Karmelo Anthony denied new trial in Texas high school murder case

A Texas judge has denied a request for a new trial for Karmelo Anthony, 19, who was convicted of murder for the April 2025 fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco. Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison in June.

Defense attorneys argued that a previous agreement between prosecutors and the defense to withhold certain character evidence—intended to prevent racial tensions from inflaming the trial—should warrant a retrial. This evidence included violent text messages from Anthony and documentation regarding Metcalf’s own history of bullying and racial slurs. Judge Michael Chitty rejected the motion following a two-day hearing.

Jeff Metcalf, the victim’s father, stated in an interview that he does not believe the conviction brings his family justice, describing the loss as a “life sentence” for his family. While he noted he has forgiven Anthony, he emphasized that the defendant must be held accountable. The case has drawn significant national attention due to the racial identities of the two teenagers involved and the subsequent social media discourse.