The family and attorneys of Karmelo Anthony gathered at a southeast Dallas church to announce plans to appeal his murder conviction and outline a new fundraising campaign aimed at covering legal costs during what could be a lengthy court battle.
Anthony was convicted in the 2025 stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf and sentenced to 35 years in prison. His appellate legal team expressed confidence that the conviction would be overturned through the Fifth Court of Appeals in Dallas.
The appeal process is scheduled to begin October 7 with the state expected to file its response afterward. Attorneys warned that potential delays could push proceedings into 2025.
“We are very confident that this case is going to come back” appellate attorney Sean Daredia told those gathered at the news conference.
A new online fundraiser with a goal of $250,000 has been launched to help offset the costs of the appeal. The legal team stated they would continue working pro bono even as the campaign seeks donations from supporters.
Questions arose during the event about hundreds of thousands of dollars previously raised before Anthony’s first trial and how those funds were used. Community organizer Dominique Alexander of NGAN declined to address the spending and blocked the family from responding to those questions as well.
Anthony’s attorneys later clarified that the initial defense costs alone exceeded $300,000. Attorney Russell Wilson acknowledged that access to legal resources can become a significant challenge throughout the appeals process.
Anthony’s father Andrew Anthony addressed his son directly during the gathering expressing unwavering support. “We love you son. We’re going to keep fighting. And this is not over” he said.
The legal team also addressed new evidence that surfaced during an unsuccessful motion for a new trial. That evidence included allegations involving both Anthony and victim Austin Metcalf including claims of stalking behavior and a reported fascination with fights and knives.
Anthony’s parents chose not to speak to those specific details during the event. Wilson stated that the full picture of what happened has not yet been presented publicly and that context surrounding the evidence still needs to be heard.
The appeal represents a significant legal undertaking for the Anthony family as they push back against a conviction that carries a decades-long prison sentence for the then-teenager.
