Overview
- A Kaufman County judge denied Karmelo Anthony’s motion for a new trial on Saturday, leaving the June conviction for the April 2025 stabbing and a 35-year prison term in place.
- Anthony’s defense says strict courtroom access rules and a last-minute dispute over an off‑the‑record “gentleman’s agreement” coerced him to waive his right to testify and deprived him of a fair public trial.
- Visiting Judge Sid Harle removed trial judge John Roach Jr. from post‑trial matters after finding Roach’s post‑verdict comments could reasonably raise questions about impartiality, and retired Judge Michael Chitty heard and denied the new‑trial motion.
- At the post‑trial hearing prosecutors introduced previously withheld material, including text messages showing violent or threatening language and school records about Austin Metcalf, while the defense presented records and testimony about racist graffiti and other conduct by Metcalf.
- Anthony’s lawyers have filed notice they will appeal to the Fifth Court of Appeals, where judges will review the trial record for legal or constitutional errors and the case will continue to shape debate over court access, judicial conduct, and race in high‑profile trials.