A Texas judge has denied a request for a new trial for Karmelo Anthony, who was convicted of murder in the stabbing death of a 17-year-old athlete at a high school track meet. The killing, which occurred in April 2025, had drawn national attention.
Anthony, now 19, was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the death of Austin Metcalf. Judge Michael Chitty issued a brief order denying the motion for a new trial, citing a review of the evidence and arguments presented during a recent hearing.
Anthony's attorney, Russell Wilson, stated that the defense team plans to appeal the decision and will continue to advocate for their client.
The defense's request for a new trial centered on an off-the-record agreement between the prosecution and defense to exclude potentially damaging character evidence about both teenagers. This evidence, they argued, risked further inflaming a case already heightened by racial tensions and death threats. Anthony is Black, and Metcalf was white, though both sides told jurors the case was not about race.
Concerns that prosecutors might violate this agreement as Anthony prepared to testify led the defense to alter their strategy, and Anthony ultimately did not testify. Prosecutor Bill Wirskye defended the trial as fair, and Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis expressed confidence in the jury's verdict and the judicial process, while acknowledging the defendant's right to appeal and extending condolences to the Metcalf family.
Additionally, Anthony's attorneys sought the recusal of trial judge John Roach, arguing that his courtroom rules were too strict and limited public access. They also pointed to a post-trial interview Roach gave to a Dallas television station, in which he agreed with the jury's decision. Roach defended his rules as necessary for a fair trial, a stance supported by the prosecution.
Jurors had previously rejected Anthony's claim of self-defense. Prosecutors argued that Anthony provoked Metcalf during a confrontation that began on the bleachers. Witnesses testified that Metcalf repeatedly told Anthony to leave the area. According to a police report, Anthony reached into a bag and issued a threat before Metcalf pushed him. Anthony then produced a knife and stabbed Metcalf in the chest.