UMVA has learned that convicted killer Karmelo Anthony, 19, is seeking a taxpayer-funded attorney for his appeal, claiming he is "penniless" despite a staggering $633,908 raised on his behalf through a GiveSendGo campaign.
The fundraiser, launched on April 15, 2025, just days after the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf, was created to support Anthony and his family as they navigated the legal battle. Organizers said the donations would help cover legal expenses, family relocation costs, and other needs that arose as the case drew national attention.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Anthony's parents, Andrew Anthony III and Kala Hayes, activated a Texas business entity, Angelic Obsessions LLC, on April 26, 2025, just 24 days after the fatal stabbing that led to their son's arrest. The records do not establish that any fundraiser proceeds were routed through the company.
Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison earlier this month after a Collin County jury convicted him of murder in the April 2, 2025, stabbing death of Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco. Days after sentencing, Anthony filed paperwork seeking court-appointed counsel for his appeal, describing himself as a "penniless, destitute, and indigent person, too poor to employ counsel to represent me on the appeal."
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Anthony's parents have been connected to multiple business entities in Louisiana and Texas, including Exclusive Luxury Services LLC, which was formed in 2016 and experienced multiple administrative actions, including a revocation in 2019, reinstatement in 2020, and a second revocation in November 2023.
The records reviewed by UMVA do not indicate whether either company generated revenue, maintained assets, or played any role in the family's finances during the criminal case. Andrew Anthony III declined to comment on the matter.
As the case continues to unfold, questions remain about the disposition of the fundraiser proceeds, whether any money remains available, and what safeguards were used to ensure compliance with company policies. The defense team's response to Anthony's request for court-appointed counsel and whether any funds remain available to finance his appeal also remain unclear.
