# Karmelo Anthony: Judge denies request for new murder trial > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/texas-teen-murder-trial-of-karmelo-anthony > Updated: 2026-09-06T10:50:48.000Z. Sources: 200. Developments: 53. Nineteen-year-old Karmelo Anthony remains in protective custody at the Wallace Pack Unit following his June 2026 conviction and 35-year sentence for the April 2025 stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco. On 19 August 2026, visiting judge Sid Harle ordered the removal of District Judge John Roach Jr. from the murder appeal. The recusal followed defense arguments that Roach’s post-trial conduct, including an on-camera interview expressing belief that the jury reached the correct decision, demonstrated bias. Retired District Judge Michael Chitty was appointed to preside over subsequent hearings. Following a two-day evidentiary hearing, Judge Chitty denied Anthony’s request for a new trial. The defense argued that a prior “gentleman’s agreement” to exclude character evidence—intended to prevent racial tension—hindered their strategy and prevented Anthony from testifying. This evidence included violent text messages from Anthony and records of Metcalf’s history of bullying and racial slurs. While the denial maintains Anthony’s sentence, his attorneys are continuing to pursue an appeal, maintaining that the jury was not presented with relevant evidence to support a self-defense claim. In early September 2026, Anthony’s family launched a GiveSendGo crowdfunding campaign seeking $250,000 to fund the ongoing legal appeal. His legal team continues to contend that the original trial was fundamentally compromised by the agreement between prosecutors and defense attorneys, which they claim kept critical evidence from jurors and prevented Anthony from testifying. ## Claims - Judge Michael Chitty denied Karmelo Anthony’s request for a new trial. (corroborated by 16 sources) - Karmelo Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of Austin Metcalf. (corroborated by 12 sources) - Prosecutors and the original defense team entered into a “gentleman’s agreement” to exclude character evidence regarding both Anthony and Metcalf during the original trial. (corroborated by 12 sources) - Judge Sid Harle granted the request to recuse Judge John Roach Jr. from the Karmelo Anthony case. (corroborated by 9 sources) - The defense argued that Judge Roach’s strict courtroom rules and post-trial public comments demonstrated bias. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Judge Roach participated in an on-camera interview discussing the verdict and his rulings after the trial concluded. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Karmelo Anthony sent text messages fantasizing about stabbing someone and licking blood off a blade. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Austin Metcalf and his brother Hunter were caught spray-painting racist and antisemitic graffiti. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Karmelo Anthony's defense team argues he planned to testify but declined due to concerns that prosecutors would introduce damaging evidence. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The defense claims Anthony was coerced into waiving his right to testify due to a dispute over evidentiary agreements. (corroborated by 5 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-06: Karmelo Anthony family seeks $250,000 for murder appeal Karmelo Anthony’s family is seeking $250,000 for his murder appeal in Texas, amid scrutiny over $634,000 previously raised through crowdfunding. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthony-family-seeks-250000-for-murder-appeal ### 2026-09-02: Karmelo Anthony's family seeks $250,000 for legal appeal The family of Karmelo Anthony is seeking $250,000 via crowdfunding to fund an appeal after a Texas judge denied his request for a new trial regarding the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthonys-family-seeks-250000-for-legal-appeal ### 2026-08-30: Legal appeals advance in separate US murder conviction cases Attorneys for Karmelo Anthony are appealing his murder conviction in Frisco, while a Louisiana appeals court has overturned two decades-old murder convictions in New Orleans due to undisclosed evidence. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/legal-appeals-advance-in-separate-us-murder-conviction-cases ### 2026-08-25: Karmelo Anthony denied new trial in Texas high school murder case A Texas judge denied a new trial for Karmelo Anthony, convicted of murdering Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet. Anthony faces 35 years in prison as his lawyers prepare to appeal. 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthony-lawyers-to-appeal-denial-of-new-trial ### 2026-08-23: Texas judge denies Karmelo Anthony's request for a new trial A Texas judge denied a new trial for Karmelo Anthony, who is serving a 35-year sentence for the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet. The defense plans to appeal. 35 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-judge-denies-karmelo-anthonys-request-for-new-murder-trial ### 2026-08-21: Krystal Muhammad demands freedom for Karmelo Anthony after judge recusal New Black Panther Party chairwoman Krystal Muhammad demanded the release of convicted murderer Karmelo Anthony after a judge was recused from his post-trial proceedings in Collin County. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/krystal-muhammad-demands-freedom-for-karmelo-anthony-after-judge-recusal ### 2026-08-21: Karmelo Anthony denied new trial in Austin Metcalf murder case A Texas judge denied Karmelo Anthony’s request for a new trial in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf, rejecting claims that a prior agreement to exclude character evidence violated his rights. 47 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthonys-lawyers-seek-retrial-in-texas-stabbing-case ### 2026-08-19: Judge recused from Karmelo Anthony murder appeal case Judge John Roach Jr. has been recused from the Karmelo Anthony murder appeal in Texas after his post-trial comments raised concerns of bias. Anthony seeks a new trial for the 2025 killing of Austin Metcalf. 41 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-teen-seeks-retrial-in-fatal-track-meet-stabbing ### 2026-07-26: Karmelo Anthony to Have New Trial Hearing in Texas Murder Case Karmelo Anthony, convicted of murdering Austin Metcalf, will have a new‑trial hearing on Aug 19‑20 in Collin County, Texas, after his lawyers allege judicial bias and procedural flaws. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthony-to-have-new-trial-hearing-in-texas-murder-case ### 2026-07-18: Karmelo Anthony's Conviction Case Gets New Judge for Recusal Hearing In Texas, a new judge will decide whether to recuse Judge John Roach from Karmelo Anthony's murder conviction after the defense claims bias and broken agreements during the trial. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthonys-conviction-case-gets-new-judge-for-recusal-hearing ### 2026-07-07: Karmelo Anthony's Team Files Motions for New Trial and Judge Recusal Karmelo Anthony, convicted of murdering Austin Metcalf in Texas, has filed motions for a new trial and to recuse Judge John Roach, alleging constitutional violations and bias. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthonys-lawyers-seek-judge-recusal-and-new-trial ### 2026-06-25: Karmelo Anthony's Texas Murder Conviction Faces New Appeal as Legal Team Assembles A new legal team is pursuing an appeal of Karmelo Anthony's 35‑year Texas murder conviction for the 2025 killing of Austin Metcalf, while Anthony serves his sentence in protective custody. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthonys-texas-murder-conviction-faces-new-appeal-as-legal-team-assembles ### 2026-06-25: Texas Bar Assault Targets Woman Amid ‘Free Karmelo’ Outcry A woman was assaulted at a Longview, Texas bar by supporters shouting “Free Karmelo,” targeting the “smallest white girl.” One assailant was arrested; the incident follows Karmelo Anthony’s 35‑year murder‑penit 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-bar-assault-targets-woman-amid-free-karmelo-outcry ### 2026-06-24: Jeff Metcalf Criticizes Karmelo Anthony's Family After Murder Sentencing Jeff Metcalf, father of slain teen Austin Metcalf, accused Karmelo Anthony’s parents of lacking remorse and skipping victim‑impact statements after Anthony received a 35‑year sentence for the April 2025 Frisco, 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jeff-metcalf-criticizes-karmelo-anthonys-family-after-murder-sentencing ### 2026-06-24: Karmelo Anthony Convicted for Austin Metcalf Murder Sparks TikTok Trend and Appeal Effort Karmelo Anthony was convicted of murdering teen Austin Metcalf in Texas, sparking a TikTok “Austin Bop” trend, a violent “Free Karmelo” attack in Longview, and a high‑profile civil‑rights appeal effort. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthony-convicted-for-austin-metcalf-murder-sparks-tiktok-trend-and-appeal-effort ### 2026-06-23: Karmelo Anthony Secures New Legal Team as Bodycam Video Shows Teen Sobbing Karmelo Anthony, serving a 35‑year murder sentence, has hired a new appellate team and released body‑cam video showing him sobbing and denying intent to kill, which the defense will use in an appeal. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthony-secures-new-legal-team-as-bodycam-video-shows-teen-sobbing ### 2026-06-23: Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years; Austin Metcalf's father says perpetrator's family showed no remorse Karmelo Anthony was sentenced to 35 years for killing Austin Metcalf; the victim’s father says the perpetrator’s family showed no remorse and an appeal is underway. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/austin-metcalfs-father-says-karmelo-anthonys-family-showed-no-remorse-after-murder-conviction ### 2026-06-23: Karmelo Anthony Secures High‑Profile Legal Team for Murder Appeal Karmelo Anthony, sentenced to 35 years for a 2025 Texas murder, has hired a pro bono high‑profile legal team to review his trial and appeal possible jury‑selection errors. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthony-secures-new-legal-team-for-murder-conviction-appeal ### 2026-06-19: Karmelo Anthony convicted for Texas track‑meet stabbing; body‑cam footage and evidence released Karmelo Anthony was sentenced to 35 years for stabbing Austin Metcalf at a Texas track meet; body‑cam footage showing his admission was released, and a no‑Black‑juror jury has prompted appeal efforts. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthony-convicted-of-murdering-texas-teen-austin-metcalf ### 2026-06-19: Karmelo Anthony conviction sparks renewed CRT debate Karmelo Anthony's conviction has revived debate over Critical Race Theory and white privilege, drawing protests and highlighting ongoing racial tensions in the US. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthony-conviction-sparks-renewed-crt-debate ### 2026-06-15: Karmelo Anthony Appeals 35‑Year Murder Sentence Amid Jury Bias Claims Karmelo Anthony, sentenced to 35 years for killing Austin Metcalf, appeals his conviction, citing an all‑white jury and excluded black jurors; the case has ignited debate over race, sentencing and potential jur 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthonys-parents-criticized-after-murder-conviction ### 2026-06-15: Cardi B condemns Karmelo Anthony murder sentence, drawing criticism from Blaze host Allie Beth Stuckey Cardi B blasted Karmelo Anthony’s murder sentencing on X, prompting Blaze host Allie Beth Stuckey to defend the justice system and cite Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s remarks on Black mothers’ fears. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cardi-b-condemns-karmelo-anthony-murder-sentence-drawing-criticism-from-blaze-host-allie-beth-stucke ### 2026-06-14: Texas judge defends 35‑year sentence in Karmelo Anthony murder case Judge John Roach Jr. sentenced Karmelo Anthony to 35 years for a 2025 Texas stabbing, defended a courtroom camera ban, and described the convicted teen as a “nice young man.” The trial faced a Batson challenge, 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-judge-defends-35year-sentence-in-karmelo-anthony-murder-case ### 2026-06-14: Karmelo Anthony murder case fuels activist backlash and viral misinformation Karmelo Anthony was sentenced to 35 years for killing Austin Metcalf, prompting activist criticism comparing his treatment to Dylann Roof; a false viral claim said streamer Adin Ross pledged $600K for an “elect 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthony-murder-case-fuels-deathpenalty-debate-and-viral-false-claims ### 2026-06-13: Karmelo Anthony murder case fuels extremist online backlash in the US Karmelo Anthony’s murder conviction of Austin Metcalf sparked polarized online reactions, from Mark Robinson’s blunt commentary to a disturbing social‑media trend of posting urination photos on the victim’s gra 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthony-murder-case-fuels-extremist-online-backlash-in-the-us ### 2026-06-13: Jeff Metcalf brands teen Karmelo Anthony a ‘watermelon felon’ in racist interview Jeff Metcalf, after a Texas sentencing, called teen Karmelo Anthony a ‘watermelon felon,’ invoking racist stereotypes and prompting backlash over the slur. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jeff-metcalf-brands-teen-karmelo-anthony-a-watermelon-felon-in-racist-interview ### 2026-06-13: Karmelo Anthony Sentenced to 35 Years for Texas Track‑Meet Murder Karmelo Anthony received a 35‑year sentence for killing Austin Metcalf at a Texas track meet; the judge barred cameras, citing fairness amid protests over self‑defense and racial bias debates. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthony-sentenced-to-35-years-for-texas-trackmeet-murder ### 2026-06-12: Karmelo Anthony murder case triggers fundraising dispute and racial slur backlash Karmelo Anthony was sentenced to 35 years for the stabbing death of Austin Metcalf in Texas. After a gag order lift, Metcalf’s father called Anthony a “watermelon felon,” inciting backlash, while a $634K crowdf 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthony-murder-case-triggers-fundraising-dispute-and-racial-slur-backlash ### 2026-06-12: Karmelo Anthony murder conviction examined over jury composition Karmelo Anthony’s 35‑year murder sentence drew criticism from House Democrats over alleged all‑white jury, but fact‑checks show the jury included minorities, prompting calls for review. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthony-murder-conviction-examined-over-jury-composition ### 2026-06-12: Arrests Made During Karmelo Anthony Murder Trial in Texas Two arrests, including a GOP congressional candidate, were made outside the Texas courthouse after Karmelo Anthony received a 35‑year murder sentence. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arrests-made-during-karmelo-anthony-murder-trial-in-texas ### 2026-06-12: Austin Metcalf’s family receives death threats after murderer’s sentencing in Texas Texas teen Austin Metcalf was murdered at a track meet; killer Karmelo Anthony received a 35‑year sentence, after which the Metcalf family faced death threats and violent messages. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/austin-metcalfs-family-receives-death-threats-after-murderers-sentencing-in-texas ### 2026-06-12: Teen receives 35‑year sentence for Texas school‑track stabbing Karmelo Anthony was sentenced to 35 years for the 2025 stabbing death of Austin Metcalf at a Texas track meet, sparking discussion on race and jury composition. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/teen-receives-35year-sentence-for-texas-schooltrack-stabbing ### 2026-06-11: Karmelo Anthony Sentenced to 35 Years as Family Appeals Trial Fairness Karmelo Anthony received a 35‑year murder sentence; his family alleges an unfair trial, files an appeal over jury issues, and raised $625K for his defense. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthonys-murder-conviction-triggers-courthouse-gun-arrest-and-anger-debate ### 2026-06-11: Texas parole supervisor fired over racist post on Karmelo Anthony murder A Texas parole supervisor was dismissed after a racist Facebook rant about the Karmelo Anthony murder, while a Howard professor sparked controversy by blaming the victim’s father for the killing. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-parole-supervisor-fired-over-racist-post-on-karmelo-anthony-murder ### 2026-06-11: Karmelo Anthony Case Sparks Outrage Over Racial Violence in Texas Karmelo Anthony's conviction in Texas sparked online racist harassment recalling the 1916 lynching of Jesse Washington, highlighting ongoing racial violence. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthony-case-sparks-outrage-over-racial-violence-in-texas ### 2026-06-11: Karmelo Anthony’s $630K GiveSendGo fundraiser closed after Texas murder conviction GiveSendGo shut down Karmelo Anthony’s $630,000 fundraiser after his 35‑year murder conviction in Texas; the campaign had funded legal costs and family relocation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthonys-630k-givesendgo-fundraiser-closed-after-texas-murder-conviction ### 2026-06-11: Karmelo Anthony Sentenced to 35 Years for Texas Teen's Murder Karmelo Anthony was convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years for the stabbing of Austin Metcalf in Texas; the case spurred racial debate, celebrity criticism, and threats against the victim’s family. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthony-sentenced-to-35-years-for-austin-metcalf-murder-prompting-cardi-b-outcry ### 2026-06-11: Karmelo Anthony trial: Batson challenge denied, 35‑year sentence upheld Karmelo Anthony was convicted of a 2025 stabbing and sentenced to 35 years; a Batson challenge alleging exclusion of Black jurors was denied. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthony-trial-batson-challenge-denied-35year-sentence-upheld ### 2026-06-11: Teen Karmelo Anthony Convicted of Murder in Texas School Track Meet Teen Karmelo Anthony was convicted of murdering Austin Metcalf at a Frisco, Texas track meet, facing a possible 5‑99‑year sentence. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/teen-karmelo-anthony-convicted-of-murder-in-texas-school-track-meet ### 2026-06-11: Karmelo Anthony Sentenced to 35 Years for Texas Murder, Appeals Filed Karmelo Anthony was sentenced to 35 years for the murder of Austin Metcalf in Frisco, Texas; his lawyers have filed an appeal and supporters clashed outside the court. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthony-sentenced-to-35-years-for-texas-murder-appeals-filed ### 2026-06-10: Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years for murder of Austin Metcalf in Texas Karmelo Anthony received a 35‑year sentence after a Texas jury convicted him of murdering Austin Metcalf at a track meet, rejecting his self‑defense claim, amid online racist disinformation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthony-sentenced-to-35-years-for-murder-of-austin-metcalf-in-texas ### 2026-06-10: Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett Draws Backlash Over Defense of Murder Convict Karmelo Anthony Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett faced backlash after defending convicted murderer Karmelo Anthony, who received a 35‑year sentence for stabbing Austin Metcalf at a Frisco high‑school track meet. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-rep-jasmine-crockett-draws-backlash-over-defense-of-murder-convict-karmelo-anthony ### 2026-06-10: Karmelo Anthony’s $630,000 GiveSendGo fundraiser shut down after murder conviction Karmelo Anthony’s $630,000 GiveSendGo fundraiser was closed after his 35‑year murder conviction for killing Austin Metcalf in Texas; funds had covered pre‑trial costs and the remainder will be disbursed per the 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthonys-630000-givesendgo-fundraiser-shut-down-after-murder-conviction ### 2026-06-10: Karmelo Anthony receives 35‑year murder sentence in Texas A Texas jury convicted 19‑year‑old Black teen Karmelo Anthony of murder for stabbing white student Austin Metcalf, rejecting his self‑defense claim and imposing a 35‑year prison sentence. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthony-receives-35year-murder-sentence-in-texas ### 2026-06-10: Rep. Jasmine Crockett Faces Backlash Over Comments on Texas Teen Murder Sentencing Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s remarks defending Karmelo Anthony, convicted of murdering Austin Metcalf in Texas, were condemned for minimizing the crime and claiming racial bias in sentencing. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rep-jasmine-crockett-flags-racial-bias-in-texas-murder-sentencing-of-karmelo-anthony ### 2026-06-09: Texas teen sentenced to 35 years for murder of rival track athlete Karmelo Anthony, 19, was sentenced to 35 years for murdering 17‑year‑old track athlete Austin Metcalf at a Texas high‑school meet; a jury rejected his self‑defense claim after a brief deliberation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-teen-sentenced-to-35-years-for-murder-of-rival-track-athlete ### 2026-06-09: Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years for murder of Austin Metcalf in Texas 19‑year‑old Karmelo Anthony was convicted of first‑degree murder for stabbing 17‑year‑old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco, Texas, high‑school track meet and sentenced to 35 years in prison, with parole after half; a 41 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/teen-sentenced-to-35-years-for-fatal-stabbing-at-texas-high-school-track-meet ### 2026-06-09: Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years for high‑school murder in Texas Karmelo Anthony received a 35‑year prison term for the 2025 stabbing death of Austin Metcalf at a Frisco, Texas track meet, after a jury rejected his self‑defense claim amid national debate on race and school‑s 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthony-sentenced-to-35-years-for-highschool-murder-in-texas ### 2026-06-08: Karmelo Anthony Convicted of Murder for 2025 Frisco Track Meet Stabbing Jury convicts Karmelo Anthony of murder for stabbing Austin Metcalf at a 2025 Frisco track meet; self‑defense claim rejected and he receives a 35‑year sentence. 35 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthony-convicted-of-murder-in-texas-stabbing-case ### 2026-06-05: Teen Karmelo Anthony faces murder trial for fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at Texas track meet Teen Karmelo Anthony is on trial for the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at a Texas track meet, claiming self‑defense while prosecutors label it a provoked murder. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/teen-karmelo-anthony-faces-murder-trial-for-fatal-stabbing-of-austin-metcalf-at-texas-track-meet ### 2026-06-04: Karmelo Anthony Murder Trial Begins with All‑White Jury in Texas Karmelo Anthony's murder trial began in Texas with an all‑White jury; defense cites racial bias, prosecutors cite race‑neutral reasons, and social‑justice groups protest the jury composition. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthony-murder-trial-begins-with-all-white-jury-in-frisco-texas ### 2026-06-04: Karmelo Anthony murder trial begins in Texas over track‑meet stabbing Karmelo Anthony, 19, faces a first‑degree murder trial in Texas for stabbing 17‑year‑old Austin Metcalf at a 2025 track meet; prosecutors call it murder, defense cites self‑defense, and the jury contains no Bl​ 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karmelo-anthonys-firstdegree-murder-trial-begins-in-texas-over-fatal-track-meet-stabbing ### 2026-06-01: Texas teen Karmelo Anthony's murder trial begins for fatal stabbing of football player Austin Metcalf Karmelo Anthony's murder trial starts in Texas after the April 2025 stabbing of football player Austin Metcalf, with a gag order, house arrest and over $600K raised for his defense. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-teen-karmelo-anthonys-murder-trial-begins-for-fatal-stabbing-of-football-player-austin-metcalf --- Cite as: Karmelo Anthony: Judge denies request for new murder trial. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/texas-teen-murder-trial-of-karmelo-anthony