Home / Crime and Justice / Anthony's Family Seeks $250K Amidst Funding Questions
Anthony's Family Seeks $250K Amidst Funding Questions
18 Oct
Summary
- Karmelo Anthony's family launched a new fundraiser for his appeal.
- A previous campaign raised nearly $634,000, but questions persist.
- New donations will go directly into an attorney's trust account.
Karmelo Anthony's family has initiated a new fundraising effort, aiming to secure $250,000 for his appeal following a judge's rejection of his request for a new trial. This comes after a previous campaign raised nearly $634,000. The fresh campaign, announced in Dallas, Texas, intends to cover legal expenses for challenging his conviction.
Anthony, 19, was sentenced to 35 years in prison in June 2026 for the April 2025 murder of Austin Metcalf. The new fundraising arrangement ensures donations are held in an attorney's trust account, managed by Russell Wilson, to cover court filings, transcripts, and investigators.
The initial fundraiser, launched in April 2025, had a broader scope. It aimed to raise funds for legal defense, family relocation due to safety concerns, and basic living expenses. GiveSendGo confirmed these funds were distributed for lawful purposes, including legal defense and relocation.
However, Anthony's subsequent claim of being unable to afford a lawyer for his appeal, despite the substantial funds previously raised, has drawn criticism and scrutiny. While a spokesperson rejected allegations of misuse, a detailed breakdown of the previous fund's expenditure was not provided.
The new campaign emphasizes that funds will be exclusively for legal expenses related to the appeal, distinguishing it from the original fundraiser's broader objectives. Online criticism reflects broader disputes over crowdfunding transparency, particularly in high-profile criminal cases.
