Full Breakdown
Judge Denies New Trial for Karmelo Anthony in Texas Stabbing Case
8/25/2026, 6:07:20 AM
Core Event: Denial of Retrial Request
In August 2026 a Texas judge rejected Karmelo Anthony’s motion for a new trial in the murder of Austin Metcalf. Anthony, 19, had been convicted in June 2025 of murdering the 17-year-old Metcalf during a high-school track meet in Frisco and sentenced to 35 years. The denial leaves the conviction and sentence in place and directs the defense to pursue appeal in the Fifth Court of Appeals.
Background & Context
The stabbing occurred on April 2, 2025, under a team tent at the District 11-5A championship meet. Witnesses said Metcalf, a Memorial High School junior, told Anthony, a Centennial High School student, to leave the tent. Social-media posts framed the incident in racial terms—Anthony is Black, Metcalf was white—but prosecutors and defense attorneys told jurors that race was not a factor.
Timeline
- April 2, 2025 – Anthony stabs Metcalf.
- June 2025 – Collin County jury finds Anthony guilty of murder and imposes a 35-year sentence.
- August 24, 2026 – Jeff Metcalf, father of the victim, speaks with ABC News.
- August 2026 – Retired Kaufman County District Judge Michael Chitty issues an order denying Anthony’s motion after a two-day hearing.
Data & Statistics
- Victim: Austin Metcalf, 17, 4.0 GPA, football MVP.
- Defendant: Karmelo Anthony, 19 at sentencing.
- Sentence: 35 years for murder.
- Jury deliberation: three hours for the verdict, additional hours for sentencing.
- Jury: 12 jurors, unanimous guilty verdict.
Official Statements & Responses
Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis said the decision was expected and affirmed confidence in the process. Prosecutor Bill Wirskye defended the trial as fair, noting a “gentleman’s agreement” to limit character evidence. Defense attorney Russell Wilson announced the team will continue to appeal, asserting the issues merit “meaningful appellate review.” Retired Judge John Roach, who presided over the original trial, had said the jury “got it right.” Judge Michael Chitty concluded the motion did not meet the legal standard for a new trial.
Family Perspective (On-the-Ground Report)
The Metcalf family reiterated that the conviction does not bring justice but underscored the lasting emotional void.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The defense alleges an off-record “gentleman’s agreement” was breached, coercing Anthony to waive his right to testify. Prosecutors deny any breach, maintaining the trial remained constitutionally sound. The precise terms of the agreement remain unclear and will likely be examined on appeal.
Why It Matters
The ruling highlights tensions in Texas over courtroom transparency and the handling of high-profile cases with racial overtones, as well as the balance between pre-trial agreements and defendants’ Sixth-Amendment rights.
What’s Next
Anthony’s appellate team will file a brief with the Fifth Court of Appeals, arguing that the trial court erred in denying a new trial. The review will focus on the alleged violation of Anthony’s right to a full defense and the legality of the courtroom restrictions imposed by Judge Roach.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The jury’s guilty verdict stands, and we remain confident in the process,” — Greg Willis
- “Our commitment to our client has not changed,” — Russell Wilson
- “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
