Accused Teen Track Meet Stabber Raises Over $500k for Legal Defense, 'Safe Relocation' Amid Threats

The family of a Texas teenager accused of fatally stabbing another boy says it has raised more than $515,000 for his legal defense and security amid threats they say they’re facing.

Karmelo Anthony, 17, was arrested and charged with murder earlier this month after police allege he stabbed fellow 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during an altercation at a Texas high school track meet on April 2.

The Anthony family says in an online fundraiser that they and their teenage son have received “escalating threats” since the alleged stabbing. The suspect’s family has raised more than $515,000 as of Wednesday morning.

“While legal defense is a critical part of this journey, we want to make it clear that this fund is not solely dedicated to legal expenses,” the Anthony family says in the online fundraiser.

“The funds raised will also support a range of urgent and necessary needs that have emerged as a result of this situation, including — but not limited to — the safe relocation of the Anthony family due to escalating threats to their safety and well-being, as well as basic living costs, transportation, counseling, and other security measures,” the post continues.

News of the fundraiser comes amid rising tensions in the aftermath of Metcalf’s death earlier this month. It also comes in the wake of a deluge of misinformation being spread on social media about the details of the case, police say.

Anthony was released on $250,000 bond earlier this month, PEOPLE previously reported, after having been lowered from $1,000,000.

Anthony’s mother, Karla Hayes, said at the press conference that she and her family have received a number of threats since the alleged murder.

“Whatever you think what happened between Karmelo and the Metcalf boys, my three younger children, my husband and I didn’t do anything to deserve to be threatened, harassed and lied about,” Hayes said. “The lies and false accusations that have been said about us, especially over the past week, has been overwhelming. The lies and their amplification put my family in danger.”

She also addressed the Metcalf family, saying: “To the family who experienced the loss, my heart truly goes out to you.”

The alleged April 2 incident occurred after Metcalf asked Anthony to move out from under a tent that was set up for members of his high school track team, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by PEOPLE.

“Touch me and see what happens,” Anthony allegedly told Metcalf, according to the affidavit.

Metcalf allegedly proceeded to touch Anthony, who then allegedly told Metcalf to punch him and see what happens. Metcalf then allegedly attempted to physically move Anthony from under the tent, according to the affidavit. Anthony is then accused of reaching in his backpack, pulling out a knife, and stabbing Metcalf in the chest.

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The entire altercation lasted less than 30 seconds, according to the affidavit, which also said Anthony allegedly told police “I was protecting myself” as he was being taken into custody, later contending the victim had “put his hands on me” even as he “told him not to.”

An arresting officer referred to Anthony as an “alleged suspect,” per the affidavit, to which Anthony responded, “I’m not alleged, I did it.”