McKINNEY, Texas — A Texas judge has rejected a bid for a new trial for Karmelo Anthony, the 19‑year‑old convicted earlier this year of murdering 17‑year‑old athlete Austin Metcalf during a confrontation at a high school track meet in April 2025.

The ruling came Saturday, following a two‑day evidentiary hearing last week in Collin County. Anthony, who is serving a 35‑year prison sentence, had sought a retrial on grounds related to judicial conduct and newly presented evidence.

Judge Michael Chitty, appointed to oversee the retrial motion, denied the request after reviewing testimony and filings. He did not provide additional explanation in his written order.

Judge Removed Over Post‑Trial Interview

Chitty was assigned to the case after Anthony’s defense team successfully removed Judge John Roach, who presided over the original trial. Defense attorneys argued Roach compromised the appearance of impartiality when he gave a televised interview two days after the verdict, publicly agreeing with the jury’s decision while the defense still had nearly a month left to file a motion for a new trial.

The defense claimed Roach’s comments created an unfair environment for post‑trial proceedings. The court granted their request to have a different judge hear the retrial motion.

Defense Plans to Appeal

Lead defense attorney Russell Wilson said the team will continue challenging the conviction.

“Our commitment to our client has not changed,” Wilson said. “We will continue to advocate vigorously on his behalf through every lawful avenue available.”

Prosecutors Praise Ruling

Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis said the decision was expected.

“We respect, and expected, the court’s decision denying the motion for a new trial,” Willis said. “The jury’s guilty verdict stands, and we remain confident in the process. Every defendant has the right to appeal, and our thoughts and prayers remain with the Metcalf family.”

Newly Revealed Text Messages

During last week’s hearing, prosecutors introduced a series of disturbing text messages Anthony sent on the day of the stabbing — messages that were not shown to the jury during the trial. Both sides had previously agreed to exclude character‑related evidence.

In one message, Anthony wrote that he wanted to “lick their blood off the blade” after stabbing someone. In another, he said he was “lowkey on the verge,” which prosecutors argued showed emotional instability and escalating behavior in the hours before Metcalf’s death.

Prosecutors said the texts demonstrated Anthony’s mindset and contradicted the defense’s portrayal of him as acting purely in self‑defense.

The Fatal Confrontation

The stabbing occurred during a crowded track meet after a dispute over seating in the stadium bleachers. Witnesses testified that Anthony used a pocketknife during the confrontation. The defense argued Anthony feared for his safety and reacted defensively, but jurors rejected that claim.

Anthony did not testify during the trial.

Race and Jury Concerns

Although both legal teams told jurors the case was not about race, the incident drew national attention because Anthony is Black and Metcalf was white.

Concerns intensified when it was reported that no Black jurors served on the panel. Judge Roach excused three Black prospective jurors during selection, a decision critics say contributed to perceptions of bias.

The case has since become a talking point in Texas political circles. State Rep. James Talarico, a Democrat and current U.S. Senate candidate, said the absence of Black jurors showed the “system is not working for Black Texans.” Republican Rep. Brandon Gill criticized Talarico’s remarks, accusing him of “siding with the killer” because of race.

What Comes Next

Anthony’s legal team is expected to file an appeal with the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, continuing a legal battle that has already drawn statewide and national scrutiny.

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