Convicted murderer Carmelo Anthony asserts that he is “penniless” and unable to hire a lawyer for his appeal, even though his family reportedly raised $625,000 through crowdfunding for his legal fees and living costs.
At just 19, Anthony made this statement in an appeal notice following his conviction and 35-year sentence for the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. A report indicates that he filed this notice shortly after his sentencing.
Recently transferred to a Texas prison, Anthony describes himself as “penniless, destitute, indigent,” and too financially strained to afford legal representation for his appeal.
His attorney, Mike Howard, mentioned that the defense has several crucial issues for the appellate court to review. He emphasized that appealing is a fundamental right available to all Americans.
A crowdfunding platform, GiveSendGo, was established by Anthony’s mother but it was closed down on Wednesday. However, there might be plans to start a new account to support his appeal.
It’s uncertain how a judge will weigh the $625,000 raised by his family in deciding if Anthony qualifies as indigent and can benefit from a publicly funded attorney for his appeal.
The money raised isn’t just for legal expenses; it also aims to help relocate Anthony’s family due to threats they’ve received, along with meeting their basic needs and ensuring their safety.
Anthony was found guilty of murdering Metcalf on April 2, 2025, during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas.
During the trial, jurors heard that the two had an altercation when Metcalf, a student from Frisco Memorial High School, asked Anthony, a student from Frisco Centennial High School, to leave the team tent. The disagreement escalated, and after Metcalf pushed Anthony, he pulled out a folding knife and stabbed Metcalf once in the chest.
Anthony has claimed that he acted out of self-defense when he used the knife.
