Texas Judge Rejects New Trial Request

A Texas judge has officially rejected the motion for a new trial for Karmelo Anthony, who was convicted in connection with the stabbing death of 17-year-old athlete Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet. This case has garnered significant national attention and resulted in harassment directed at the families involved.

RELATED: Karmelo Anthony’s Legal Team Seeks New Trial Following Conviction (UPDATE)

At 19 years old, Anthony was found guilty of murder in June and sentenced to 35 years in prison for the fatal incident that occurred in April 2025. Judge Michael Chitty delivered his decision to deny the retrial motion in a brief order after a two-day hearing held near Dallas, citing a thorough review of the evidence presented and the arguments made. He did not provide further details on his reasoning.

Russell Wilson, the attorney representing Anthony, announced plans to appeal the ruling. He stated, “Our commitment to our client remains steadfast. We will continue to advocate vigorously on his behalf through every lawful avenue available.” The request for a retrial hinged on an off-the-record agreement made between the prosecution and Anthony’s defense team, which aimed to suppress damaging character evidence about both teenagers during the trial. This mutual decision was intended to prevent further escalation of a case already fraught with racial tensions and threats of violence.

The trial attracted considerable media scrutiny, partly due to a surge of social media activity that framed the incident in racially charged terms. Anthony is Black, while Metcalf was white. lawyers for both sides emphasized to jurors that the case was not racially motivated. Concerns arose among Anthony’s attorneys that the prosecution might backtrack on their agreement as Anthony prepared to take the stand, especially following a contentious exchange between the lawyers that altered their defense strategy at the last minute. Anthony chose not to testify.

Prosecutor Bill Wirskye defended the integrity of the trial this week. Following the denial of the motion for a new trial, Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis expressed, “We respect, and anticipated, the court’s decision denying the motion for a new trial. The jury’s guilty verdict remains intact, and we have confidence in the judicial process. Every defendant has the right to appeal, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Metcalf family in the difficult aftermath of last week’s hearing.”

Anthony’s legal team argued for a retrial based on the assertion that the strict courtroom rules imposed by trial judge John Roach severely limited public access to the proceedings. They sought Roach’s recusal, highlighting a post-trial interview he gave to a Dallas television station, where he expressed agreement with the jury’s verdict. “Whatever they say, they got it right,” Roach stated.

In response, Roach maintained that his regulations were essential for ensuring a fair trial, while prosecutors affirmed that he acted appropriately throughout the process. Jurors dismissed Anthony’s claims of self-defense during the altercation with Metcalf, which took place in the bleachers at the track meet. Both Anthony and Metcalf were athletes representing different high schools in Frisco, a suburb of Dallas, on a rainy spring day during the competition.

Witnesses testified that Anthony was seated under the tent of Metcalf’s team and was repeatedly asked to leave. This led to an escalating confrontation, with prosecutors arguing that Anthony provoked Metcalf. Witnesses identified Anthony as the aggressor, noting that he reached into a bag and warned, “Touch me and see what happens,” according to police reports. after Metcalf pushed Anthony, he pulled out a knife and fatally stabbed Metcalf in the chest.

Associated Press writer Jamie Stengle contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.