A Texas judge has denied a request for a new trial for Karmelo Anthony, who was convicted in the stabbing death of a 17-year-old at a high school track meet. The case received national attention and led to harassment of the involved families. Anthony, aged 19, was found guilty of murder and sentenced in June to 35 years in prison for the killing of Austin Metcalf in April 2025.
Judge Michael Chitty issued a brief order after a two-day hearing near Dallas to deny the retrial motion, noting a review of evidence and arguments presented. Anthony’s defense lawyer, Russell Wilson, plans to appeal, stating, “Our commitment to our client has not changed. We will continue to advocate vigorously on his behalf through every lawful avenue available.”
The request for a new trial centered on an unofficial agreement between the prosecution and Anthony’s defense to exclude negative character evidence about both teenagers from the trial. This decision aimed to avoid further inflaming the case, already fraught with racial tensions and threats. Despite social media amplifying the incident in racial terms, both legal teams asserted the trial was unrelated to race. The tensions escalated when prosecutors allegedly considered breaking the agreement as Anthony prepared to testify, shifting his defense strategy and leading him to decide against testifying.
Prosecutor Bill Wirskye supported the trial’s fairness, with Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis affirming, “The jury’s guilty verdict stands, and we remain confident in the process.” Willis also conveyed condolences to the Metcalf family following the recent hearing.
Anthony’s defense argued for a retrial due to trial judge John Roach’s rigorous courtroom rules that they claimed restricted public access to the proceedings. The defense criticized Roach for expressing agreement with the jury’s decision in a post-trial TV interview, during which Roach said, “Whatever they say, they got it right.” Roach defended his courtroom protocols as necessary for ensuring a fair trial, with the prosecution maintaining his actions were appropriate.
Jurors dismissed Anthony’s self-defense claims, stemming from a confrontation in the bleachers at the track meet, where schools were competing. Witnesses stated that Metcalf and others repeatedly asked Anthony to leave, describing Anthony as the instigator. Witnesses reported Anthony warning, “Touch me and see what happens,” and later pulling a knife from a bag when Metcalf pushed him, resulting in Metcalf’s fatal stabbing.