TEXAS, United States — A fundraiser for a 17-year-old American student-athlete accused of stabbing his teen competitor to death during a track meet has exceeded US$200,000.

The fundraiser is to benefit Karmelo Anthony, a Texas High School student who is charged with the murder of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a state University Interscholastic League District 11-5A championship meet last week, according to a Yahoo News report.

The report said Anthony is charged with first-degree murder but he maintains that it was in self-defence. So far the campaign has amassed US$234,099 donations.

“The narrative being spread is false, unjust and harmful. As a family of faith, we are deeply grateful for all of your support during this trying period. Your prayers and assistance mean more to us now more than ever,” the family stated on the campaign created on the crowdfunding platform GiveSendGo to raise funds for Anthony’s defence.

The teen is currently being held on a US$1 million bond, which his lawyer is asking the court to reduce.

Anthony allegedly admitted to the deed but told officers that Metcalf had attacked him first and “he had told him not to”, then he queried whether or not Metcalf was going to be okay, Fox News said.

Metcalf collapsed in his twin brother’s arms, according to a statement given to US media.

The report said the incident has raised concerns about racial inequalities in the country