A GoFundMe campaign has been launched in support of 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, the teen accused of fatally stabbing 16-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas.
Last week, there were multiple GoFundMe webpages that were set up, raising over $60,000 before multiple were taken offline. At the same time, a GiveSendGo that has remained active has raised over $170,000 to support murder suspect Karmelo Anthony and his family.
The father of Austin Metcalf, Jeff Metcalf, launched a separate GoFundMe, following the stabbing, to help cover funeral expenses and honor his son’s memory, describing Austin as “a leader of men” and a role model to many of his peers.
The deadly incident occurred on Wednesday at Kuykendall Stadium, where multiple schools had gathered for a track and field championship.
According to initial reports, a dispute over seating escalated into a physical altercation, during which Metcalf was stabbed in the chest. He later died from his injuries while in the arms of his twin brother, who witnessed the attack.
Metcalf was a junior at Frisco Memorial High School and played on the school’s football team. His family described him as “the most amazing kid” and a natural leader.
Karmelo Anthony was arrested at the scene and taken into custody. Authorities have not yet released full details about the charges he may face, but the stabbing has shaken the local community and sparked widespread conversation, both online and in the media.
The fundraiser argues that Anthony was not looking for trouble and had friends under the tent where the dispute took place. According to the post, it’s common for students from different schools to mingle and share space during large events like track meets. Dewayne asserts that Anthony was not trespassing, nor was he instigating any confrontation.
The campaign disputes the initial police report and media coverage of the incident, alleging that the Metcalf twins had a prior history with Anthony and that tensions had been building before the incident.
The post further claims that Austin Metcalf and his brother attempted to force Anthony out of the tent, allegedly broke his phone, and physically attacked him before the stabbing occurred.
“The twins are known bullies,” the page claims. It describes Anthony as a straight-A student with a 4.0 GPA, multiple college offers, and no criminal record. These details have not been independently verified. Frisco Police have yet to respond to the claims made in the GoFundMe or issue an updated statement about the incident.
The campaign has sparked backlash online, with many criticizing the decision to fundraise for someone accused in a fatal stabbing. Others argue that everyone is entitled to legal representation and a fair defense, especially in cases where claims of self-defense are being raised.
Meanwhile, the Metcalf family continues to grieve. Community members have rallied around them, offering condolences and financial support through the fundraiser set up by Jeff Metcalf. The page has drawn thousands in donations and heartfelt messages from friends, teachers, and students who knew Austin personally.
For now, both families are left grappling with a life-altering tragedy—one family mourning the loss of a son, the other fighting to defend theirs in the court of law and public opinion.