A Texas judge has denied a new trial for Karmelo Anthony, convicted for the stabbing death of a 17-year-old athlete at a high school track meet. This case drew national attention and led to harassment of both families involved. Anthony, aged 19, was found guilty of murder in June and sentenced to 35 years in prison for the April 2025 killing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf.
Judge Michael Chitty issued a brief order after a two-day hearing near Dallas, stating his decision to deny a retrial followed a review of the evidence and arguments without further elaboration. Anthony’s attorney, Russell Wilson, announced plans for an 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 retrial focused on an undisclosed agreement between prosecutors and Anthony’s trial defense to omit damaging character evidence about both teenagers during the proceedings. This agreement aimed to prevent exacerbating an already highly charged case with racial tensions and death threats. Despite the racial dynamics highlighted on social media, both legal teams maintained that race was not a factor in the case. Anthony is Black, while Metcalf was white.
Defense attorneys claimed that tension between legal teams caused concerns about a violation of this agreement, leading to a last-minute change in defense strategy. Consequently, Anthony chose not to testify. Prosecutor Bill Wirskye defended the trial’s fairness. Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis expressed confidence in the verdict, saying, “The jury’s guilty verdict stands, and we remain confident in the process. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Metcalf family in the painful wake of last week’s hearing.”
Anthony’s legal team requested a retrial due to strict courtroom rules implemented by trial judge John Roach, which they argued limited public access to the hearings. They also sought Roach’s recusal, citing his post-trial comments that aligned with the jury’s decision. Roach argued his rules ensured a fair trial, and prosecutors upheld that he acted appropriately.
The jury dismissed Anthony’s claims of self-defense during his altercation with Metcalf in the bleachers where multiple schools competed. Witnesses testified that Anthony, seated under a tent, was repeatedly asked to leave by Metcalf and others. Prosecutors portrayed Anthony as the instigator in the confrontation. A police report noted Anthony’s threat, “Touch me and see what happens,” before he was allegedly pushed by Metcalf, leading Anthony to fatally stab him.