Full Breakdown
New-Trial Hearing for Karmelo Anthony After Judge Recusal
8/21/2026, 4:31:12 AM
Core Event: Judge Recusal and Upcoming Motion for a New Trial
A Collin County hearing on Thursday, Aug. 20, will decide whether 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony receives a new trial for the murder of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco high-school track meet on April 2, 2025. The hearing follows State District Judge John Roach Jr.’s recusal after a post-verdict interview in which he said jurors “got it right.” Visiting Judge Sid Harle granted the defense’s recusal request, and retired Kaufman County Judge Michael Chitty will consider the motion.
Background & Context
Anthony was convicted on June 9, 2026, after a three-hour jury deliberation and sentenced to 35 years. The jury rejected his self-defense claim. Both sides agreed to keep certain character evidence—Anthony’s alleged obsession with weapons and Metcalf’s history of fights—off the record to avoid inflaming racial tensions. Attorneys told jurors the incident was not racially motivated.
Timeline
- April 2, 2025 – Anthony stabbed Metcalf in the bleachers; Metcalf died at a hospital.
- June 9, 2026 – Jury found Anthony guilty; 35-year sentence imposed.
- July 7, 2026 – Anthony filed the recusal motion and request for a new trial.
- Aug. 19, 2026 – Judge Roach was recused; Judge Harle ordered a new judge.
- Aug. 20, 2026 – Hearing on the new-trial motion before Judge Michael Chitty.
Data & Statistics
- 35 years – Length of the prison sentence.
- Three hours – Jury deliberation time.
- 75 days – Texas statutory window for a judge to rule on a new-trial motion after sentencing.
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutor Bill Wirskye defended the original trial, saying the jury heard “extensive evidence” and that the off-record agreement was mutually accepted. He argued Judge Roach’s restrictions protected the trial’s integrity. Judge Harle, in granting the recusal, said a reasonable observer could question Roach’s impartiality but expressed confidence the new judge would be fair. Defense attorney Russell Wilson argued the “shadow docket” and limited public access denied Anthony a complete defense after the agreement forced him to waive the right to testify.
Criticism & Opposition
Wirskye publicly opposed the recusal, asserting Roach “didn’t do anything wrong” and that his comments were within the bounds of a fair trial. He maintained the courtroom rules were necessary to protect the process from “death threats” and maintain order.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Everything was done off the record, at an astonishing clip,” — Russell Wilson, defense attorney
- “Granting that motion wipes out the conviction and the sentence altogether and gives Karmelo Anthony a new trial,” — Brett Ordiway, criminal appellate lawyer
What’s Next
Judge Michael Chitty must issue a ruling on the new-trial motion by the Monday following the Aug. 20 hearing, as required by Texas law. If denied, the conviction and sentence remain, and Anthony’s case will proceed to direct appeal before the Texas Fifth Court of Appeals. If granted, the conviction would be vacated and the case would return to the pre-trial stage for a new jury trial or a negotiated plea.
