A Texas teenager who received nearly $600,000 in public donations after he admitted to killing a boy at a high school track meet is now asking for $1.3 million online. 

The plea for more money comes just weeks before Karmelo Anthony faces a jury on murder charge in a case that made national headlines and been at the center of a racism row.

Anthony, who will turn 19 years old next month, is charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at an April 2025 high school track meet in Frisco, a wealthy suburb north of Dallas. 

A confrontation between Metcalf, 17, and Anthony broke out during a weather delay at the high school event when Metcalf called out Anthony, who did not attend the same school as Metcalf, for sitting under his school’s tent, the Frisco Police Department stated.

Anthony fled after stabbing Metcalf, before police tracked him down and arrested him. He has pleaded not guilty and is claiming self-defense.

When he was being taken into custody, Anthony allegedly told the arresting officer: ‘I’m not alleged. I did it.’ He made the statement as the cop told others Anthony was being arrested for the deadly knife attack, according to Fox 4.

‘He put his hands on me. I told him not to,’ Anthony told the cops as he was handcuffed at Kuykendall Stadium.

The Anthony family has already received $598,543 through an online fundraiser, however, the teen’s parents explained they need more due to the legal cost associated with the trial which is set to start on June 1.

The murder trial for Karmelo Anthony (right)  is set to start June 1. Anthony is on trial for murder in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf (left) at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas in April 2025. Anthony has pleaded not guilty

Karmelo Anthony’s family is asking for over $1.3 million in funds online

‘Now, as the legal process moves forward toward trial, we enter an even more intense phase – one that will demand everything from us emotionally, financially, and spiritually,’ the statement by the Anthony family says.

‘While legal expenses are a significant part of this fund, they are only one part.’ 

Some of the money has also been used to relocate the family after claims they were targeted at their Frisco home.

Neither the Anthony or Metcalf families are able to speak with the media, as the judge presiding over the murder case has issued a gag order to all involved. 

However, a request for comment by the Daily Mail to Anthony’s lawyer went unanswered. 

Anthony had been living in a gated, luxury community called Richwoods in Frisco where his parents rented a $900,000 house.

‘I can’t believe they’re asking for more money,’ one angry resident in the neighborhood complained to the Daily Mail. 

Last year, the Daily Mail revealed that the Anthony family was living in an exclusive enclave with a white Chevy Suburban, a black Acura and a third sedan parked in the driveway.

Now neighbors share that the family moved out months ago, but that they do not know where they went. 

It was reported last year that the family had been moved into hiding following death threats at their home.

Accused teen killer Karmelo Anthony has moved out of the ritzy gated community, Richwoods, in Frisco, Texas where he lived at the time of the fatal stabbing

Anthony’s family had been renting a $900,000 home in the gate community ‘Richwoods’ in Frisco, Texas

The exclusive neighborhood is located within walking distance of Centennial High School where Anthony attended school

‘They left not long after he was released from jail,’ a woman who lives a few houses down told the Daily Mail. 

‘It’s quieted down because there were so many police here for a while.’

Frisco police were often called to the house after Anthony was released from jail, as the parents claimed they were being threatened. 

Another neighbor, who asked that her name be withheld, added that many residents on the street where Anthony lived did not feel comfortable living near an accused murderer. 

‘It’s probably best for everyone that they’re gone,’ she added.

The Metcalf family has also been the victims of fake 911 calls to their home, a friend of the family told the Daily Mail.

‘The caller claimed there was an emergency happening there that wasn’t real,’ the pal said. 

‘The way people have attacked the family, the lies that have been made up.’

Despite the teenage boys not knowing each other, their deadly encounter has stoked racial tensions and generated enormous interest across the country.

Austin Metcalf was stabbed in the chest following a verbal altercation with Karmelo Anthony on April 2, 2025

The altercation between Metcalf and Anthony stemmed from Anthony, who did not attend Memorial High school, sitting under the team tent for Memorial High School students, police have stated

The jail booking photo for Karmelo Anthony taken in April 2025 after he fatally stabbed Austin Metcalf in the chest at a track meet 

The case has become a lightning rod for political debate, with supporters rallying behind Anthony saying he has been treated unfairly due to his race. 

Meanwhile Austin Metcalf’s image has been used by far-right figures including Jake Lang, despite condemnation from Metcalf’s father who said he was creating ‘more race divide than bridging the gap’.

Anthony’s lawyer Mike Howard said last year: ‘The factual and legal issues involved in this case are not about race. The case involves two kids, one white, one black, so it’s understandable that some people would make it about race or discuss it in terms of race.’

With all the public scrutiny, the judge in the murder case has issued an order tightly regulating public conduct during the criminal proceedings. 

‘This Court finds that this case has generated substantial public and media attention and that unrestricted access or activity may compromise courtroom security, juror privacy, and the Defendant’s right to a fair trial,’ the court order obtained by the Daily Mail states.

Judge John Roach Jr. ordered that no recording, broadcasting or photography be allowed in the courtroom during the trial. Additionally, only nine members of credentialed media will be allowed in the court room per day, and the court will decide who is credentialed. 

There will also be strict rules about decorum.

‘All persons present in the courtroom shall remain silent and respectful at all times. No talking, gestures, facial expressions, or other reactions to testimony, rulings or proceedings shall be permitted.’ 

Meanwhile, life has continued for both families involved in this case. 

Austin’s twin brother – who held his brother as he bled out in the stands of the stadium – is set to graduate next month. 

Karmelo Anthony has been under house arrest since he was released from jail a year ago

Karmelo Anthony leaves court in April 2025 after his bond was lowered, in a controversial decision by a judge

A family friend told the Daily Mail that the Frisco Independent School District initially denied the Metcalf parents’ request to read Austin’s name and grant him a diploma. 

Incensed, Metcalf’s parents threatened to go to the media about the district’s decision to exclude Austin from the graduation ceremony. 

As the parents were driving home from the meeting, a district official called and said they had changed their minds and would honor the request. 

In a statement to Daily Mail, Frisco ISD neither confirmed nor denied the version of events told by the Metcalf insider.

‘While we are unable to comment on specific situations, we understand the strong emotions surrounding this issue and the impact it has had on members of our community,’ the statement reads.

‘Upon family request, the District may honor a student who died during their senior year by including their name in the graduation program, and families may coordinate with campus administration for a private presentation of a posthumous diploma.

We recognize that families and community members may have additional requests. Each is considered thoughtfully, with careful attention to the needs of those involved and the sensitive nature of these situations, and not all requests can be accommodated.’

Officials at Anthony’s school made the decision to allow him to graduate even though school district guidelines clearly state that serious criminal charges could result in a student losing the privilege.

Anthony did graduate, however, he was not allowed to walk the stage or attend the ceremony in 2025 – just weeks after Austin’s death.