UMVA has learned that a shocking surge in donations has flooded the crowdfunding campaign of Karmelo Anthony, the 19-year-old convicted of first-degree murder in the stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf.
The astonishing outpouring of support comes after a Texas jury delivered a unanimous guilty verdict, sentencing Anthony to 35 years in prison. Despite the conviction, the GiveSendGo campaign, which had already raised over $629,000, continued to attract donations, with an additional $4,000 pouring in overnight.
The fundraiser, titled “Help Karmelo Official Fund,” was launched shortly after Anthony’s arrest, with a stated purpose that went far beyond his legal defense. The page explicitly listed funds for “safe relocation of the Anthony family due to escalating threats,” basic living costs, transportation, counseling, and “other security measures.”
GiveSendGo co-founder Jacob Wells defended hosting the campaign, citing the principles of “innocent until proven guilty” and freedom of speech. He argued that allowing fundraising campaigns for people accused of violent crimes helps expose weaknesses in the justice system and pushes for real reform.
As the trial got underway in early June, the total donations had climbed past $612,000 and continued to rise. Even after Anthony’s sentencing, supporters continued to donate until the campaign was abruptly removed from the platform.
The Anthony family’s living situation visibly improved almost immediately after Karmelo made bond last April. They moved into a luxurious $900,000 home in a gated community, with rent estimated at $3,500–$4,000 per month. Neighbors reported that the family acquired a new car shortly after the bond release.
In the aftermath of the conviction, GiveSendGo released a formal statement expressing sympathy for Austin Metcalf’s family and clarifying that hosting a fundraiser is not an endorsement of a person or their actions. The company revealed that the fundraiser was closed because its stated purpose – supporting pre-trial needs – was now complete.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that GiveSendGo is allowing the Anthony family to create a new campaign, with Wells stating that the company wants to keep campaigns’ purpose clear and in alignment with their current terms of service.
