Teen’s Family Raises Money for Legal Defense After Fatal Stabbing Incident
The family of a Texas teenager, Karmelo Anthony, has successfully raised over $515,000 for his legal defense and security. This comes after they reported receiving numerous threats related to the situation.
Karmelo, 17, was arrested earlier this month following an incident during a high school track meet on April 2, where he is accused of fatally stabbing another teenager, 17-year-old Austin Metcalf.
In their online fundraiser, the Anthony family shared their experiences of escalating threats since the incident. They emphasized that the raised funds will not only go towards legal expenses but also to support urgent needs stemming from this challenging situation. These include relocating the family for safety, covering living costs, transportation, counseling, and enhancing security.
As tensions rise following Metcalf’s death, misinformation surrounding the case has spread rapidly on social media, according to police reports. Karmelo was released on a $250,000 bond, which was reduced from $1 million.
Karmelo’s mother, Karla Hayes, expressed her family’s distress during a press conference. She stated that threats and false accusations have put them in danger, insisting that her family did not deserve this treatment.
She also extended her condolences to the Metcalf family, acknowledging their loss.
The altercation between Karmelo and Metcalf reportedly began when Metcalf asked him to move from under a tent designated for the track team. Witness accounts suggest that when Metcalf touched Karmelo, he challenged him and was later accused of pulling out a knife and stabbing Metcalf in the chest.
Karmelo’s account, as shared with the police, claimed he was acting in self-defense, claiming that he was provoked.
This incident has highlighted the urgent need to address the consequences of violence among teenagers and the impact such events can have on families and communities.
