A Texas judge has denied Karmelo Anthony’s request for a new trial in the killing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf.
Retired Judge Michael Chitty issued the decision Saturday, August 22, following a two-day hearing examining whether Anthony received a fair trial.
Anthony was convicted of murder in June for fatally stabbing Metcalf during an altercation at a Frisco ISD track meet in April 2025. A jury rejected Anthony’s self-defense claim and sentenced him to 35 years in prison.
The denial leaves both the conviction and sentence in place.
Hearing Revealed Evidence the Jury Never Heard
The ruling follows two days of testimony that exposed previously undisclosed information about the backgrounds of both Anthony and Metcalf.
CBS News Texas reported that prosecutors and Anthony’s original defense attorneys had an off-the-record agreement to keep certain character evidence involving both teenagers from the jury and public.
The information included records concerning racist graffiti, racial slurs and allegations of bullying and violence involving Metcalf.
Prosecutors also revealed extensive allegations concerning Anthony, including threatening text messages, fighting, weapons, stalking and assault allegations.
The agreement was intended to keep the murder trial focused on what happened during the fatal confrontation rather than the teenagers’ previous behavior.
Anthony’s new attorneys argued that the unusual procedures surrounding the trial went too far and deprived him of a fair and public trial. Prosecutors maintained that the restrictions were necessary because of threats, misinformation and intense public attention surrounding the case.
Judge Chitty ultimately declined to throw out Anthony’s conviction.
What Happens Next?
The denial does not end Anthony’s legal fight.
Anthony previously filed a notice of appeal following his conviction. According to The Dallas Morning News, the case now moves to the Fifth Court of Appeals in Dallas.
The appellate process could allow Anthony’s attorneys to challenge alleged legal errors in the original proceedings.
For now, however, Anthony’s murder conviction and 35-year sentence remain intact.
Sources & Further Reading
CBS News Texas — Judge denies Karmelo Anthony’s request for a new trial
WFAA — North Texas judge denies Anthony’s motion for a new trial
The Dallas Morning News — Anthony’s case moves to appeals court
