Karmelo Anthony claims he's penniless as business records tied to parents draw scrutiny
MCKINNEY, Texas – As convicted killer Karmelo Anthony seeks a taxpayer-funded attorney for his appeal after claiming he is "penniless," newly reviewed public records show his parents activated a Texas business entity less than a month after the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf.
The records do not establish that any fundraiser proceeds were routed through the company. Anthony's parents have not been accused of any wrongdoing or charged with a crime.
Anthony, 19, was sentenced earlier this month to 35 years in prison after a Collin County jury convicted him of murder in the April 2, 2025, stabbing death of Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco.
Days after sentencing, Anthony filed paperwork seeking court-appointed counsel for his appeal. In the filing, Anthony described himself as a "penniless, destitute, and indigent person, too poor to employ counsel to represent me on the appeal."
Anthony's request comes after a GiveSendGo campaign launched on his behalf on April 15, 2025 — less than two weeks after Metcalf's death — raised $633,908 before being removed from public view following Anthony's conviction.
Organizers said the fundraiser was created to support Anthony and his family as they navigated the legal battle.
"We are grateful for your support during this incredibly difficult time for Karmelo Anthony and his family," organizers wrote. "This fundraiser has been established to provide comprehensive assistance to the Anthony family as they navigate the many challenges surrounding Karmelo's case."
AUSTIN METCALF FAMILY FACING THREATS, FINANCIAL STRAIN AS KARMELO ANTHONY FUNDRAISING DRAWS SCRUTINY
As Fox News Digital previously reported, fundraiser organizers said donations would help cover legal expenses, family relocation costs and other needs that arose as the case drew national attention. GiveSendGo later said the funds were distributed for lawful purposes, including legal defense and family relocation expenses.
Public records reviewed by Fox News Digital show Anthony's parents, Andrew Anthony III and Kala Hayes, have been connected to multiple business entities in Louisiana and Texas.
Louisiana records show Angelic Obsessions LLC was formed in July 2021 and later became inactive after being revoked by the Louisiana Secretary of State in November 2024.
ONLINE FUNDRAISER FOR TEXAS TRACK MEET STABBING SUSPECT NEARS $150K
Texas records show Angelic Obsessions LLC became active in Texas on April 26, 2025, 24 days after the fatal stabbing that led to Anthony's arrest. The filing lists Andrew Anthony III as the registered agent and an Arlington address as the company's registered office.
Separate Louisiana records show Exclusive Luxury Services LLC, another entity connected to Anthony's parents, was formed in 2016 and later experienced multiple administrative actions, including a revocation in 2019, reinstatement in 2020 and a second revocation in November 2023, after which the company became inactive.
The records reviewed by Fox News Digital do not indicate whether either company generated revenue, maintained assets or played any role in the family's finances during the criminal case. The filings also do not show whether fundraiser proceeds were ever distributed to either business entity.
Andrew Anthony III declined to comment.
Fox News Digital has reached out to GiveSendGo seeking clarification regarding the disposition of the fundraiser proceeds, whether any money remains available and what safeguards were used to ensure compliance with company policies.
Fox News Digital has also sought comment from Anthony's defense team regarding the fundraiser, Anthony's request for court-appointed counsel and whether any funds remain available to finance his appeal.