Anthony’s legal team has reportedly begun the appeals process
Following the verdict, GiveSendGo, a crowdsourcing platform that allows fundraising for those involved in criminal cases, confirmed that the “Help Karmelo Anthony Official Fund” had been closed since it was originally established to support Anthony’s legal costs, and the funds had already been distributed.
“The fundraiser was supported to support pre-trial needs, and those funds were disbursed over the last year,” read a statement to The NY Post. “With that stated purpose complete, the fundraiser has been closed.”
The platform added that a fundraiser does not constitute an endorsement of a defendant or their actions.
“Hosting a campaign has never been an endorsement of a person, their actions, their legal arguments, or their public statements,” GiveSendGo’s statement read. “It is not a declaration of innocence and it is not a political statement. GiveSendGo provides access to lawful fundraising, which we extend across the full spectrum of cases,” it added. “Our hearts are with Austin’s family, his twin brother, and everyone grieving a loss that no verdict can undo.”
Although the original campaign has been removed, Anthony’s legal team has reportedly begun the appeals process. In its statement, GiveSendGo indicated that the family could launch another fundraiser to help cover appellate legal expenses, provided it complies with the platform’s terms of service.
“The family will be able to set up a new campaign if they desire as long as it aligns with our terms of service,” the company said.
The case has fueled national debate over race, criminal justice, and online fundraising. Anthony’s supporters and family members have argued that the Black teenager faced disproportionate scrutiny for the killing of a white student. The controversy was further amplified by the composition of the jury, which did not include any Black jurors.
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Source: Black Enterprise
