They Tried to Jump Him’ — Karmelo Anthony’s Family Launches Explosive Public Defense After Murder Conviction, Raises Over $600K

The trial is over. The verdict is in. But for Karmelo Anthony’s family, the fight is just beginning.

Days after the 19-year-old was convicted of murder for the stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco, Texas track meet, his relatives have launched an aggressive public campaign to reshape the narrative — complete with social media posts, a six-figure fundraising operation, and merchandise bearing the slogan “Justice for Karmelo.”

The Family’s Version of Events

In a Facebook post shared thousands of times, a man identifying himself as Anthony’s uncle laid out the family’s account of what happened on the morning of April 2, 2025 — a version that differs sharply from what six teenage witnesses told a jury under oath.

“The twins didn’t just ask him to leave. They tried to jump him before attacking him,” the post reads. “They tried to take his belongings, broke his phone, and stomped on it. The twins are known bullies.”

The family’s account portrays Anthony not as an aggressor, but as a smaller teenager — listed at 145 pounds — defending himself against two larger athletes. Austin Metcalf stood 6’1″ and weighed approximately 213 pounds.

“Ask yourself, if two 200-pound attackers came at your child, what would you expect them to do?”

None of these claims were presented as evidence during the trial.

Who the Family Says Anthony Really Is

Beyond the events of that morning, the family has worked to paint a broader picture of Anthony as a model student and community hero.

Relatives describe him as a 4.0 student with multiple college offers and no prior criminal history. They have highlighted a 2021 incident in which Anthony reportedly helped save a child from drowning — a claim supported by a social media post from a woman identifying herself as the child’s mother.

The family has also accused the media of deliberately circulating an old photo of Anthony holding an airsoft gun to poison public opinion. A juvenile probation officer did testify during the trial that Anthony had been disciplined for bringing the airsoft gun to school — though the incident was unrelated to the stabbing.

$600,000 and a Merchandise Line

The family’s public defense has been backed by a substantial fundraising effort. A GiveSendGo campaign established for Anthony’s legal defense has raised over $600,000. Supporters can also purchase “Justice for Karmelo” merchandise, with proceeds directed toward the ongoing legal fight.

The fundraising has drawn criticism. Conservative commentator Matt Walsh argued on social media that the family’s decision to take the case to trial — rather than pursue a plea — allowed the fundraiser to continue generating money, calling it a deliberate financial calculation at their son’s expense.

The Anthony family has not responded to that characterization.

What the Jury Heard

The family’s narrative faces one significant obstacle: the testimony of the students who were actually there.

Witness after witness told the jury that Anthony was asked to leave the Memorial High School tent at least 15 times before the confrontation escalated. Multiple students testified that Anthony had his hand inside his backpack before any physical contact occurred — with one witness noting the vein in his arm was visibly tense, as though gripping something.

“He already knew what he was going to do,” one of Anthony’s own teammates testified.

When Austin Metcalf finally pushed Anthony in the shoulder — after being told “touch me and find out” — Anthony was already reaching for the knife. Metcalf never got a second chance to react. The blade entered his chest and passed completely through his heart wall.

The jury deliberated for approximately three hours before returning a guilty verdict.

The Sentencing Phase

With conviction secured, the trial has moved to sentencing. Anthony’s mother Kala Hayes was the only witness called by the defense during the punishment phase.

“He’s my oldest, he’s my firstborn,” she told the jury. “Please have mercy on my son.”

Prosecutor Bill Wirskye closed with a reminder of what the case was ultimately about.

“You don’t get to meet a shove with a stab — especially if you provoke the shove,” he told jurors. “He had a knife that day. He was always gonna come out on top. That is a mindset.”

He then showed the jury a photo taken moments after the stabbing — coaches performing chest compressions on Metcalf while bystanders prayed nearby.

Anthony faces between 5 and 99 years or life in prison. The jury is still deliberating on his sentence.

Austin Metcalf was 17 years old.

Source: Compiled from various sources