we decided that GiveSendGo would not serve as judge and jury,” Wilson stated. “We’re not here to decide who deserves a defense. That’s the role of our justice system.”

In contrast, a GoFundMe campaign supporting Metcalf’s family has raised approximately $292,000 as they mourn the loss of their son. His father, Jeff Metcalf, described Austin as a talented athlete and honor student, emphasizing the deep void his death has left.

“Austin was a leader. He was voted team MVP by his players and coaches,” Jeff Metcalf said. “His pride and joy was football, and he was working hard in track to improve his speed.” The Metcalf family believes the fight began due to a misunderstanding about seating arrangements at the event.

Frisco officials have expressed their condolences regarding the tragedy. The UIL, which oversees interscholastic sports in Texas, stated they are in communication with school district officials to provide support during this time.

As the situation unfolds, Anthony is set to appear in court on Monday.