Way back at the beginning of April, I wrote a VIP piece about how this killing probably wasn't going to make the national headlines. Seventeen-year-old Karmelo Anthony, who is black, stabbed 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, who is white, in the heart and killed him instantly after Metcalf reportedly told him he was sitting in the wrong seat. Anthony was indicted for first-degree murder.
I was wrong, though; that wasn't the end of the story. Within a couple of weeks, a fundraiser on GiveSendGo for Anthony and his family stood at nearly half a million dollars: $466,809, to be precise. That's a lot of money for a kid who stabbed another teen in the heart and killed him. People treated Anthony as though he were the new Rosa Parks, refusing to give up his seat. Someone posted this along with their $10 donation.
This is an actual comment on the Karmelo Anthony fundraiser. pic.twitter.com/fFBviJG2hB
— Viva Frei (@thevivafrei) April 15, 2025
The fundraiser wasn't just for 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 reportedly bought a house in a gated community as well as a vehicle. But once Anthony was indicted, he submitted an Indigent Packet to the Collin County Court, requesting court-appointed legal representation as a financially destitute defendant.
Anthony still has his supporters and defenders, and they're especially proud to learn that Anthony, who is on house arrest, is taking online classes in … criminal justice.
Karmelo Anthony, who is currently on house arrest for fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf, has reportedly enrolled in college classes.
— Sarah Fields (@SarahisCensored) October 5, 2025
This comes after Frisco ISD granted him his high school diploma, even though the school was not obligated to do so after his expulsion, and the… pic.twitter.com/Rdvw1EHUdl
"… decision was greatly opposed."
Statement from a former prosecutor regarding Karmelo Anthony's College Enrollment While Facing Murder Charges:
— Sarah Fields (@SarahisCensored) October 6, 2025
“I have just been informed that Karmelo Anthony, who is currently facing charges for the murder of Austin Metcalf, has reportedly enrolled in online courses at… pic.twitter.com/a6niI0ywPv
The post continues:
… Morehouse College. This development raises serious concerns from a legal perspective regarding trial strategy, jury perception, and accountability.
From a legal perspective, public knowledge of this enrollment could potentially harm Karmelo Anthony's trial. The stabbing of Austin Metcalf followed a reasonable request for him to leave the tent, and publicizing educational pursuits while awaiting trial has the potential to affect how jurors may evaluate his decision-making, accountability, and overall character. Jurors may view these actions as evidence of poor judgment, lack of impulse control, or disregard for rules. Publicizing such activity also has the potential to create pretrial bias, complicate jury selection, and threaten the fairness of the proceedings. This behavior has the potential to reinforce the perception that he is moving on with his life as if nothing happened, which could influence how jurors evaluate his character and accountability.
Financially, this is a serious misstep. Money spent on college tuition instead of preparing a defense for a murder charge demonstrates misplaced priorities.
Every resource should be focused on competent legal representation, expert testimony, and thorough trial preparation. Diverting funds and attention signals that the defendant may not fully grasp the seriousness of the charges. Spending money on college at this stage is reckless. His priority must be mounting a defense, not advancing a personal agenda.
Actions like this are insensitive to the Metcalf family. True accountability begins with accepting responsibility and focusing on the legal process, not public gestures that could be perceived as self-serving. From a legal and ethical standpoint, promoting college enrollment under these circumstances has the potential to backfire, weakening the defense and reinforcing the prosecution's case. This is not just tone-deaf. It is a decision that could materially affect the outcome of the trial. These actions highlight poor judgment and decision-making that could significantly impact the outcome of his trial and be used against him in a court of law.”
Signed, a former prosecutor with over 13 years of experience in criminal law and an NYU graduate.
But look, this murderer's supporters are so proud of him that they made a poster:
UPDATE: Karmelo Anthony, who is currently on house arrest for fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet, is enrolled in Morehouse College online classes and is reportedly studying criminal justice.
— Sarah Fields (@SarahisCensored) October 5, 2025
This flyer is being circulated by Karmelo Anthony supporters.… pic.twitter.com/9NwnXYXwvC
The post continues:
… Morehouse College is a private, historically Black liberal arts college for men located in Atlanta, Georgia, and is estimated to cost approximately $30,000 per semester.
Texans have wondered why a family that claims to fear being targeted has made their lives so public. This is your America.
It's just a thought I had, but … does anybody feel bad that Metcalf was murdered in cold blood by a kid with a knife and poor impulse control? Metcalf will never go to college. He's dead. And Anthony is coming out of all of this as a folk hero.
All I can say is, they'd better not screw up his trial. Send him to prison for life.
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