GiveSendGo Cofounder Discusses Intended Use of Funds from Contentious Texas Teen's Legal Campaign
Karmelo Anthony's family's intentions for $500K charitable contributions, unveiled by a fundraising official, following the stabbing at a track meet.
In an exclusive chat with Digital, GiveSendGo co-founder Jacob Wells revealed that his company has maintained contact with the family of Karmelo Anthony, the teenage defendant currently facing charges for a deadly altercation at a track meet.
SENSATIONAL HEADLINE: Controversial fundraiser for Texas track meet suspect raises over half a million dollars
Since the incident on April 2, Karmelo's family has received over $515,000 in donations on the crowdfunding platform, GiveSendGo. The Karmelo Anthony Help Fund has garnered significant attention in recent weeks, sparking debate about the use of funds raised for a suspect who asserts they acted in self-defense.
The campaign still has not achieved its $600,000 goal, suggesting that funds have yet to be paid out.
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Wells shared that GiveSendGo's internal team is constantly communicating with the Anthony family concerning the allocation of funds upon receipt. According to Wells, the family has made it clear that the majority of funds will go towards Karmelo's legal defense. In addition, the funds will be utilized to provide the family with much-needed security and secure lodging.
"We're talking about something like $3,000 a month for their rent for the next year or so," Wells said. "They were renting before and continue to do so."
Wells refrained from sharing further specifics on the family's expenditure plans.
*CO-FOUNDER DISAPPPROVES OF HOSTING SUSPECT'S FUNDRAISER, DECLARES SOME DONORS 'WRONG'*
When contacted for comment, the family's attorney and spokesperson, Dominique Alexander of Next Generation Action Network (NGAN), was unavailable for immediate response.
The fundraiser's campaign description has been updated since its inception to clarify that, while legal defense is paramount, other essential needs will also be addressed, such as safe relocation and living expenses. Originally, the purpose of the funds was not explicitly disclosed.
"We emailed everyone who contributed… because there was some confusion at first about whether this was specifically a legal defense fund or not," Wells said. "They updated their campaign to explain how they'll be using the funds, and we sent out an email to everyone who donated, informing them about the updated funds allocation and offering the opportunity to request a refund."
However, no one requested a refund.
*INCIDENT VICTIM'S HOME SWATted AFTER EMOTIONAL PRESS CONFERENCE SHOWDOWN*
Earlier this month, the Metcalf family has been targeted by swatting incidents[4], as confirmed by the Frisco Police Department. Swatting is a malicious practice where a fake emergency call is placed to the authorities, prompting police and even SWAT teams to respond to a specified location.
Anthony reportedly admitted to the stabbing when he was apprehended by a school resource officer shortly following the attack[5]. Initially, he claimed that he did not act alone but later stated, "I'm not alleged. I did it." He also expressed concern for Metcalf's condition and inquired whether his actions could be considered self-defense.
Jackson Thompson is a sports journalist for Digital, joining us after stints with ESPN and Business Insider. Thompson has covered premier events such as the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, having interviewed legends like Usain Bolt, Rob Gronkowski, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman, Mike Trout, David Ortiz, and Roger Clemens.
- Despite the controversy, Karmelo Anthony's fundraising campaign on GiveSendGo has reached over $515,000, intended mainly for his legal defense and securing family needs.
- In an exclusive interview, GiveSendGo co-founder Jacob Wells confirmed that the funds will also cover family expenses such as rent and security costs.
- However, the initial purpose of the fundraiser was not explicitly disclosed, leading to some donor confusion, which was later addressed by the campaign update and a follow-up email from GiveSendGo.
- Amidst the fundraising efforts, the Metcalf family, the victims of the track meet altercation, has been targeted by swatting incidents, a malicious practice confirmed by the Frisco Police Department.
- The sports journalism division of Digital, where reports about crime-and-justice, general-news, and sports, including sports-betting, are covered, continues to monitor the situation closely.
