A Texas judge has denied a motion for a new trial for Karmelo Anthony, who was convicted of murder in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025. The decision, issued by Judge Michael Chitty, means Anthony will serve his 35-year prison sentence without a retrial.
The ruling follows Anthony’s conviction in June 2026, where a jury found him guilty of murder after determining the killing was unjustified. Anthony’s defense team had argued he acted in self-defense, while prosecutors characterized the stabbing as plain and simple murder. Anthony, then 17, never denied stabbing Metcalf but maintained the act was justified under the circumstances.
Key Developments in the Case
- Judge Chitty’s Decision: The motion for a new trial was denied after Anthony’s defense argued procedural violations, including claims that Judge John Roach had restricted media access and that prosecutors violated an alleged "gentleman’s agreement" regarding character evidence. Judge Chitty ruled that these issues did not warrant a retrial.
- Defense’s Legal Arguments: Anthony’s appellate attorneys successfully had Judge Roach recused from the case, but their motion for a new trial failed to persuade Judge Chitty. The defense alleged that Roach’s limitations on courtroom access and prosecutors’ handling of character evidence deprived Anthony of a fair trial. Prosecutors countered that no enforceable agreement existed, as the alleged "gentleman’s agreement" was not legally binding.
Family’s Reaction and Broader Impact
The victim’s father, Jeff Metcalf, expressed that no amount of prison time could bring his family justice. In an interview with ABC News, Metcalf stated, "There's no such thing [as justice]. I got handed a life sentence." He described the enduring emotional toll, noting that holidays, birthdays, and milestones would forever be marked by Austin’s absence. Metcalf also expressed sympathy for Anthony, acknowledging that the teen would now face the consequences of his conviction.
Anthony’s defense team had argued during the trial that the altercation began when Metcalf’s school tent was occupied by Anthony, who did not attend the school. Prosecutors, however, presented evidence that the stabbing was unprovoked and unjustified, leading to the murder conviction.
Legal and Procedural Details
- Trial Proceedings: Anthony’s lead defense attorney, Mike Howard, testified during the motion hearing that he had assumed an agreement with prosecutors would cover all character evidence, including Anthony’s testimony. Prosecutor Bill Wirskye disputed this, stating the agreement did not apply if Anthony took the stand. Judge Chitty ultimately sided with prosecutors, ruling that no enforceable agreement existed.
- Sentencing: Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison in June 2026, following the jury’s guilty verdict. The defense has not indicated whether they plan to appeal the decision.
The case has drawn significant public attention, with the victim’s family and Anthony’s legal team offering starkly different interpretations of the events that led to Metcalf’s death.