Karmelo Anthony’s family and attorneys said they remain hopeful as they prepare to appeal his murder conviction and 35-year sentence in the 2025 stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. Anthony’s parents, legal team and supporters gathered at a church in far southeast Dallas to discuss t he appeal and announce a new online fundraiser with a $250,000 goal to help offset legal costs. “We love you, son. We’re going to keep fighting. And this is not over,” Anthony’s father, Andrew Anthony, said. Anthony’s appellate attorneys detailed what they described as a lengthy and historically uphill legal battle ahead in the Fifth Court of Appeals in Dallas. The process is set to begin Oct. 7, followed by the state’s response. Potential delays could stretch the case into the new year. “We are very confident that this case is going to come back,” appellate attorney Sean Daredia said. Attorney Russell Wilson said legal resources can also be a challenge during the process. “At different times you don’t necessarily have the legal resources,” Wilson said. The legal team said it will continue working pro bono despite the new $250,000 fundraising effort. Questions arose during the news conference about hundreds of thousands of dollars raised before Anthony’s first trial and how that money was spent. “I’m just asking because I know people are gonna be asking about like, where did that money go from and y’all are asking for more money?” NBC 5’s Maria Guerrero asked. Dominique Alexander, president of NGAN, objected to questions about the spending. “I can’t speak to, hold on, I can speak to that. We’re not gonna comment on that. We don’t know, like, for instance, I can not speak on all of the information regarding all of those different fees,” Alexander said. “That’s why I’m asking the family,” Guerrero said. “They’re not going to answer that question,” Alexander said. Anthony’s attorneys later said his initial defense costs alone surpassed $300,000. The attorneys also addressed evidence revealed through Anthony’s unsuccessful motion for a new trial, including behavior involving both Metcalf and Anthony. The evidence included allegations of stalking and a reported fascination with fights and knives. Anthony’s parents opted not to address those details. “Of course any family will want context be able to be put to that,” Wilson said. Wilson cautioned that the full story has not yet been told. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication. ...read more read less