Full Breakdown
Judge Denies Karmelo Anthony’s Request for a New Trial in Texas Murder Case
8/23/2026, 2:07:03 AM
Core Event
On Saturday, retired Kaufman County Judge Michael Chitty issued a half-page order denying the motion for a new trial filed by Karmelo Anthony, convicted of the April 2, 2025 stabbing of Austin Metcalf at a Frisco high-school track meet. The decision followed a two-day hearing in McKinney, Collin County, where the state and Anthony’s appellate team presented testimony about alleged procedural errors and a disputed “gentleman’s agreement” that limited character evidence. The 35-year sentence imposed on June 9 2026 remains in force.
Background & Context
Anthony, then 17, pleaded self-defense but was found guilty after three hours of deliberation. Judge John Roach Jr.’s post-verdict comment that the jury “got it right” led the defense to seek his recusal; Visiting Judge Sid Harle granted it and assigned Judge Chitty to consider the new-trial request.
The hearing focused on whether the informal agreement between prosecutors and the original defense team—intended to keep background evidence out of the jury’s view—was breached when prosecutors allegedly told Anthony the pact would not protect him if he testified. Prosecutors argue the agreement was never written and remained intact.
Data & Statistics
- April 2 2025 – fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf.
- June 9 2026 – conviction and 35-year sentence.
- Two-day hearing with testimony from former trial attorneys Toby Shook, Mike Howard, and prosecutor Bill Wirskye.
- Texas law requires a ruling on a new-trial motion within 75 days of sentencing; the deadline is the Monday after the hearing.
Official Statements & Responses
Greg Willis, Collin County District Attorney, reiterated confidence in the original verdict and noted the defendant’s right to appeal.
Bill Wirskye, the state’s lead prosecutor, defended the original trial as ethical and said the agreement was mutual, intended to protect both sides from inflammatory background evidence.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Scope of the agreement – Defense claims it covered Anthony’s testimony; Wirskye says no such limitation existed.
- Whether the agreement was broken – Defense witnesses Shook and Howard said prosecutors changed their position on the final trial day, prompting Anthony not to testify. Wirskye testified the agreement remained honored.
- Suppressed character evidence – Both sides disclosed that Anthony’s phone contained violent fantasies and that Metcalf and his twin brother had engaged in racist graffiti and prior fights, but the jury never heard these details. No court ruling on admissibility was presented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Upon reviewing the motion, the record, the evidence and argument, the briefs, and the relevant case law, the Court has determined the motion should be denied,” — Michael Chitty, judge
- “The jury’s guilty verdict stands, and we remain confident in the process. Every defendant has the right to appeal, and our thoughts and prayers remain with the Metcalf family in the painful wake of last week’s hearing,” — Greg Willis, district attorney
- “We respectfully disagree with the ruling and remain firmly committed to protecting our client's rights,” — Russell Wilson, attorney
- “To be effective for self-defense, you have to have a testifying defendant,” — Toby Shook, former defense attorney
What’s Next
Anthony’s appeal will proceed to the Texas Fifth Court of Appeals in Dallas. Judge Chitty must issue a formal order by the Monday following the hearing; if he does not grant the motion by that date, the denial becomes automatic and the conviction stands. The defense says it will continue to pursue “every lawful avenue available.”
