Karmelo Anthony Fundraiser Surpasses $285,000 Amid Murder Charges

A fundraiser for Karmelo Anthony, a 17-year-old charged with murder in the stabbing of Austin Metcalf at a Frisco track meet, has raised over $350,000, igniting controversy regarding fundraising for criminal suspects. Anthony's family asserts that the narrative surrounding the incident is 'false, unjust, and harmful' and expresses gratitude for the support during this challenging time. However, the campaign has faced backlash on social media, with many calling for its removal due to the serious nature of the charges. Heather Wilson, co-founder of the fundraising platform GiveSendGo, defended the initiative by comparing it to previous high-profile fundraising cases, emphasizing the principle of presumption of innocence. Meanwhile, a separate fundraiser for Metcalf's family has also garnered significant support, raising around $292,000. The situation has sparked a broader discussion on the ethics of fundraising for individuals charged with serious crimes.