BREAKING: Judge denies Karmelo Anthony’s bid for new murder trial

Judge Michael Chitty made the decision after testimony stretched into Friday evening, per Fox 4. Anthony was convicted of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf after stabbing him at a track meet in April 2025. He had claimed self-defense, but that was rejected by the jury.

Anthony had appealed the ruling, with the defense arguing that Anthony had not received a fair trial.

"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," the judge's order stated. "It is therefore considered, ordered, and adjudged by the Court that the Motion for New Trial is denied."

Anthony's lawyers argued that his rights were violated because of undocumented conferences held former Collin County Judge John Roach that Anthony was not able to attend. They also claimed that Anthony was denied the right to a public trial because of decisions to limit courtroom access.

One issue at hand on Friday was a "gentleman's agreement" between the defense and prosecution, where the attorneys had agreed to keep questions regarding character out of evidence for both Metcalf and Anthony.

Reports about that additional evidence revealed that Anthony had allegedly been stalking an ex-girlfriend and that he would send text showing that he was obsessed with guns and knives. The information about Metcalf were allegations that he had been previously been accused of racism.

Former defense attorney Toby Shook said that the agreement was made to have the case focus on what took place "under the tent" where Anthony stabbed Metcalf. Although Anthony did not take the stand in the trial, Shook argued that allowing Anthony to take the stand was the "only effective way" to show jurors why he was claiming self-defense.