Judge denies Karmelo Anthony's motion for a new trial

A North Texas judge has denied Karmelo Anthony's motion for a new trial in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at a Frisco track meet. Retired Judge Michael Chitty ruled on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, that the murder conviction and 35-year prison sentence stand. This karmelo anthony update ends weeks of hearings over courtroom access and a disputed pretrial evidence agreement.

The decision landed after Anthony's new defense team spent days arguing that his June murder trial was unfair. Chitty, a retired district judge appointed after the original trial judge was removed from the appeal, reviewed witness testimony, briefs, and trial records before issuing his order.

Key Takeaways

• Judge Michael Chitty denied Anthony's motion for a new trial on Aug. 22, 2026.
• Anthony was convicted in June of murdering Austin Metcalf and sentenced to 35 years in prison.
• Defense attorneys argued a "gentleman's agreement" and courtroom access limits violated his rights.
• Trial Judge John Roach was recused from post-trial proceedings before Chitty heard the motion.
• Anthony maintains he acted in self-defense during the April 2, 2025 track meet confrontation.

What did the judge decide in Anthony's new trial motion?

On Aug. 22, Chitty denied the request in a written order reviewed by FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth. "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 order states.

Anthony, now 19, was convicted of murder in June and sentenced to 35 years for the stabbing death of 17-year-old Metcalf. The ruling means Anthony's conviction stands unless he pursues further appeals.

Why did Anthony's defense seek a new trial?

Anthony's new attorneys, led by Russell Wilson, argued his rights were violated through undocumented conferences held by former Collin County Judge John Roach and pretrial hearings Anthony did not attend. They also contended he was denied his Sixth Amendment right to a public trial because of decisions limiting courtroom access during the trial.

A central issue was a "gentleman's agreement" between prosecutors and Anthony's original defense team to keep certain character evidence about both teenagers out of the trial. Former defense attorney Toby Shook testified the deal was meant to focus jurors on what happened under the Memorial High School team tent. Shook said Anthony taking the stand was the "only effective way" for jurors to hear a self-defense claim, but Anthony ultimately did not testify.

Prosecutor Bill Wirskye, who tried the murder case, testified the agreement was intended to protect both sides from damaging character evidence entering the public record. Prosecutors argued the courtroom remained accessible to the public and media during the trial.

What happened at the Frisco track meet stabbing?

On April 2, 2025, Frisco police were called to Kuykendall Stadium during an 11-5A district championship track meet. Witnesses said Metcalf, a Memorial High School junior, told Anthony, a Centennial High School student, to move from under Memorial's tent during a downpour.

When Metcalf pushed Anthony, witnesses said Anthony pulled a knife from his bag and stabbed Metcalf in the chest. Metcalf died despite lifesaving efforts; his twin brother Hunter was nearby and tried to stop the bleeding. Investigators said the two teens did not know each other before the confrontation.

The case drew national attention as details spread on social media. Anthony told police he was protecting himself, though prosecutors called it a "senseless murder." For more context on high-profile cases like this, see our True Crime & Unsolved Mysteries coverage.

What happens next for Karmelo Anthony?

With the motion denied, Anthony remains convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years. Austin Metcalf's father, Jeff Metcalf, had told NBC 5 before the ruling that a new trial could have carried the risk of a longer sentence.

Anthony has maintained that he acted in self-defense. Further appeals beyond this post-trial motion may still be available, though Chitty's order closes this chapter of the legal fight over whether he deserved a second trial.