Texas judge denies new trial for athlete convicted in track meet stabbing

A Texas judge has denied a request for a new trial for Karmelo Anthony, who was convicted of murder in the stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet. The killing in April 2025 had gained national attention and led to harassment of the families involved.

Anthony, 19, received a 35-year prison sentence in June. Judge Michael Chitty issued a brief order denying the retrial motion after a two-day hearing, stating he reviewed the evidence and arguments without further elaboration. Anthony's attorney, Russell Wilson, vowed to appeal the decision, stating, "Our commitment to our client has not changed. We will continue to advocate vigorously on his behalf through every lawful avenue available."

“

Our commitment to our client has not changed. We will continue to advocate vigorously on his behalf through every lawful avenue available.

The defense's request for a new trial centered on an off-the-record agreement between prosecutors and Anthony's trial team. This agreement aimed to keep damaging character evidence about both teenagers out of the proceedings, as both sides sought to avoid further inflaming racial tensions and death threats surrounding the case. Anthony is Black, and Metcalf was white, though both sets of lawyers told jurors the case was not about race.

“

We respect, and expected, the court's decision denying the motion for a new trial. The jury's guilty verdict stands, and we remain confident in the process.

Attorneys for Anthony claimed that concerns about prosecutors violating this agreement, particularly as Anthony prepared to testify, led to a change in their defense strategy. Anthony ultimately did not testify. The Collin County District Attorney's office, represented by Bill Wirskye and Greg Willis, defended the trial's fairness, with Willis stating, "The jury's guilty verdict stands, and we remain confident in the process."

Additional grounds for the retrial request included claims that the trial judge, John Roach, imposed overly strict courtroom rules that limited public access. The defense also sought Roach's recusal after he gave a TV interview expressing agreement with the jury's verdict, stating, "Whatever they say, they got it right." Roach maintained his rules were necessary for a fair trial, and prosecutors asserted he acted appropriately. Jurors had previously rejected Anthony's self-defense claims during the confrontation.

“

Whatever they say, they got it right.