Supporters of 17-year-old student athlete Karmelo Anthony, who is accused of fatally stabbing a fellow teen at a Texas track, have launched an online fundraiser on his behalf.
Anthony, who is not related to former NBA star Carmelo Anthony, is being held on a $1 million bond at Collin County Jail.
His attorney, Deric Walpole, told reporters the teen is claiming self-defense and is seeking a bond reduction, as reported by Daily Mail.
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“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.”
By Monday afternoon, the online fundraiser for Anthony had raised over $165,000, edging toward its $200,000 goal.
Anthony, 17, allegedly confessed to fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf in the heart, telling the police, “I did it”. An officer also reports Anthony told him: “I was protecting myself.”
Metcalf, a standout athlete and top student at Frisco’s Memorial High School, was recently named team MVP and held a 4.0 GPA as he prepared for a future in college sports. His life was cut short at a track meet, where his twin brother, Hunter, cradled him in his final moments.
A GoFundMe has been launched in Metcalf’s honor.
“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.”
Witnesses say an argument broke out between Metcalf and Anthony, a student from Centennial High School, after Metcalf allegedly asked Anthony to leave Memorial’s pop-up tent during a rainstorm, according to a police report.
Anthony allegedly reached into his gym bag and told Metcalf: “touch me and we’ll see what happens.”
According to a witness, Metcalf pushed Anthony, who then pulled out a knife, stabbed Metcalf in the chest, and fled the scene.
Metcalf is being remembered as a gifted athlete and top student.
“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.”
