Texas Judge Denies Karmelo Anthony's New Trial Request in 2025 Stabbing Case

A Texas judge denied a motion for a new trial for Karmelo Anthony, convicted of fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025, according to court rulings on August 22, 2026.

The judge's decision came after a two-day hearing in Collin County, where Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison in June 2026 for the murder.

Anthony's legal team argued that courtroom restrictions and alleged coercion during the trial prevented a fair defense. They claimed that former Judge John Roach’s strict courtroom rules limited public access and that Anthony was pressured to waive his right to testify.

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

Retired Judge Michael Chitty, who presided after Roach's recusal, denied the motion without detailed explanation.

Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis affirmed confidence in the trial process and the jury's verdict.

"The jury's guilty verdict stands, and we remain confident in the process," Willis said. "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 national attention partly due to social media posts highlighting racial tensions; Anthony is Black and Metcalf was white. However, lawyers emphasized to the jury that race was not a factor in the case.

Jeff Metcalf, Austin's father, expressed to ABC News that no justice can erase the loss his family feels.

"No. There's no such thing. I got handed a life sentence," Jeff Metcalf said.

"So did Meghan, Hunter. So did everybody else in my family and her family. We don't ever get to see Austin again.

We don't get to talk to him, hug him."

He reflected on the family's pain over missing milestones without Austin.

"There's an empty seat at Christmas, Thanksgiving. Unwrapped packages. Graduations, missed.

Birthdays. Being an aunt or an uncle. All taken away," Metcalf said.

He also expressed sympathy for Anthony’s life in prison but insisted accountability was necessary.

"He still gets to see his family. It's a tragedy he has to be in prison. I feel sorry for him," Metcalf said.

"Just through the fact that his life is pretty much ruined. But I don't feel sorry for what he did, though. He needs to be held accountable."

During the hearing, new details about both Anthony's and Metcalf's troubled pasts were revealed, including histories of violence and aggressive behavior.

Prosecutors disclosed text messages from Anthony expressing obsession with weapons and fights, while court documents showed Metcalf had a record of bullying, use of racial slurs, and disciplinary actions in school.