MCKINNEY, Texas – Karmelo Anthony, who was recently found guilty of murder, is requesting a state-funded attorney for his appeal, citing financial hardship. Meanwhile, newly examined public documents reveal that his parents established a business entity in Texas shortly after the tragic stabbing of Austin Metcalf.
The records do not indicate any connection between the business and any fundraising efforts. Notably, Anthony’s parents are not facing any accusations of misconduct nor have they been charged with any crimes.
Earlier this month, a jury in Collin County sentenced the 19-year-old Anthony to 35 years behind bars for the murder of Metcalf. The fatal incident occurred on April 2, 2025, during a high school track meet in Frisco.
Following his sentencing, Anthony submitted a request for court-appointed legal representation for his appeal. In his request, he described himself as “penniless, destitute, and indigent,” claiming he lacks the means to hire a lawyer for his appeal process.
Karmelo Anthony is pictured after being transferred to the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and transported to the Pack Unit near Navasota, Texas. (Texas Department of Criminal Justice)
Anthony’s request comes after a GiveSendGo campaign launched on his behalf on April 15, 2025 — less than two weeks after Metcalf’s death — raised $633,908 before being removed from public view following Anthony’s conviction.
Organizers said the fundraiser was created to support Anthony and his family as they navigated the legal battle.
“We are grateful for your support during this incredibly difficult time for Karmelo Anthony and his family,” organizers wrote. “This fundraiser has been established to provide comprehensive assistance to the Anthony family as they navigate the many challenges surrounding Karmelo’s case.”
The online fundraiser for Karmelo Anthony and his family, organized by his mother, has been scrubbed from the GiveSendGo website. (GiveSendGo)
As News Media previously reported, fundraiser organizers said donations would help cover legal expenses, family relocation costs and other needs that arose as the case drew national attention. GiveSendGo later said the funds were distributed for lawful purposes, including legal defense and family relocation expenses.
Public records reviewed by News Media show Anthony’s parents, Andrew Anthony III and Kala Hayes, have been connected to multiple business entities in Louisiana and Texas.
Louisiana records show Angelic Obsessions LLC was formed in July 2021 and later became inactive after being revoked by the Louisiana Secretary of State in November 2024.
ONLINE FUNDRAISER FOR TEXAS TRACK MEET STABBING SUSPECT NEARS $150K
Kala Hayes speaks at a press conference on April 17, 2025, after her son Karmelo Anthony was charged with murdering Austin Metcalf. (Next Generation Action Network)
Texas records show Angelic Obsessions LLC became active in Texas on April 26, 2025, 24 days after the fatal stabbing that led to Anthony’s arrest. The filing lists Andrew Anthony III as the registered agent and an Arlington address as the company’s registered office.
Separate Louisiana records show Exclusive Luxury Services LLC, another entity connected to Anthony’s parents, was formed in 2016 and later experienced multiple administrative actions, including a revocation in 2019, reinstatement in 2020 and a second revocation in November 2023, after which the company became inactive.
The records reviewed by News Media do not indicate whether either company generated revenue, maintained assets or played any role in the family’s finances during the criminal case. The filings also do not show whether fundraiser proceeds were ever distributed to either business entity.
Andrew Anthony III declined to comment.
News Media has reached out to GiveSendGo seeking clarification regarding the disposition of the fundraiser proceeds, whether any money remains available and what safeguards were used to ensure compliance with company policies.
News Media has also sought comment from Anthony’s defense team regarding the fundraiser, Anthony’s request for court-appointed counsel and whether any funds remain available to finance his appeal.
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