KILLER Karmelo Anthony has appealed his murder conviction just hours after a jury sentenced him to 35 years for stabbing teen athlete Austin Metcalf to death.

The appeal comes as Anthony’s family is set to receive more than $635,000 through an online fundraiser launched after the fatal stabbing on April 2, 2025.

 

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Anthony‘s defense team filed a notice of appeal in a Texas court less than 24 hours after the jury delivered its verdict, according to court records obtained by TMZ.

Metcalf, 17, died after suffering a single stab wound to the chest following a confrontation with Anthony under a tent at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas, during a high school track and field event.

Metcalf, a junior at Frisco Memorial High School, died in his twin brother’s arms.

Anthony, who was 17 at the time of the killing, had argued that he acted in self-defense.

Mike Howard, Anthony’s attorney, told TMZ the defense had officially notified the court that it intends to fight the outcome.

“After the conclusion of the trial yesterday, we gave the court our official notice that Karmelo Anthony is filing an appeal,” Howard said.

“We believe there are several important issues for the appellate courts to consider.

“An appeal is the next part of the legal process and a right afforded every American.”

The motion came after Dominique Alexander, an advocate for the Anthony family, said his organization, Next Generation Action Network, put up the first $10,000 for an appellate attorney.

“I respected this process. I allowed and called for peace in this process,” Alexander told reporters after the sentencing phase concluded.

“But Black America should be very upset about what went on today.

“I’m only an advocacy leader. I’m not an attorney. I can only help families navigate these processes when they find themselves in these types of situations.

“I can only allow lawyers to be what they are – lawyers. I can’t instruct them, I can’t stop them from doing anything. I have to respect the process just like anybody else.

“But what we saw today was flawed, unjust, and I can ask that the community continue to pray for the Anthony family.”

Anthony‘s loved ones, including his girlfriend, broke their silence after the 19-year-old was turned over to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

The convicted killer was being held in isolation and away from the general population during his brief stint at Collin County Jail, according to CBS affiliate KTVT.

Valeria Perez expressed her support for her boyfriend in an emotional TikTok post, writing, “Hold your head high, my sweet boy.”

“You’re not alone we’re fighting for you. I love you more than words,” Perez shared along with over a dozen pH๏τos of her and Anthony together throughout their relationship.

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Kala Hayes, Anthony’s mother, vowed to continue fighting for her son, writing in an Instagram story, “But GOD……. The fight is not over.

“It has just BEGUN.”

Anthony’s uncle, Andre Anthony, also posted on Instagram, “What ever [sic] it takes … #FREEMELO.”

Meanwhile, Metcalf’s family was reportedly “very happy” was with the verdict and Anthony’s sentencing, according to TMZ.

The controversial murder conviction sparked an online uproar with supporters claiming Anthony was railroaded by the legal system in Collin County.

Toni Hayes, Anthony’s grandmother, was captured on video yelling, “Racist! Bias!” through the pᴀssenger side window of a black car as a throng of protestors gathered outside Collin County Courthouse on Tuesday.

The U.S. Sun learned on Wednesday that Anthony’s family is set to receive over $635,000 in contributions from an online fundraiser that Hayes created after her son’s arrest.

In a statement to The U.S. Sun, the online fundraising website GiveSendGo said it had closed the Anthony campaign following his conviction.

“This campaign was created to support pre-trial needs, and those funds were disbursed over the past year for lawful purposes including legal defense and family relocation,” the statement read.

“With that stated purpose now complete, the campaign has been closed the funds will be paid out.

“Our policy is that a campaign’s stated purpose stays accurate so givers always know what they are supporting.

“Our prayer is for Austin Metcalf’s family, for all those affected, and for justice, mercy, and peace in our community.”

GiveSendGo founder Jacob Well confirmed in a separate statement that the family will receive the contributions in full.

Before the fundraiser was yanked at around 12:40pm, donations toward Anthony’s legal fund and his family surpᴀssed more than $635,000.

Hundreds of supporters continued to contribute to the cause, which had a goal of $1.39million, including several donors chipping in as much as $200.

The six-figure sum was being raised to pay for Anthony’s legal fees, help in relocating his family, basic living costs, and essential security measures, the organizers wrote.