Karmelo Anthony Seeks New Trial, Wants Judge Removed From Case

Convicted murderer Karmelo Anthony is asking a court to throw out his conviction and remove the judge who presided over his murder trial, arguing the proceedings were unfair and violated his constitutional rights.

Anthony, 19, was convicted of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf after fatally stabbing him during an altercation at a Frisco, Texas, track meet. A Collin County jury found him guilty and sentenced him to 35 years in prison.

The latest filings mark the first major legal action by Anthony’s new appellate attorney, Russell Wilson, who is representing him free of charge during the appeals process.

According to court documents, Anthony’s legal team is seeking a new trial while also asking that Collin County Judge John Roach be removed from handling any further proceedings in the case.

The defense claims Roach demonstrated bias after the verdict by publicly stating that the jury “got it right” and by defending several of his rulings during media interviews. Anthony’s attorneys argue those comments create the appearance that the judge cannot fairly consider post-trial motions.

The filings also allege Anthony’s constitutional right to a public trial was violated because cameras were prohibited in the courtroom and public seating was limited to just 27 spectators during the trial.

In addition, the defense argues prosecutors failed to honor an off-the-record agreement concerning character evidence, leaving Anthony with what they describe as an unfair choice between testifying in his own defense or exposing himself to potentially prejudicial information.

The attorneys also challenge the jury instructions, claiming they made it more difficult for jurors to fully consider Anthony’s claim of self-defense.

Taken together, the defense argues those issues deprived Anthony of a fair trial and justify overturning his conviction.

Judge Roach previously defended his courtroom restrictions, saying they were intended to protect the integrity of the judicial process, as well as witnesses and jurors, while promising greater transparency after the trial concluded.

Under Texas law, Anthony’s request to remove Judge Roach will be referred to a regional administrative judge, who will determine whether a hearing on the matter is necessary. Meanwhile, Anthony’s request for a new trial remains pending.