Karmelo Anthony’s hearing for new trial continues

Aug. 21 (UPI) — The hearing over Karmelo Anthony’s motion for a new trial continues in Texas on Friday for the teen convicted in the stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf.

Retired Kaufman County District Judge Michael Chitty is presiding over the hearing after Judge John Roach was recused on Wednesday. Judge Sid Harle, who is overseeing the case, ruled on Roach’s recusal over comments he made, sharing his personal opinion about the verdict in the public.

Roach’s comments are part of the defense’s argument for a new trial. Anthony’s legal team says his constitutional rights were violated, claiming he was coerced into waiving his right to testify. It also says Roach’s instructions to the jury were misleading and denied him a fair trial.

Anthony, 19, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison. His attorneys have argued that he acted in self defense when he stabbed Metcalf in the stands at a track meet in April 2025.

Mike Howard, an attorney who represented Anthony in the trial, was called to testify by the defense on Thursday. He discussed character evidence that was not addressed during the trial, which both sides agreed not to present to the jury.

The character evidence detailed Anthony’s mental state on the day of the killing, as well as a history of violent thoughts and behaviors.

Evidence also detailed allegations of bullying and racism against Metcalf and his twin brother Hunter.

The defense says Anthony was coerced not to testify because he was made to believe that the agreement to keep character evidence out of the trial did not apply if he took the stand.

The defense also called Derrick Jackson, former Collin County public information officer. Jackson discussed courtroom protocols.