Outrage as Fundraisers Explode for Teen Who Took Life in Track Meet Incident
We’re bringing you the latest on a story that has sparked national outrage. Over the weekend, the sight of multiple online fundraisers for the individual who took the life of a young student athlete at a high school track meet has ignited a firestorm. The incident, stemming from an argument over a seat, resulted in the tragic death of Austin Metcalf, a young man described as a “god-fearing 4.0 student athlete”.
What’s truly shocking is the sheer amount of money pouring into these fundraisers, pushing a narrative that many, including us, find absolutely unbelievable: self-defense. The family of the Texas teenager accused in this case saw over $80,000 raised initially for his defense, a figure that has now ballooned to nearly $200,000.
The Anthony family, through a statement on the crowdfunding platform, claimed that the narrative being spread is “false unjust and harmful“. They established a fund called “Help Carmelo Anthony official fund” to support him and his family during this challenging time. As of the latest reports, this fund has reached $144,800 with a $200,000 goal. It’s hard to believe that someone could seemingly profit after such a devastating event.
Initially, GoFundMe allowed these fundraisers but eventually responded by pulling them. However, the fundraising efforts quickly migrated to GiveSendGo, a platform that has notably hosted fundraising for individuals like Kyle Rittenhouse. The fact that nearly $200,000 has been raised for the accused is, frankly, bonkers.
While the accused’s attorney, Derek Walpole, stated that his client claimed self-defense and that he doesn’t have reason to disbelieve it yet, the details emerging paint a different picture. The accused allegedly threatened the victim by saying, “Make me move and see what happens”. He has admitted to the police that he did it, but claims the victim, Mechaf, put his hands on him first.
The reaction to this fundraising has been intense, with many expressing disbelief and anger. Some online comments supporting Anthony on GiveSendGo cite “self-defense” and “stand your ground”. However, we see absolutely no evidence to support a claim of self-defense in this situation.
Adding another layer of disturbing developments are the vile attempts to smear the victim, Austin Metcalf. Frisco Police have been forced to deny jaw-dropping conspiracy theories circulating online, including fake reports from the medical examiner’s office and false claims about the circumstances of Austin’s death. Anonymous social media accounts have been launched, falsely claiming to be Frisco Police Department and Collin County officials, spreading misinformation in an effort to justify the taking of Austin’s life. These hoax posts have falsely claimed that Metcalf initiated a “mutual combat altercation” or “sucker punched Anthony” and even smashed Anthony’s phone.
Austin’s mother described him as an “amazing kid, so smart” with aspirations of playing college football. He was a leader on his team and loved by many. His twin brother witnessed the tragic event and tried to help him. The community is reeling from this loss, and his mother poignantly noted that the focus should be on supporting the students at the school who loved Austin.
It is truly disheartening to witness such a tragedy compounded by the glorification of the accused through massive online fundraising and the despicable smearing of the victim. We will continue to follow this story as it develops.
