Karmelo Anthony’s new appellate legal team filed a 63-page motion for a new trial Tuesday in Collin County’s 296th Judicial District Court, arguing that prosecutors reneged on a pre-trial agreement limiting character evidence and that courtroom restrictions violated his right to a public trial. The filing also seeks to remove presiding Judge John Roach Jr. from handling post-trial matters, including the motion itself.
Anthony, 19, was convicted in early June of first-degree murder in the April 2, 2025, stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a confrontation at a high school track meet at David Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco. A Collin County jury sentenced him to 35 years in prison. Anthony has maintained he acted in self-defense after being threatened.
According to the motion, prosecutors and defense counsel reached an off-the-record understanding before trial to “try the case clean” and focus only on events “under the tent,” keeping out character evidence involving Anthony, Metcalf or Metcalf’s twin brother. The defense says it relied on that agreement throughout jury selection, opening statements and witness examinations. On the final day of evidence, prosecutors reportedly stated the deal did not apply if Anthony testified. After being given roughly 10 minutes to decide, Anthony chose not to take the stand.
The motion further claims the court materially restricted public access by limiting seating, rotating public attendees and providing no consistent overflow feed or audio during much of the trial, violating Anthony’s Sixth Amendment rights. It also cites post-verdict public comments by Judge Roach endorsing the verdict and trial fairness as evidence he cannot impartially rule on the new trial request.
Collin County First Assistant District Attorney Bill Wirskye disputed the characterizations in a statement to news outlets. “I and the entire prosecution team conducted this trial ethically and in full compliance with the Court’s rulings and any agreements with defense counsel,” Wirskye said. “We look forward to addressing these claims thoroughly in our written response.”
Anthony’s pro bono appellate team includes Dallas attorney Russell Wilson II and others. The Collin County District Attorney’s office remains confident in the unanimous verdict.
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