Karmelo Anthony spokesman slams 'white supremacy' in wake of murder charge as teen sets up $1.4m fundraiser for TRAUMA COUNSELING
Murder suspect Karmelo Anthony's family spokesman has railed against 'white supremacy' after the 17-year-old was indicted for a high school track star's murder.
Spokesman Dominique Alexander pleaded with Anthony's supporters to 'stand with us in the fight against white supremacy' after the teen was indicted for the murder of Austin Metcalf, 17, in Frisco, Texas, in April.
Alexander added: 'To the racists, the bigots, and those filled with hate who've targeted Karmelo, his family, and even myself – you do not intimidate us. We are not backing down.
'This case is yet another example of what it means to be black in America, where even our self-defense is questioned, scrutinized and politicized.
'My involvement – like many others — came as a direct response to the overwhelming hate, threats and outside influence that have surrounded this case since day one.'
Anthony's family insist he was defending himself against Metcalf when he stabbed him to death at a high school track meet. But surveillance footage of the killing at a track meet viewed by Daily Mail appears to show Anthony's attack was unprovoked.
Meanwhile, Anthony's latest court docket has asked for taxpayer-funded legal counsel for his trial - despite a recent fundraiser than raised almost $600,000.
Outrageously, the family raised their fundraising goal to $1.4 million, with the Anthonys saying some of the cash would go on 'trauma counseling.'
The family will continue to use some of the cash for relocation to a 'safe neighborhood', after Daily Mail reported that bought a new car and already live in a sprawling $800,000 home in a gated community.
When Karmelo was indicted this week, his family wrote in an update to the fundraiser that it was an 'unimaginable tragedy' and a 'moment we hoped we would never face.'
Anthony's case divided the nation as his supporters alleged that he is being unfairly prosecuted for murder because he is black, while critics argue there was no reason to fatally stab Metcalf, who was not armed, in the heart.
In April, Anthony was released on house arrest and returned to his family's gated community home after his attorneys successfully reduced his bail.
The bail was initially set at $1 million, and prosecutors argued that his family could use the $439,000 they had fundraised at the time to pay his bail.
His father Andrew Anthony told the court that he didn't have access to the funds at the time, and that he was planning to use the money to pay for his son's defense.
It is unclear why the family cannot use the now-$539,000 they have raised for his defense as they filed the indigent packet in court.
Alongside paying for trauma therapy and relocation, the family also said in their fundraiser that the money would pay for transportation to and from Karmelo's court hearings.
They added that it would be used for enhanced security measures after facing threats and public backlash following Metcalf's death.
'While legal expenses are a significant part of this fund, they are only one part. Our family — a loving, God-fearing family — is simply seeking safety, justice, and peace in these trying times,' they wrote.
The altercation between Anthony and Metcalf happened at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas April 2. Anthony, who does not attend school with Metcalf, sat under Metcalf's school's tent before allegedly stabbing him when told to move
In a previous post to the GiveSendGo back in April, the family clarified that 'while legal defense is a critical part of this journey, we want to make it clear that this fund is not solely dedicated to legal expenses.
'The funds raised will also support a range of urgent and necessary needs that have emerged as a result of this situation, including — but not limited to — the safe relocation of the Anthony family due to escalating threats to their safety and well-being, as well as basic living costs, transportation, counseling, and other security measures,' the fundraiser added.
'We ask for your continued prayers, support, and solidarity. Your contribution not only helps protect and stabilize the family, but also serves as a powerful message of community care and resistance in the face of injustice.'
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