Texas Judge Denies Karmelo Anthony New Trial in Deadly Stabbing

A Texas judge denied convicted murderer Karmelo Anthony’s request for a retrial. Retired Judge Michael Chitty denied the motion for a new trial following a two-day hearing near Dallas, citing a review of the evidence and arguments.

The decision was rendered Saturday after testimony stretched into Friday evening. Judge Chitty took over the case Wednesday after visiting Judge Sid Harle recused Collin County District Judge John Roach Jr. from post-trial proceedings. Anthony stabbed Metcalf to death after an argument during a school track meet in Frisco, Texas. He was sentenced to 35 years in jail after pleading not guilty to the charges.

A Collin County jury convicted Anthony of murder in June. Anthony and his legal team filed for a retrial, claiming strict courtroom rules and improper jury instructions marred the previous trial. They also claimed Anthony’s decision not to testify occurred because prosecutors demanded the trial focus on events leading up to the stabbing. Anthony’s appellate attorneys argued he was denied his right to an open trial due to public access restrictions, which the prosecution argued were necessary due to security risks.

The defense also argued the breakdown of an evidentiary agreement between the defense and prosecution coerced Anthony into waiving his right to testify. The agreement was intended to prevent character evidence from being presented to the jury, but the defense feared the prosecution would void it if Anthony testified. Anthony also claimed the trial judge improperly instructed the jury that self-defense does not apply if he intentionally provoked the altercation.

The defense claimed original judge John Roach was biased because he said after the trial that the proceedings “got it right.” Anthony maintained he stabbed Metcalf in self-defense following an altercation over a seating dispute. Anthony’s attorney, Russell Wilson, vowed to appeal the ruling. The case now moves to the Texas Fifth Court of Appeals. Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis stated, "The jury’s guilty verdict stands, and we remain confident in the process."