Karmelo Anthony’s request for a new trial was scheduled to be heard Thursday morning in Collin County, one day after the judge who presided over his murder trial was removed from all further proceedings.
The August 20 hearing was set for 9 a.m. Central Time, with retired Judge Michael Chitty assigned to preside. Anthony was expected to attend, but his personal appearance at today’s hearing had not been independently confirmed as of this article’s latest update.
Anthony’s attorneys are asking Chitty to set aside his murder conviction and order a new trial. Anthony, now 19, is serving a 35-year prison sentence for the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf.
No decision on the new-trial motion had been publicly reported at the time of publication.
Judge Removed Before New-Trial Hearing
Visiting Judge Sid Harle ordered state District Judge John Roach Jr. removed from the case on Wednesday, August 19.
Anthony attended that hearing in a green prison uniform, according to the Associated Press.
The defense argued that Roach’s public comments following the trial created questions about whether he could impartially decide Anthony’s request for a new trial.
During a televised interview, Roach was asked whether the jury had reached the correct verdict.
“Yeah, they did,” Roach responded, according to the Associated Press. “Whatever they say, they got it right.”
Harle reportedly said he believed Roach could be fair. However, he concluded that the evidence was sufficient for Roach’s impartiality to be reasonably questioned by a fully informed observer.
The recusal does not mean Roach was formally found to have demonstrated actual bias. It also does not overturn Anthony’s conviction or change his sentence.
Why Anthony Is Seeking a New Trial
Anthony’s new legal team alleges that several problems with the original proceedings violated his constitutional rights.
One of its primary arguments concerns restrictions on public and media access to the courtroom. The defense claims those restrictions were imposed without the findings and hearing required before a court may limit public access.
The motion also describes an alleged pretrial understanding between prosecutors and Anthony’s former attorneys concerning character and extraneous-conduct evidence.
According to the defense, the parties had discussed trying the case based only on what occurred during the confrontation at the track meet. Anthony’s attorneys claim uncertainty surrounding that understanding affected important trial decisions, including whether Anthony would testify.
The defense is also challenging the jury instructions involving provocation and self-defense.
Prosecutors dispute the defense’s claims and maintain that Anthony received a fair trial.
What Happens After Today’s Hearing?
If Chitty grants the motion, Anthony’s conviction could be set aside at the trial-court level and prosecutors would have to decide whether to try the case again.
If the motion is denied, Anthony’s conviction and 35-year sentence will remain in place while he continues pursuing his appellate options.
Background on the Case
Anthony was convicted of murder in June 2026 for fatally stabbing Metcalf during a confrontation at a Frisco high school track meet in April 2025.
Anthony admitted to the stabbing but maintained that he acted in self-defense after the confrontation became physical. Prosecutors argued that his use of deadly force was unjustified.
The jury rejected Anthony’s self-defense claim and sentenced him to 35 years in prison.
This is a developing story. B NEWS will update this article when the court’s decision or additional information from today’s hearing becomes available.
