New Fundraiser for Karmelo Anthony’s Appeal Launches After $600K Campaign Is Shut Down

Hours after GiveSendGo shut down a campaign that raised more than $600,000 for Karmelo Anthony‘s legal defense and family support, a new one has popped up in its place.

The new fundraiser titled Karmelo Appellate Fund is seeking donations for his appeal, which he filed less than 24 hours after he was convicted of the murder of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf.

“As we prepare for the appellate phase of Karmelo Anthony’s case, we have established a separate Appellate Fund to ensure complete transparency and accountability,” the campaign’s description stated.

Anthony’s mother, Kala Hayes, is listed as the organizer and said the money will be used to support the appeals process, including lawyers, research efforts and more.

“This fund is separate from the original family support fund to eliminate any confusion regarding the purpose and use of donations,” the page continued. “If you believe in due process, fairness, and ensuring that every person has access to a thorough legal process, please consider sharing and supporting this effort.”

Anthony was arrested after fatally stabbing Metcalf at a high school track meet in April 2025. During the trial, prosecutors argued that Anthony stabbed Metcalf after a confrontation erupted when he was asked to leave the team’s tent.

After Anthony’s arrest, a fundraiser was started in an effort to raise money for his legal defense, along with relocation costs for his family. It was pulled from GiveSendGo after he was found guilty and sentenced to 35 years in prison on June 9, and the campaign has since faced renewed scrutiny regarding how the donations were used.