Karmelo Anthony, convicted of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, has secured a new lawyer for his appeal. Lara Bracamonte Davila is now his court-appointed attorney, replacing Donny Perales, who briefly represented him before stepping aside. Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison after his conviction on June 9, 2026, and has since filed a notice of appeal.
Legal Team Changes and Indigence Claim
Anthony applied for a TDFA Indigent Packet, a Texas Fair Defense Act provision allowing court-appointed attorneys for those who cannot afford legal representation. In court documents, he described himself as "penniless, destitute, and indigent." Perales, in an email to Fox News Digital, stated that the Anthony family is expected to retain private counsel for the appeal.
Background on the Case
The murder occurred during a track meet, where Anthony allegedly stabbed Metcalf. The trial concluded with a 35-year sentence, and Anthony’s appeal process is now underway. The case has drawn attention due to the circumstances of the crime and the legal proceedings surrounding the appeal.