(TJV NEWS) Several GoFundMe campaigns raising money for Karmelo Anthony — the 17-year-old charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing death of Austin Metcalf — have been taken offline after raising more than $16,000, Post Millennial reported.

Anthony’s bond has been set at $1 million, and he has reportedly claimed self-defense in the deadly incident. In response, a wave of online fundraisers quickly popped up claiming to support his legal defense. Many of these campaigns — organized under names like “Delores Martin” and “LaDarren Dewayne Trump” — portrayed Anthony as a model student and athlete, with one stating he had a 4.0 GPA, multiple scholarship offers, and no criminal history.

One now-deleted campaign read: “Please help this family get this great young man a great lawyer! Even if you can’t give a lot, anything will be greatly appreciated.” Another stated, “Enough with the misinformation. Let’s talk about facts,” and called claims that Anthony didn’t know the Metcalf brothers “a blatant lie.”

Before being removed, one of the fundraisers reportedly gathered at least $16,843 in donations. Screenshots of multiple fundraisers circulated widely on social media before the pages were removed.

Anthony’s father told local media that his son “was not the aggressor” and that the Metcalf twins had allegedly “jumped” him and smashed his phone. Similar claims were echoed across the fundraising pages.

However, witness accounts reportedly contradict that version of events. According to those present, Anthony approached the Metcalf brothers’ tent and was asked to leave. One witness recalled Anthony warning, “Touch me and see what happens,” before reaching into his bag. Some say Austin Metcalf grabbed Anthony — others say he merely touched him — before Anthony stabbed him.

GoFundMe has not released an official statement regarding the fundraisers, but their terms of service prohibit raising money in support of individuals charged with violent crimes.