Karmelo Anthony, convicted of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet and sentenced to 35 years in prison, has been denied a new trial after a change of judge in the case.
Ruling after a judge’s recusal
Judge John Roach Jr., who oversaw the trial, was recused from subsequent proceedings and replaced by retired Judge Michael Chitty. Chitty denied the defense motion for a new trial, according to statements from both sides following the hearing. Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis said, “We respect, and expected, the court’s decision denying the motion for a new trial. 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.”
What surfaced in court
With the new-trial push, previously withheld character evidence was aired in court. Prosecutor Bill Wirskye described the earlier omission as the product of a “gentleman’s agreement” between prosecutors and the defense. According to court documents referenced in court and reviewed by CBS News, hours before the killing Anthony allegedly texted, “I’m lowk on the verge.” Prosecutors also said Anthony’s ex-girlfriend alerted a staff member at Centennial High School that morning that Anthony was “engaging in stalking behavior, to include, but not limited to, driving by her home and refusing to allow her to end their relationship.”
Prosecutors highlighted additional messages in which Anthony allegedly admitted to punching girls in the face and committing burglaries; discussed robbing someone for $300; and threatened to vandalize a house over a “grudge.” They also pointed to a message in which he told a friend, “Imma shoot the school up tmr” “with my blick,” and to exchanges with his ex-girlfriend in which he allegedly wrote, “I like punching people,” “when get mad I see red,” “when I get mad I blackout,” and, “when I get mad I can’t control myself.” Prosecutors further alleged Anthony repeatedly threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend and, in one text, wrote, “When I stab sb im gonna lick there blood off the blade,” as reported by KXAS-TV.
Documents also aired allegations about the victim
The same court documents included allegations about Metcalf and his twin brother. The filings stated the brothers were once caught spray-painting racist remarks and received 12 months of juvenile probation. The documents also raised allegations that Metcalf used racial slurs in school, swore at a teacher, discussed bringing a gun to school, bullied at least two students, and sent provocative texts.
Defense and supporters say trial was unfair; appeal continues
“Our commitment to our client has not changed,” defense attorney Russell Wilson told the Associated Press. “We will continue to advocate vigorously on his behalf through every lawful avenue available.” The defense will reportedly continue an appeal in the Fifth Court of Appeals.
After the ruling, the Stand With Karmelo Coalition said it maintains that “serious constitutional and legal errors” denied Anthony a fair trial, citing restrictions on public access that it argues raised Sixth Amendment concerns, an alleged change in the State’s position on agreed evidence, and claimed errors in jury instructions on self-defense.
