Convicted killer Karmelo Anthony claims he is 'penniless' in appeal despite major donor-funded legal campaign

yahoo ^ | June 11, 2026 | Julia Bonavita, Michael Ruiz

[xxqqzz]

Karmelo Anthony, the Texas man convicted of stabbing a star athlete to death at a high school track meet, is asking the court to appoint a free public defender for his appeal, despite his family raising more than a half million dollars in funds for his legal fees. ...

In the days following his conviction, Anthony filed a notice of appeal of the guilty verdict and requested a court-appointed public defender, claiming that he is a "penniless, destitute and indigent person" that is "too poor to employ counsel," according to court documents ...

The request from Anthony comes after a GiveSendGo fundraiser created to help pay for his legal fees and other expenses raised around $634,000 – nearly half of its $1.4 million goal.

... "While legal defense is a critical part of this journey, we want to make it clear that this fund is not solely dedicated to legal expenses. The funds raised will also support a range of urgent and necessary means that have emerged as a result of the situation, including – but not limited to – the safe relocation of the Anthony family due to escalating threats to their safety and well-being, as well as basic living costs, transportation, counseling, and other security measures."

Convicted Killer Karmelo Anthony's Family Used Fundraiser Money For Moving And Living Expenses ...

According to GiveSendGo's website, fundraisers created to aid in legal defense costs for violent charges "must clearly state that all funds raised are intended solely for legal defense costs."

"Fundraisers in this category cannot be used to raise funds for personal support, living expenses, or other purposes alongside legal defense," the website stated.

Additionally, funds must be sent directly to a licensed attorney involved in the defense, and cannot be distributed to the defendant or organizer.

---

TOPICS:
KEYWORDS: karmelo; karmeloanthony; prison; texas

[xxqqzz]

That legal defense was maybe OK with the horrible facts of the case, but no way they spent $600K on that. Parents apparently spent most of the money raised on a new Cadillac, a fancy house, etc. Family says they used some of the money for moving and living costs.

[albie]

Boy did the family luck out to have a son that murdered a boy in cold blood so they can have a new car and stuff!!!

[equaviator]

Never has it been assumed by so few to be owed so much from so many.

[srmanuel]

How truthful this is I’m not sure, but I’ve read that Lebron James is sending $500,000 to his legal defense fund in order to fund an appeal.

James stated an appeal is required for an obvious case of self-defense.

[quantim]

Clearly a narcissist psychopath, a complete void of any conscious. Have fun in the prison shower. Fair guess he gets shanked by a white guy lifer, Karmelo started it.

[Organic Panic]

And precious Karmelo has a stream of photos he posted online of him flashing multiple guns, wads of cash, and of course, gang signs.

But congratulations to your family, Karmelo. You won the ghetto lottery for your grifting loser family without having to be killed by the police.

[SaveFerris]

[Convicted killer Karmelo Anthony claims he is 'penniless']

[55Ford]

“Convicted Killer Karmelo Anthony’s Family Used Fundraiser Money For Moving And Living Expenses ...” Translation - Hookers & Blow

[xxqqzz]

Not hookers and blow. A new high end Cadillac and a new expensive house. It was moving expenses.

[srmanuel]

Again, I’m not sure of this but I read that Anthony’s parents did not show up for sentencing or when victim impact statements were read.

I take that as, you are on your own for the next 35 years, we’ll get a few suckers to pony up a lot of money to fund an appeal, we’ll keep the majority and say we are doing everything we can to get a new trial.

[Oscar in Batangas]

Who knew that becoming a murderer could be turned into a money making operation??

[Renkluaf]

That’s what happens when you piss away all the money raised for your “defense”.

[EVO X]

Not hookers and blow. A new high end Cadillac and a new expensive house. It was moving expenses.

The reports I've read suggest they were renting. How much can rent be in Frisco, Tx? You can rent a lot of house for $5K a month in that area. A tricked out Escalade may cost $100K. Toss in another $100K for living expenses. Where did the other $300K go? I doubt the lawyers to it. I am thinking $50K, a $100K at monst.

[sushiman]

Moving expenses . They moved the new Cadillac to the new house !

[Kudsman]

Bling.

[Jolla]

Indigent hell - we are paying for his security, 3 meals, medical, heck, I even like his new haircut.

[LuxAerterna]

His parents should be charged with fraud.

[Ann Archy]

KILLER GRIFTER!!

[Merrick]

Who didn’t? This is far from the first time.

[nuconvert]

I thought they took it down after he was found guilty..