Karmelo Anthony, the 18-year-old Texas teen indicted for the first-degree murder of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco high school track meet in April, has requested a court-appointed public defender, citing financial hardship, despite his family’s GiveSendGo fundraiser raising nearly $600,000.
The family also recently raised the campaign’s goal to $1.4 million, sparking questions about the use of funds. Since the killing, the Anthonys have purchased a new Cadillac and moved into a $900,000 home.
Anthony fatally stabbed 17-year-old Metcalf in the heart at a track meet in Frisco, Texas. He died in the arms of his twin brother.
The killer, who claims self-defense, was released on house arrest with an ankle monitor after his bond was reduced from $1 million to $250,000.
The “Help Karmelo Official Fund” on GiveSendGo, launched by Anthony’s family, had raised $595,000 as of June 26, 2025, initially targeting $350,000 before increasing to $600,000 and now $1.4 million.
The family claims the funds support legal defense, safe relocation due to threats, basic living costs, transportation, trauma counseling, and security measures.
Court records show Anthony’s previous private attorney, Mike Howard, is no longer listed, and on June 25, Anthony’s father, Andrew Anthony, announced the public defender request, claiming indigence.
Howard’s retainer was estimated to be between $10,000 and $30,000, with hourly rates ranging from $400 to $500.
Anthony was indicted by a Collin County grand jury earlier this week, with a trial expected in 2026.
The post Karmelo Anthony Pleads Poverty and Asks for Public Defender Despite $600K Fundraiser, as Family Boosts Goal to $1.4M appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.