Frisco, TX — The family of Karmelo Anthony, the 17-year-old accused of fatally stabbing high school football standout Austin Metcalf, is facing mounting public scrutiny after reportedly spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on luxury items and accommodations—despite claiming financial hardship in a recent bond hearing.
According to reports, Anthony’s family used a portion of the over $500,000 raised via online donations—meant to support his legal defense—to purchase a Cadillac Escalade valued at approximately $150,000, and rent a $900,000 home in the exclusive gated community of Richwoods in Frisco, Texas. The reported rent on the home is approximately $3,500 per month.
This revelation comes just days after Anthony was released from jail on a reduced bond of $250,000, down from the original $1 million, after his legal team argued the family could not afford the higher amount due to financial constraints. That request was granted by the court, and Anthony was subsequently released pending trial.
However, images and firsthand accounts obtained by the Daily Mail tell a different story. Observers spotted a white Chevrolet Suburban, a black Acura, and another sedan parked outside the luxury rental home where Anthony is currently staying. The residence is located in one of Frisco’s most affluent neighborhoods, known for its upscale amenities and tight security.
The backlash has been swift and intense. Critics argue that funds donated by concerned citizens to help with Anthony’s legal defense appear to have been used, at least in part, for personal luxury rather than strictly legal costs. Social media has lit up with commentary, with many calling for transparency and even a formal investigation into how the donations are being managed.
While GoFundMe, the popular platform where many such defense fundraisers are hosted, has not publicly commented on the case, its terms of service do state that funds must be used for the purpose outlined in the campaign. If donations were indeed redirected toward luxury living arrangements and vehicles, this could violate the platform’s policy—and potentially result in refunds or other corrective action.
Meanwhile, the family of Austin Metcalf continues to mourn the loss of a young man described as a rising star in football and a beloved member of the community. Metcalf was reportedly stabbed to death at a high school track meet earlier this month following an altercation. Witnesses say the incident escalated quickly, ending with the fatal attack that claimed the 17-year-old’s life.
Anthony now faces serious charges, including first-degree murder, and is scheduled to appear in court in the coming weeks. Prosecutors have not yet indicated whether they will seek to try him as an adult.
For many in the community, the optics of the situation have added insult to injury. The juxtaposition of a grieving family preparing for a trial and funeral, while the accused’s family seemingly thrives in luxury, has sparked outrage and calls for justice—both in the courtroom and in the court of public opinion.
As the case continues to unfold, authorities have not ruled out the possibility of investigating the financial activity surrounding Anthony’s defense fund. Legal experts say if misrepresentation or fraud is discovered, there could be legal consequences beyond the original murder case.
At this time, Anthony’s legal team has not responded to requests for comment regarding the family’s financial choices or the status of the donation funds.
This case remains under investigation, and further developments are expected.