Fundraiser for Texas Track Meet Stabbing Suspect Nears $150K Amid Controversy

The online fundraiser supporting Karmelo Anthony—a Texas high school student accused of fatally stabbing fellow athlete Austin Metcalf during a track meet—has raised almost $150,000 and continues to spark debate. The incident occurred last week at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco during the University Interscholastic League's District 11-5A championship meet, resulting in Anthony being charged with first-degree murder. He maintains that he acted in self-defense.

The crowdfunding campaign, hosted on GiveSendGo, has amassed $144,873 so far, with a goal of $200,000. In a statement, Anthony's family insisted, "The narrative being spread is false, unjust, and harmful." Calling for prayers and support during what they described as a "trying period," the family expressed gratitude to donors.

Anthony is currently held at the Collins County Jail on a $1 million bond, which his attorney, Deric Walpole, is seeking to reduce. Walpole remarked, "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." Anthony reportedly told police that Metcalf initiated physical contact, asking officers if his actions could qualify as self-defense.

As donations pour in, comments on the fundraiser page reveal divided opinions. One donor claimed, "Self-defense in a stand-your-ground state... this young man did nothing wrong." Another expressed frustration, suggesting racism played a role: "Stay strong, young brother... Let your legal fight be one of the many victories in this seemingly eternal fight against racism and evil."

This case remains a hotbed of controversy, highlighting societal debates around self-defense laws, racial dynamics, and the legal system's handling of violent incidents. While $150,000 in donations is impressive, it's difficult to ignore the polarizing discussions bubbling beneath this financial support.