The push to pay for the legal fees was created on fundraising site Youcaring.com. The page lists more than fifty donors, with some giving thousands of dollars to aid the McCowan family.

The goal is to raise at least $50,000 for the cause, according to the website.

“A tragic event took the life of one young man and leaves another fighting for his own in the judicial system,” the website reads in its description. Many comments from donors show support and encouragement for McCowan and his family.

The beneficiary of the account is listed only as a friend of McCowan. It’s unclear whether the funds have reached the family.

When contacted by The State News, McCowan family members would not confirm the source of the fundraiser or comment on the case. Several other friends and family members were not immediately available for comment Wednesday.

Chris Bergstrom likely will begin making his defensive case for McCowan Thursday.

On the night of the incident, previous court testimony indicates Singler got into a fight with his girlfriend, Connor McCowan’s older sister, Shay McCowan. When Shay McCowan told her brother via text message that Singler broke her back and ribs, he ?intervened. Connor McCowan then argued with Singler over a series of offensive text messages.

According to alumnus Tyler Aho, Singler’s former ?roommate, Connor McCowan entered their apartment that night armed with a knife and allegedly stabbed Singler, after being punched in the head.

Singler was left with two stab wounds in his chest and arm.

McCowan’s trial is set to ?continue 8:30 a.m. Thursday. It is unknown how long it will last.