A Texas jury has sentenced 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony to 35 years in prison following his conviction in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in 2025. The verdict and sentence were delivered after jurors rejected Anthony’s defense arguments and found him guilty of murder.

In the days since the sentencing, social media has been flooded with claims that Anthony’s parents allegedly rejected a plea agreement in order to continue raising money through online fundraising campaigns. However, there is currently no verified evidence supporting those allegations. Reports examining the rumors have noted that the claims remain speculative and have not been confirmed by court records or official statements from prosecutors, defense attorneys, or the family.

The case has drawn national attention not only because of the crime itself but also because of a crowdfunding campaign established to ᴀssist Anthony’s family. The fundraiser reportedly raised more than $600,000 and was described as supporting legal expenses as well as other family-related needs during the legal proceedings.

Following Anthony’s conviction, questions about the fundraiser intensified online. Some critics alleged that financial considerations may have influenced legal decisions in the case. However, no court filing, public statement, or verified report has established that a plea offer was rejected for fundraising purposes.

Meanwhile, Anthony’s legal team has filed an appeal challenging the conviction and sentence. Court filings indicate that he is seeking appellate review of issues raised during the trial.

The sentencing brought an emotional conclusion to the trial phase of a case that has generated intense public debate. Members of Austin Metcalf’s family delivered victim impact statements, while Anthony’s family asked the jury for leniency before the sentence was announced.

Although the 35-year sentence is now official, questions surrounding fundraising efforts, appeal proceedings, and online rumors continue to attract attention. At present, claims that a plea deal was rejected in order to preserve fundraising income remain unverified and should be treated as speculation rather than established fact.