An online fundraising campaign that generated intense national debate during the Karmelo Anthony murder case has been closed following Anthony’s conviction, though questions remain about whether future fundraising efforts could be launched as his legal case continues.
The fundraiser, hosted by GiveSendGo, went offline Wednesday afternoon, one day after Anthony, 19, was convicted of first-degree murder in a Texas courtroom for the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet in April 2025.
Throughout the case, the fundraiser attracted widespread attention and controversy, ultimately collecting roughly $630,000 intended for legal expenses and family support.
GiveSendGo confirmed the closure in a statement provided to The New York Post, explaining that the campaign had fulfilled its original purpose.
“The fundraiser was supported to support pre-trial needs, and those funds were disbursed over the last year,” the company said. “With that stated purpose complete, the fundraiser has been closed.”
The statement indicates that more than half a million dollars was raised and distributed during the course of the criminal proceedings. Even after Anthony’s conviction, donations reportedly continued to arrive, with more than $4,000 contributed following the guilty verdict.
Whether those final donations will ultimately be received by Anthony’s family remains unclear. According to the report, GiveSendGo generally distributes donations three days after they are made.
The company also indicated that the Anthony family could potentially establish another fundraising campaign in the future if additional legal proceedings occur, including an appeal.
GiveSendGo said any future campaign would need to comply with the platform’s existing policies, which prohibit fundraising efforts that promote violence, illegal activities, or fail to clearly explain how donations will be used.
“We can’t comment on the specifics of the movement of the campaign funds, just that they will be disbursed in accordance with our typical procedure,” GiveSendGo CEO Jacob Wells told the outlet.
“The family will be able to set up a new campaign if they desire as long as it aligns with our terms of service,” he added.
Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison following his conviction in a case that generated significant public attention and, according to reports, heightened racial tensions.
The incident began during a dispute at a high school track meet when Anthony sat beneath a tent being used by a rival school. Witness accounts presented in the report state that Metcalf repeatedly asked Anthony to leave.
According to witnesses, the confrontation escalated after Anthony allegedly responded, “Touch me and find out.”
The report states that Metcalf then pushed Anthony, who subsequently removed a knife from his bag and stabbed Metcalf in the chest.
Anthony maintained throughout the case that he acted in self-defense. His defense argued that he felt intimidated by Metcalf and Metcalf’s twin brother during the encounter.
Family members and supporters also contended that Anthony was being treated unfairly because he is Black and Metcalf was white. Additional controversy emerged over the composition of the jury, which included white, Asian, and Hispanic jurors but no Black jurors.
The fundraising effort itself became a source of public debate after allegations surfaced that donations were being used to purchase a new home. GiveSendGo disputed those claims, stating that no funds had been distributed at the time those reports appeared.
According to the campaign description, donations were intended to support Anthony’s legal defense, help relocate the family due to safety concerns, and assist with everyday living expenses.
Despite criticism, GiveSendGo defended its decision to host the fundraiser, emphasizing that allowing a campaign on its platform does not constitute support for a defendant or endorsement of any legal argument.
“Our hearts are with Austin’s family, his twin brother, and everyone grieving a loss that no verdict can undo,” the company said, while maintaining that it provides access to lawful fundraising across a broad range of cases.
[READ MORE: Large ‘8647’ Marking Etched Into National Mall Grass Sparks Investigation Ahead of Major Event]
