- A Texas judge denied a new trial for Karmelo Anthony in the stabbing death of a 17-year-old athlete at a high school track meet, a killing that drew national attention and led to harassment of the families.
- Judge Michael Chitty denied the retrial motion in a half-page order following a two-day hearing, citing a review of the evidence and arguments.
- Russell Wilson, Anthony’s attorney, said the defense would appeal: “Our commitment to our client has not changed. We will continue to advocate vigorously on his behalf through every lawful avenue available.”
- Prosecutor Bill Wirskye defended the trial as fair, and Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis said: “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.”
- Anthony’s attorneys demanded a retrial because they said trial judge John Roach’s courtroom rules limited public access, and they asked for Roach’s recusal after he gave a posttrial interview saying the jury “got it right.”
- Roach said his rules were necessary for a fair trial, and prosecutors insisted he did nothing wrong.
- The case attracted widespread attention in part because of social media posts that amplified the killing in racial terms; Anthony is Black, Metcalf was white, but lawyers on both sides told jurors the case had nothing to do with race.
A Texas judge has denied Karmelo Anthony's request for a new trial in the stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, which occurred during a high school track meet.1
Judge Michael Chitty's ruling followed a two-day hearing, where he reviewed evidence and arguments presented by both sides.2
Anthony, now 19, was convicted of murder in June and sentenced to 35 years in prison for the April 2025 incident. His attorney, Russell Wilson, stated, “Our commitment to our client has not changed. We will continue to advocate vigorously on his behalf through every lawful avenue available.”
The prosecution, led by Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis, defended the fairness of the original trial, asserting, “The jury’s guilty verdict stands, and we remain confident in the process.”56
The case garnered national attention, partly due to its racial dynamics, as Anthony is Black and Metcalf was white. However, both sides emphasized that race was not a factor in the trial.
Anthony's defense argued for a retrial, claiming that strict courtroom rules limited public access and that the trial judge's comments post-verdict indicated bias.
The defense plans to appeal the ruling, continuing to seek justice for Anthony amidst the ongoing legal battle.
“Judge Michael Chitty issued the denial in a half-page order after a two-day hearing near Dallas, citing a review of evidence and arguments. Defense attorney Russell Wilson said, 'Our commitment to our client has not changed,' while District Attorney Greg Willis affirmed the jury's guilty verdict stands.”
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