Texas Judge Denies New Trial in Track Meet Stabbing Death

A Texas judge on Saturday denied a request for a new trial for Karmelo Anthony, the 19-year-old convicted of murder in the stabbing death of a 17-year-old athlete at a high school track meet. The case drew national attention and sparked harassment of the families involved.

Judge Michael Chitty issued a half-page order rejecting the retrial motion after a two-day hearing near Dallas this week. He cited a review of the evidence and arguments but did not elaborate on his reasoning.

Anthony's attorney, Russell Wilson, said the defense would appeal. "Our commitment to our client has not changed," Wilson said. "We will continue to advocate vigorously on his behalf through every lawful avenue available."

Anthony was convicted in June and sentenced to 35 years in prison for the April 2025 killing of Austin Metcalf. Jurors rejected Anthony's claim that he acted in self-defense during a confrontation in the bleachers at the track meet.

In seeking a new trial, Anthony's attorneys argued that trial judge John Roach's courtroom rules were so restrictive that they limited public access to the proceedings. They also sought Roach's recusal, noting he gave a post-trial interview with a Dallas TV station in which he said the jury "got it right." Roach defended his rules as necessary for a fair trial, and prosecutors maintained he did nothing wrong.

Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis said after the denial, "We respect, and expected, the court's decision denying the motion for a new trial. 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 in the painful wake of last week's hearing."

The case attracted widespread attention partly due to a flood of social media posts that amplified the killing in racial terms. Anthony is Black; Metcalf was white. However, lawyers on both sides told jurors that race was not a factor in the case.