A Texas judge has rejected Karmelo Anthony's request for a retrial after he was convicted of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet altercation, sentencing him to 35 years in prison.
A retired judge has denied Karmelo Anthony's motion for a new trial, upholding his murder conviction and 35-year prison sentence for the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf during a track meet in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025. Anthony, then 18, claimed he acted in self-defense, but prosecutors described the killing as an unjustified and deliberate act of violence.
Retired Kaufman County District Judge Michael Chitty ruled that the motion, which alleged a "gentleman's agreement" between attorneys improperly prevented Anthony from testifying in his own defense, lacked merit. The defense also argued that courtroom restrictions and the removal of the original trial judge — following allegations of bias — violated Anthony's right to a fair proceeding.
Anthony's legal team confirmed it will continue pursuing an appeal through the Fifth Court of Appeals. "The denial of our motion does not end this case," said appellate attorney Russell Wilson. "We will continue to advocate vigorously on his behalf." Prosecutors welcomed the decision, stating confidence in the jury's verdict and extending sympathies to the Metcalf family.
The case drew national attention over issues of youth violence and due process. The court's ruling clears the way for the appeal process to move forward.