Karmelo Anthony’s family is seeking another $250,000 to fund his appeal after an earlier campaign raised nearly $634,000 and faced questions over how the money was spent, the family announced at a news conference in Dallas, Texas.The fundraising push came nearly two weeks after a judge denied Anthony’s request for a new trial.His family and supporters, including attorney Russell Wilson, used the Dallas news conference to outline the appeal.Anthony, 19, was sentenced to 35 years in prison in June after a jury convicted him of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas.
He has appealed and says he cannot afford to hire an attorney for the appeal.ANOTHER LAWYER JOINS KARMELO ANTHONY'S APPEAL AS KILLER CLAIMS HE CANNOT PAY FOR COUNSELThe new fund is intended to cover legal fees, experts and other costs associated with challenging Anthony’s conviction, Wilson said.Left: Karmelo Anthony is seen in a prison mugshot.Right: Austin Metcalf, who was stabbed to death by Anthony.
(Texas Department of Criminal Justice; Jeff Metcalf)"I think there's a misconception that the motion for new trial denial would have ended an appeal," Wilson said."It actually is part of an appeal."KARMELO ANTHONY BLASTS JUDGE IN NEW FILING OVER HANDLING OF MURDER TRIALWilson said the appeal could take more than a year.
The trial record is expected to be assembled in October.After that, both sides will make their case in writing, and the Dallas Court of Appeals could hold a hearing.SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWSThe request follows a GiveSendGo campaign launched on Anthony’s behalf in April 2025 that raised $633,908 before it was removed from public view following his conviction.KARMELO ANTHONY CLAIMS HE'S PENNILESS AS BUSINESS RECORDS TIED TO PARENTS DRAW SCRUTINYKarmelo Anthony's mother, Kayla Hayes, speaks at a press conference in April.
(Next Generation Action Network via Facebook)The earlier campaign was organized by Anthony’s mothe...