Karmelo Anthony is asking the court to appoint an attorney for his appeal after claiming he cannot afford legal representation. The request comes shortly after his 35-year murder sentence and is now drawing attention because of newly reviewed public records involving his parents.
Anthony, 19, was convicted by a Collin County jury for the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, on April 2, 2025. Earlier this month, he was sentenced to 35 years in prison.
Just days after sentencing, Anthony filed paperwork asking for a taxpayer-funded lawyer to handle his appeal. In the filing, he described himself as “penniless, destitute, and indigent.”
That claim has raised new questions because a fundraiser created on Anthony’s behalf brought in more than $633,000 before it was removed from public view after his conviction. The campaign was launched less than two weeks after Metcalf’s death.
The GiveSendGo fundraiser was created to support Anthony and his family as the case gained national attention. Organizers said donations were meant to help the family navigate the legal and personal fallout.
Previous reports said the money was expected to help with legal fees, relocation expenses, and other costs connected to the case. GiveSendGo later stated that the funds were distributed for lawful purposes, including legal defense and family relocation.
Now, public records reviewed by Fox News Digital show that Anthony’s parents, Andrew Anthony III and Kala Hayes, have been connected to multiple business entities in Texas and Louisiana.
One of those companies, Angelic Obsessions LLC, was originally formed in Louisiana in July 2021. Records show its registration was revoked in November 2024, making it inactive in that state.
The same company later became active in Texas on April 26, 2025. That was 24 days after the fatal stabbing and shortly after Anthony’s arrest.
The Texas filing lists Andrew Anthony III as the registered agent. It also uses an Arlington, Texas, address as the company’s registered office.
Another business connected to Anthony’s parents, Exclusive Luxury Services LLC, was formed in Louisiana in 2016. Records show that company went through several administrative changes over the years.
Exclusive Luxury Services was revoked in 2019, reinstated in 2020, and revoked again in November 2023. After that, it became inactive.
The records do not show that either company received money from the fundraiser. They also do not prove that either business generated income, held assets, or played any role in Anthony’s legal defense.
Anthony’s parents have not been accused of wrongdoing or charged with any crime. Andrew Anthony III declined to comment when contacted about the records.
The appeal now moves forward with questions still surrounding the fundraiser, Anthony’s claim of being unable to pay for counsel, and whether any remaining money is available for his legal case. For many watching the case, the timing of the business filing has added another layer of scrutiny to a legal battle that is far from over.
