Full Breakdown
Crowdfunding for Karmelo Anthony: Use of Funds and the Origin of False House-and-Car Claims
6/12/2026, 5:39:37 AM
Fundraising Campaign and Murder Conviction
In April 2025, 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony stabbed 17-year-old Austin Metcalf to death during a high-school track meet in Frisco, Texas. A June 2026 jury convicted Anthony of murder and sentenced him to 35 years in prison. Shortly after the arrest, Anthony’s mother, Kala Hayes, launched a GiveSendGo campaign titled “Help Karmelo Official Fund” to cover pre-trial expenses. The fundraiser was removed from the platform after the conviction.
Origins of the Campaign and Amount Raised
The GiveSendGo page went live on 15 April 2025 and listed “legal defense and family relocation” as its purpose. By the time it was taken down, the campaign had collected between $630,000 and $634,000, according to multiple sources. The page’s description emphasized that the money would also support “basic living costs, transportation, counseling, and other security measures.”
Stated Purposes and Allocation of Funds
GiveSendGo co-founder Heather Wilson confirmed that the campaign “was created to support pre-trial needs, and those funds were disbursed over the past year for lawful purposes including legal defense and family relocation.” The family hired private attorney Mike Howard rather than relying on a court-appointed lawyer. According to co-founder Jacob Wells, a portion of the money paid for renting a secure residence after the family experienced doxing and threats; the bulk was directed toward legal fees and security services. No documentation shows any purchase of a home or automobile.
Official Statements from GiveSendGo and the Anthony Family
- GiveSendGo’s policy requires that a fundraiser’s stated purpose remain accurate, a point reiterated by a company spokesperson.
- In an April 2025 press conference, Kala Hayes declared, “The claims about the public donation — to buy a home or anything else — are completely false.”
- Jacob Wells told Fox News that the family “has not yet received any funds from their campaign” before the page’s removal, and later acknowledged that disbursements had been made for “legal defense, relocation and security.”
Criticism, Misinformation, and Counter-Claims
The false narrative of a $850-$900 k house and a new car originated with a Daily Mail story that cited unnamed neighbors and unverified deliveries. The tabloid’s reporter, MaryAnn Martinez, did not respond to requests for clarification. White-nationalist commentator Jake Lang amplified the case with racial framing, prompting victim-family member Jeff Metcalf to urge the public not to turn the tragedy into a “race thing.”
Conflicting Reports and Remaining Gaps
- Sources differ on the exact total raised: Snopes cites “more than $600,000,” Fox News reports “just shy of $634,000,” and TMZ notes “over $630,000.”
- While GiveSendGo confirms disbursements for legal and relocation costs, the precise amounts allocated to each category remain undisclosed.
- The status of any subsequent fundraising efforts, such as the campaign launched by civil-rights activist Dominique Alexander, has not been verified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ As we reported in 2025, the Anthony family explicitly noted in an update on their GiveSendGo page that the money would not be used solely for his legal defense (emphasis ours): 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.” — GiveSendGo fundraiser statement
- “Our policy is that a campaign's stated purpose stays accurate, so givers always know what they are supporting.” — GiveSendGo spokesperson
- “He also said the money would be spent on security (emphasis ours): They've indicated that some of it will be used to provide them some security, some much-needed security.” — Jacob Wells, co-founder, GiveSendGo
- “Our prayer is for Austin Metcalf's family, for all those affected, and for justice, mercy, and peace in our community.” — GiveSendGo representative
Next Steps and Ongoing Fundraising
Anthony has filed a notice of appeal; his legal team has indicated a need for additional resources. GiveSendGo reports that the original campaign’s purpose has been fulfilled, but a new fundraiser has reportedly been launched by Dominique Alexander to support the family’s continued living expenses.
