Story perspectives

Judge Sid Harle removes Judge Roach from Anthony appeal

8/20/2026

Summary

Sid Harle Recuses

Visiting Judge Sid Harle granted the defense’s recusal motion, removing Judge John Roach Jr. from Karmelo Anthony’s appeal.
Attorney Russell Wilson II cited a video of Roach praising the jury and calling Anthony “nice young man.”
Administrative judge Ray Wheless will select a judge to hear Karmelo Anthony’s new-trial motion on Thursday.
Karmelo Anthony was convicted in June 2026 for murdering Austin Metcalf, sentenced to 35 years at Wallace Pack Unit.

Summary

Anthony’s Death

Racial tensions erupted after Anthony, a Black man, was killed by white officer Metcalf.
The “Protect White Americans” rally in April 2025 drew more police than supporters.
Jake Lang and Jan. 6 defendant Phillip Anderson called the killing anti-white violence.
Jeff Metcalf rejected politicization and urged unity during a phone call with Lang.
NBC News reported no Black jurors served; three dismissed Black educators were excluded.

History

Historical Context

After the April 29 1992 acquittal of the officers who beat Rodney King—an event that sparked the Los Angeles riots, killing 63 people, injuring 2,383 and causing over $1 billion in damage—Los Angeles has faced recurring racial tension. The 2025 “Protect White Americans” rally and the trial of Karmelo Anthony echo those unresolved grievances, pressuring policymakers to address policing and jury diversity.

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Sid Harle Recuses

Visiting Judge Sid Harle granted the defense’s recusal motion, removing Judge John Roach Jr. from Karmelo Anthony’s appeal.
Attorney Russell Wilson II cited a video of Roach praising the jury and calling Anthony “nice young man.”
Administrative judge Ray Wheless will select a judge to hear Karmelo Anthony’s new-trial motion on Thursday.
Karmelo Anthony was convicted in June 2026 for murdering Austin Metcalf, sentenced to 35 years at Wallace Pack Unit.

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