Family launches $250,000 fundraiser for Karmelo Anthony's appeal

A family-led fundraising effort in Dallas aims to raise $250,000 to finance the appeal of 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony, who is serving a 35-year sentence for the 2023 murder of a fellow student. The appeal follows a recent court decision that denied his request for a new trial. Attorney Russell Wilson told reporters the money will be placed in an attorney-trust account and used solely for legal fees, expert witnesses, transcripts and related expenses. "I think there's a misconception that the motion for new trial denial would have ended an appeal," Wilson said, adding that the process could extend beyond a year.

The new campaign follows an earlier GiveSendGo drive launched in April 2025 that collected $633,908 before being closed after the conviction. That fundraiser, organized by Anthony's mother, had originally targeted $1.4 million and listed a range of uses, including legal defense, family relocation and basic living costs. GiveSendGo reported that the prior contributions were disbursed for lawful purposes, such as legal fees and moving expenses, and that the campaign was concluded once its stated goals were met.

Civil-rights activist Dominique Alexander, who has spoken for the family, rejected allegations that the earlier money was spent on a car or house, describing such claims as false. He said the original funds also helped the family relocate for safety after receiving threats. Public records show Anthony's parents are linked to business entities in Louisiana and Texas, but no evidence has been presented that those entities received money from the fundraiser.

Anthony has described himself in court filings as indigent and unable to afford counsel for the appeal. He remains in custody while the appellate process proceeds.