Karmelo Anthony has yet to withdraw any funds from his $450,000 fundraiser on GiveSendGo, even after his release on a $250,000 bond.
Anthony and his father were recently in the news for purchasing a new house. Many social media detectives speculated that the family utilized the raised money to make the purchase.
However, Jacob Wells, cofounder of GiveSendGo, stated that Karmelo Anthony or his family has not distributed any funds. He cited the policy as the platform requires “clarity from the campaign recipient on use of funds” to ensure donors know the utilisation of their contributions.
This situation comes amidst questions regarding how Anthony managed to pay his bond. And questions were asked on how his family is financing his legal expenses while he faces a first-degree murder charge.
FYI, the judge reduced the amount from $1 million to $250,000.
Anthony went into an altercation with Austin Metcalf before stabbing him to death at a track meet in Frisco, Texas.
Reports also suggest that Anthony is living in a $900,000 rental home.
Wells explained that campaign recipients can typically withdraw the money 72 hours after the donation. He also added that the fundraiser has certain holds in place on campaigns for verification and compliance reasons.
A portion of the funds might also be withheld for potential chargebacks and refunds, particularly in high-profile cases.
Wells noted that all funds raised go directly to the recipients, with GiveSendGo not taking any portion of the donations. It rather allows donors to support the platform to keep it free.
The Judge Who Reduced Karmelo Anthony’s Bond Is Getting Death Threats
While Karmelo Anthony was set free after a reduced bond, the acting judge is dealing with some outrage.
A Texas judge, Angela Tucker, who reduced Anthony’s bond from $1 million to $250,000, has increased her security after receiving threats related to her decision.
The Collin County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating these threats and is attempting to identify the individual responsible. If the person is found, possible charges could include Unlawful Disclosure of a Residence Address or Telephone Number and Obstruction or Retaliation.
Karmelo Anthony is charged with one count of first-degree felony murder. The charge was put on for allegedly stabbing fellow track athlete Austin Metcalf during an argument on April 2. According to reports, the altercation occurred when Metcalf asked Anthony to vacate a tent reserved for his team during a track meet.
This quickly escalated to a confrontation with the teen and led to Metcalf’s death at the hospital after a gruesome stabbing in his heart. Although Anthony confessed to the stabbing, he claimed it was in self-defense.
Due to the fact that Anthony was a minor at the time of the crime, he will not be eligible for the death penalty if convicted.
