The case of Karmelo Anthony, the 17-year-old Texas teen charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing death of Austin Metcalf at a Frisco high school track meet, continues to generate controversy and misinformation. Recent developments, including rumors of an FBI raid on Anthony’s parents’ home, allegations of a massive fundraising scam, and potential federal hate crime charges, have fueled online speculation. This article aims to separate fact from fiction, providing a clear picture of the latest updates in this high-profile case.

Background of the Case

On April 2, 2025, Karmelo Anthony, a student at Frisco Centennial High School, was arrested for the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, a junior at Frisco Memorial High School, during a track meet altercation. The incident, which stemmed from a dispute over a seat in a tent, ended in tragedy when Anthony allegedly stabbed Metcalf, who died in his twin brother’s arms. Anthony, now 18, has claimed self-defense, but a Collin County grand jury indicted him for first-degree murder in June 2025. He was released on a reduced $250,000 bond and is currently under house arrest.

Since the incident, the case has attracted significant attention, exacerbated by confusion with former NBA star Carmelo Anthony, who is unrelated. The Anthony family has faced harassment and threats, prompting their relocation to an undisclosed location for safety. Meanwhile, the case has sparked debates about Texas’ “concurrent jurisdiction” laws, which allow prosecutors to charge minors as adults without judicial oversight, disproportionately affecting Black and brown youth.

Debunking the FBI Raid Rumors

Recent YouTube videos and social media posts have claimed that the FBI raided the home of Karmelo Anthony’s parents, with sensational titles suggesting involvement in a $2 million fraud case “‘Karmelo Anthony’s Parents’ Mansion Raided: Agents in $2 Million Fraud Case” and even alleging they were “secret buyers of a $30 million mansion.” These claims, which have garnered thousands of views, lack any credible evidence. No official reports from law enforcement or reputable news outlets confirm an FBI raid or fraud investigation involving Anthony’s parents. These stories appear to be “AI slop”—sensationalized, algorithm-driven content designed to attract clicks without substantiation.

While Anthony’s father, Charleston White, has faced fraud allegations in the past, there is no evidence linking him or the family to a current FBI investigation. The spread of these rumors highlights the dangers of misinformation in high-profile cases, where unverified claims can amplify public confusion and harm those involved.

The Fundraising Scam Allegations

A more substantiated controversy involves a fundraising scam linked to Karmelo Anthony’s legal defense fund. Sarah Fields, an investigative journalist, recently exposed a scheme orchestrated by Anne Carol, a convicted fraudster with a history of deceit. Carol, who served a 15-year sentence for faking a cancer diagnosis to defraud her church, neighbors, and family of $60,000, allegedly infiltrated Anthony’s support network under the pseudonym “Nick Bella.”

Carol claimed to have donated a significant sum to Anthony’s GiveSendGo campaign, which has raised over $549,000 for his legal defense. She further fabricated a Frisco ISD badge and a donation receipt to bolster her credibility, even claiming access to security footage from the track meet. Carol also launched a Shopify store selling Carmelo Anthony merchandise, including jerseys priced at $30-$40, purportedly to raise funds for the family. However, investigations revealed that she had no intention of forwarding the proceeds to the Anthonys.

During a TikTok livestream hosted by podcaster AFG Bay Boy, Carol’s true identity was exposed. She briefly appeared in the chat before disappearing, and attempts were made to falsely claim she was in the ICU. Carol’s actions are particularly disturbing given her history, which includes writing love letters to Chris Watts, a convicted murderer serving life for killing his pregnant wife and children. Her TikTok account, named after Watts’ deceased children, underscores the extent of her manipulative behavior.

Potential Federal Hate Crime Charges

Another significant development is the possibility of federal hate crime charges against Karmelo Anthony. According to posts on X, the Department of Justice (DOJ) under President Donald Trump is reviewing the case for potential escalation. While no charges have been filed, the DOJ’s interest stems from the circumstances surrounding the stabbing, though specific details remain unclear due to Anthony and Metcalf’s ages and the complexities of federal statutes. These claims, reported by conservative commentators like Benny Johnson, have not been independently verified by mainstream outlets, and their validity remains uncertain.

Lawsuit Against Anthony’s Support Network

Adding to the chaos, a lawsuit has been filed against Charleston White, Karmelo’s father, and Tiffany McAdoo (known as Tiffany Billions), who are accused of making defamatory statements and harassing individuals reporting on the case. The lawsuit, initiated by Sarah Fields, demands that White and McAdoo retract their statements, remove related content, issue public apologies, and cease further defamatory comments. White’s response, which included inflammatory remarks, suggests he is unlikely to comply, potentially escalating the legal battle. Fields’ own GiveSendGo campaign, aimed at funding her legal efforts, has raised $21,500 of its $25,000 goal.

The allegations against White and McAdoo include claims that they spread false narratives about the stabbing, including a baseless assertion that Metcalf provoked Anthony by mocking his physical attributes. These statements have further inflamed tensions, contributing to the polarized discourse surrounding the case.

The Broader Context

The Karmelo Anthony case highlights broader issues in the digital age, including the rapid spread of misinformation and the exploitation of tragedies for personal gain. The fundraising scam orchestrated by Anne Carol underscores the vulnerability of crowdfunding platforms, where bad actors can manipulate public sympathy. Similarly, the unverified FBI raid rumors demonstrate how sensationalized content can distort public perception, particularly in emotionally charged cases.

The potential for federal hate crime charges, while speculative, reflects the case’s racial and social undertones, given the disproportionate impact of Texas’ direct-file laws on minority youth. The lawsuit against White and McAdoo further illustrates the contentious nature of the case, where personal agendas and public narratives collide.

Conclusion

As the Karmelo Anthony case progresses, separating fact from fiction remains critical. The FBI raid rumors are unfounded, driven by clickbait content with no basis in reality. The fundraising scam, however, is a tangible issue, with Anne Carol’s actions exposing the risks of unchecked crowdfunding. The potential for federal hate crime charges and the ongoing lawsuit against Anthony’s support network add further complexity, ensuring that this case will remain in the spotlight. For now, the public is urged to approach unverified claims with skepticism and rely on credible sources to understand the truth behind this tragic and divisive case.