Karmelo Anthony’s new defense attorneys filed two motions Tuesday in Collin County District Court seeking a new trial and the removal of presiding Judge John Roach Jr. from all remaining post-trial proceedings in the high-profile murder case.
The filings come roughly one month after a Collin County jury convicted the 19-year-old Anthony of murder and sentenced him to 35 years in prison for the April 2, 2025, stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a Frisco ISD track meet at Kuykendall Stadium. Anthony has maintained he acted in self-defense during an altercation under Metcalf’s team tent. The case drew intense local and national attention, including protests, heightened courthouse security, and debates over racial dynamics and trial procedures.
According to court documents and statements from the defense team and the Stand With Karmelo Coalition, the motion for a new trial raises constitutional and legal challenges. It argues that tight restrictions on courtroom access during the trial effectively closed proceedings to the public in violation of Anthony’s Sixth Amendment rights, without the required legal findings or reasonable alternatives for public viewing. The motion also claims prosecutors violated an off-the-record agreement regarding character evidence and that the court improperly limited the jury’s consideration of self-defense.
A separate motion asks that Judge Roach, of the 296th District Court, be recused from handling further matters, including any appeal. The defense contends that Roach’s post-verdict public comments—including a WFAA interview, statements to Fox News, and a thank-you letter published on the Collin County government website—compromised his appearance of impartiality. In those remarks, Roach defended the fairness of the trial, the jury’s verdict, and his decisions on media access.
Judge Roach is expected to refer the recusal motion to a regional administrative judge, who will decide whether a hearing is needed. The prosecution has indicated it will file a written response addressing what it described as inaccurate characterizations in the defense motion.
The new legal team, which took over the case pro bono in recent weeks, has 30 days from certain post-trial milestones to pursue these challenges as part of the appeals process.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
