Don Lemon says Karmelo Anthony shouldn't have to suffer 35-year prison sentence for committing murder at 17

In the wake of a judge denying Karmelo Anthony a new trial for the killing of Austin Metcalf, Don Lemon has complained about how the convicted murderer will have to serve 35 years in prison. 

“Breaking and it’s complicated, so make sure you pay attention. Karmelo Anthony is not getting a new trial,” Lemon said. “And after what came out of the court last week, I have questions. We learned there was a private, off-the-record agreement to keep the troubled youth’s backgrounds—both teenagers—away from the jury. Austin Metcalf had allegations involving racial slurs, bullying, and assault. Karmelo had allegations involving threatening texts, stalking, and assault. None of that came in. 

“And Karmelo’s former lawyer says that they had planned to put him on the stand, but all of this helped change that decision. So now the defense says the first trial was too controlled, too secretive, and unfair. The judge said no. 35 years still stands. And I’m still stuck on one thing: he was 17. 17 years old, and now he could spend most of his life in prison. That is a hell of a sentence for a teenager.”

In April of 2025, Anthony, who is now 19, fatally stabbed Austin Metcalf, also 17, at a Texas track meet. Anthony had sat under another team’s tent, where Metcalf had been, and did not leave despite multiple people asking him to. Anthony had claimed that he acted in self-defense, a claim that was rejected by the jury, which handed down a guilty verdict. He was later sentenced to 35 years in prison.

Anthony’s team had sought a new trial, alleging that their client’s rights had been violated, but the judge rejected the motion. The order stated, “Upon reviewing the motion, the record, the evidence and argument, the briefs, and the relevant case law, the Court has determined that the motion should be denied. It is therefore considered, ordered, and adjudged by the Court that the Motion for New Trial is denied.”