Convicted murderer Karmelo Anthony is asking taxpayers to fund his appeal after telling a court he has no money to hire an attorney, even as questions continue surrounding hundreds of thousands of dollars raised on his behalf during his criminal case.
According to Fox News, Anthony, 19, was sentenced earlier this month to 35 years in prison after a Collin County jury found him guilty of murdering Austin Metcalf. Prosecutors said Anthony fatally stabbed Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco on April 2, 2025.
Following his sentencing, Anthony filed paperwork requesting a court-appointed lawyer for the appeals process. In the filing, he described himself as a “penniless, destitute, and indigent person, too poor to employ counsel to represent me on the appeal.”
📺 Embedded media — coming soon
The request has drawn attention because a GiveSendGo fundraiser launched on Anthony’s behalf shortly after the killing raised more than $633,000 before it was removed from public view after his conviction.
According to organizers, the fundraising campaign was established to help Anthony and his family deal with the legal and personal challenges stemming from the case.
“We are grateful for your support during this incredibly difficult time for Karmelo Anthony and his family,” organizers wrote. “This fundraiser has been established to provide comprehensive assistance to the Anthony family as they navigate the many challenges surrounding Karmelo’s case.”
Fundraiser organizers previously said donations would be used for legal expenses, relocation costs, and other family needs. GiveSendGo has stated that the money was distributed for lawful purposes, including legal defense costs and relocation assistance.
At the same time, newly reviewed public records show Anthony’s parents, Andrew Anthony III and Kala Hayes, have been linked to several business entities in Texas and Louisiana.
One company, Angelic Obsessions LLC, was originally formed in Louisiana in 2021 but became inactive after its registration was revoked by state officials in November 2024. Records show the company was activated in Texas on April 26, 2025, just 24 days after the fatal stabbing. Andrew Anthony III is listed as the registered agent.
Another business, Exclusive Luxury Services LLC, was formed in Louisiana in 2016 and later underwent several administrative actions, including revocations and reinstatement filings, before ultimately becoming inactive.
The records do not indicate whether either company generated revenue, held assets, or played any role in financing Anthony’s legal defense. They also do not show whether any fundraiser proceeds were ever directed to either business.
Anthony’s parents have not been accused of wrongdoing or charged with any crime. Meanwhile, questions remain about whether any fundraising money is still available and whether those funds could be used to support Anthony’s appeal.
My last Income was $8750, ecom only worked 12 hours a week. My longtime neighbor yr estimated $15,000 and works about 20 hours for seven days. I can't believe how blunt he was when I looked up his information→ → → → PayAtHome1.Com