Did Karmelo Anthony’s family use GiveSendGo funds to buy a house? Fact-checking rumors after a guilty verdict
Carmelo Anthony accused of stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf During a track meet in Frisco, Texas. A jury found him guilty on Tuesday murder in this case. As news of the verdict spread, questions about previous social media claims about his family’s fundraising spending continued to gain traction online.
In April 2025, rumors began to circulate on social media that the family of 17-year-old Carmelo Anthony used donations to purchase a new house and car. The claim was widely circulated on X and Facebook, with some posts claiming the family purchased a “$900,000 home” and a brand new car.
A viral post by Some social media users specifically claimed that the family purchased a Cadillac Escalade.
Has the family received any funds raised?
Anthony’s family held an official fundraiser on GiveSendGo, which raised nearly $500,000. However, Anthony’s family said they had not received any money from the fundraiser when the rumors broke.
Also read: Who is Collin County Judge John Roach Jr. presiding over Carmelo Anthony’s murder trial?
During an April 17 press conference, Anthony’s mother, Kala Hayes, said suggestions that the family used donations to purchase a home or other items were “completely false.” Hayes said the family had not received “a penny” from the GiveSendGo fundraiser at the time. She added that they had only recently been informed that the withdrawal process could begin, but it would still take several days to receive the money.
What does GiveSendGo confirm?
According to TMZ, GiveSendGo co-founder Jacob Wells confirmed that Anthony’s family did not withdraw any money from the fundraiser. Wells confirmed the same information directly to Snopes via email. Wells told Snopes that Anthony’s family has not received any money from the campaign. Since the funds have not yet been withdrawn, there is no evidence that the funds raised were used to purchase a house or car.
Reports also mention a possible GoFundMe campaign involving anthony. However, GoFundMe says a fundraiser for the legal defense of someone accused of violent crimes violates its policies. GoFundMe said the fundraiser has been canceled and donations will be refunded. The company said Anthony’s family will not be able to access any GoFundMe funds until those events are cancelled.
Anthony’s family’s GiveSendGo page says the money was used for a variety of needs, not just legal expenses. According to the fundraising page, planned uses include legal defense, relocation expenses, living expenses, transportation, counseling and security measures. The fundraising page says relocation may be necessary due to safety concerns and threats to the family. Hayes said her family was faced with lies and misinformation that put her husband and young children at risk.
Where did the house rumors begin?
The house and car allegations appear to stem primarily from an article published in the Daily Mail on April 16. The outlet reported that Anthony’s family lived in a house in a gated community. Reports indicate the property the family lives in is worth approximately $900,000.
However, the Daily Mail article did not directly state that the donation was used to purchase the property. The article also reported that the family rented the home rather than owning it. The Daily Mail’s report relied in part on comments from an unnamed neighbor. Neighbors questioned why the family, who live in an expensive neighborhood, were still seeking donations. The neighbor was not identified in the report.
Do you have proof of new car purchase?
Snopes found that court records listed an address in the same neighborhood as Anthony’s discussed by The Daily. Real estate websites estimate the property’s value at more than $850,000. However, a high property value does not justify the family’s purchase of the home.
There was no evidence that expensive deliveries, luxury purchases or new cars had arrived at the residence. There is no credible evidence that the family used the fundraising funds to purchase a new Cadillac Escalade, a new car or a home.
Anthony’s father reportedly said the family was unable to obtain funding from GiveSendGo at the time. Snopes concluded there was no evidence Anthony’s family used fundraising funds to buy a house or car. Snopes also discovered that GiveSendGo confirmed that no funds had been withdrawn at the time the rumors circulated. Because these accusations are not supported by reliable evidence.
