The internet is a strange place, and anyone in doubt need look no further than the case of Karmelo Anthony, a Texas teen charged with stabbing to death a rival team member — who then raised $600,000 in donations after his arrest.
Anthony is set to face trial this week for the killing of Austin Metcalf in Frisco, Texas, at a track meet in April 2025. His case was quickly picked up as a cause du jour by donors who ponied up thousands in his support.
First, the background: FOX 4 says Anthony and Metcalf got into an argument over seating in the stands of the track meet, and it escalated until Anthony stabbed Metcalf in the chest with a pocketknife.
"The defense is expected to rely heavily on a self-defense argument. That means prosecutors will have the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that Anthony was not acting in self-defense....This case has been a racially charged case with a lot of speculation and rumors. For months, it has played in the court of public opinion," the expert added.
Outside the Collin County Courthouse as the trail of Karmelo Anthony begins this morning.
— 1080 KRLD (@KRLD) June 1, 2026
The organization waving that banner is, by their own description, a non-profit organization that serves as a networking platform for “pro-White families, activists, organizers, artists,… pic.twitter.com/n4UKVilmww
Anthony was quick to admit to police what he'd done, but immediately claimed it was self defense because the other teen "put his hands on me." Race immediately became a factor in the discussion as Anthony is Black, Metcalf, white.
Anthony's family held a press conference and urged the public to lower the temperature surrounding the case. And while the spotlight was on them, thousands came in to help them. A fundraiser in his name has more than $600,000 already, with a goal of $1.4 million.
What will the money be used for? Give Send Go says, "This fundraiser has been established to provide comprehensive assistance to the Anthony family as they navigate the many challenges surrounding Karmelo's case.
"... While legal defense is a critical part of this journey, we want to make it clear that this fund is not solely dedicated to legal expenses. The funds raised will also support a range of urgent and necessary needs that have emerged as a result of this situation, including — but not limited to — the safe relocation of the Anthony family due to escalating threats to their safety and well-being, as well as basic living costs, transportation, counseling, and other security measures."
The family added, "While legal expenses are a significant part of this fund, they are only one part. Our family — a loving, God-fearing family — is simply seeking safety, justice, and peace in these trying times."
Karmelo Anthony faces murder trial in the Austin Metcalf stabbing death.
— TMZ (@TMZ) June 1, 2026
Details: https://t.co/VeK5ed0E8e pic.twitter.com/YCH8uTo58m
A FOX analyst said a key question will be whether Anthony provoked Metcalf before the stabbing. "One of the key legal questions could be whether evidence shows Anthony provoked or escalated the confrontation before the fatal encounter, a factor that could significantly affect how a self-defense claim is evaluated by the court and jury, the expert said.
Jury selection is underway; The trial is expected to last about two weeks.
Internet reaction to the amount of money his family has raised has been mixed.
"Who says crime don’t pay?" one Reddit user wrote.
