Karmelo Anthony hearing dates set for possible new trial, judge removal
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Karmelo Anthony's lawyers seek new trial
Lawyers for convicted murderer Karmelo Anthony say his murder trial violated his constitutional rights, and are arguing he deserves a new trial. FOX 4's Casey Stegall has more on why lawyers say Anthony didn't testify in his defense.
FRISCO, Texas - Hearings are set for next month as Karmelo Anthony seeks a new trial, six weeks after he was sentenced to prison for the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at a Frisco track meet stabbing.
Karmelo Anthony seeks new trial
What we know:
Anthony’s legal team is seeking a new trial over claims that the trial was effectively closed to the public, that prosecutors did not honor an off-the-record evidentiary agreement, and that instructions to the jury made it difficult for them to consider Anthony acted in self-defense.
Karmelo Anthony's legal team says off-record deal prevented teen from testifying in his defense
Karmelo Anthony's legal team is arguing the entire process of his murder trial violated his constitutional rights, and are asking for a brand-new trial.
They also asked for Judge John Roach to be removed from post-trial hearings because of his alleged bias.
In court filings, Anthony’s lawyers said the judge made comments to news reporters following the trial and "expressed personal opinions about the propriety and correctness of the jury's verdict, the fairness of the trial and the correctness of the judge's own rulings during the trial."
When a reporter asked Roach if the jury got it right, he responded, "Yeah, they did." The judge then reportedly explained himself and talked about his rulings.
The defense argued that the judge’s personal views suggest his probable decision on a motion for a new trial.
What's new:
A different Collin County judge will hold a hearing on Aug. 19 to on the motion to replace Judge Roach.
The next day, the defense team will argue their motion for a new trial.
Frisco Track Meet Stabbing
Frisco track meet stabbing: What we know
Frisco Memorial junior Austin Metcalf was stabbed and killed on Wednesday at a track meet. Frisco Centennial 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony has been charged with murder in the stabbing. Take a look back at FOX 4's coverage of the stabbing as more information came out about the victim, suspect and a full conversation with Austin's father, Jeff.
A Collin County jury found Anthony guilty of first-degree murder in connection with 17-year-old Austin Metcalf's fatal stabbing on April 2, 2025.
Witnesses reported that Anthony stabbed Metcalf in the chest with a pocketknife during a seating dispute during a regional track meet.
Anthony was a student at Centennial High School but was sitting under the Memorial High School tent. Metcalf reportedly told him to leave.
Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years in prison
A Collin County jury has sentenced Karmelo Anthony to 35 years in prison after finding him guilty of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a 2025 Frisco track meet. FOX 4 reporters who were on site at the Collin County courthouse recap the emotional conviction and sentencing.
There was no evidence that the two young men knew each other.
Anthony has since been transported to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, where he was then transported to his unit of assignment at the Pack Unit near Navasota.
Evidence from the trial, including security and police body camera video, was released by a Collin County judge last month.
WATCH: Karmelo Anthony trial evidence released by Collin County judge
Evidence from the Karmelo Anthony murder trial was released by a Collin County judge on Friday night, including police body camera footage of Anthony's arrest.
The Source: The information in this story comes from the defense motions, a news release from Karmelo Anthony's defense team, and past news coverage.