Texas Judge Denies New Trial for Karmelo Anthony in High School Track Meet Killing

In a courtroom decision on Saturday near Dallas, a Texas judge declined a request for a new trial for Karmelo Anthony, who had been convicted of murder in June. Anthony, 19, was sentenced to 35 years in prison following the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old athlete Austin Metcalf during a 2025 high school track meet in Frisco, Texas. The incident gained national attention, leading to harassment directed at the involved families.

Judge Michael Chitty issued a brief order denying the retrial after a two-day hearing this week. He based his decision on reviewing evidence and arguments but did not provide further elaboration.

“Our commitment to our client has not changed,” said Russell Wilson, the defense attorney for Anthony. “We will continue to advocate vigorously on his behalf through every lawful avenue available.”

Wilson indicated plans to appeal the decision. On the other side, prosecutor Bill Wirskye maintained that the trial had been conducted fairly. Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis expressed confidence in the jury’s guilty verdict, stating, “We respect, and expected, the court’s decision denying the motion for a new trial. Every defendant has the right to appeal, and our thoughts and prayers remain with the Metcalf family in the painful wake of last week’s hearing.”

The defense argued for a retrial on grounds that Judge John Roach imposed overly strict courtroom rules that restricted public access. They also contested Roach’s involvement, citing his posttrial interview where he remarked that the jury “got it right.” Roach defended his courtroom rules as necessary for ensuring a fair trial, with prosecutors supporting his actions.

The case drew significant attention largely due to social media portrayals that emphasized racial factors in the incident, as Anthony is Black and Metcalf was white. Nonetheless, legal representatives from both sides clarified to jurors that race was not a factor in the case. Jurors ultimately rejected Anthony’s self-defense claims regarding the confrontation with Metcalf in the bleachers during the track meet.