Judge Roach Recused From Karmelo Anthony Post-Trial Case as 19-Year-Old Seeks New Trial
Updated
Updated · NBC DFW · Aug 19
Judge Roach Recused From Karmelo Anthony Post-Trial Case as 19-Year-Old Seeks New Trial
3 articles · Updated · NBC DFW · Aug 19
Summary
Judge Sid Harle removed John Roach from Karmelo Anthony’s post-trial proceedings ahead of a Thursday hearing on the 19-year-old’s motion for a new trial.
Defense lawyers sought Roach’s recusal after he limited public access and later said in an interview that the jury “got it right,” raising questions about his neutrality.
A central issue in the new-trial bid is an alleged off-record “gentleman’s agreement” to exclude character evidence that prosecutors later withdrew, which Anthony’s lawyers say affected his decision not to testify.
The case stems from Anthony’s June murder conviction and 35-year sentence for fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a 2025 high school track meet.
The dispute has also revived criticism of courtroom transparency, with defense observers arguing the untelevised trial exposed broader problems in public access to high-profile proceedings.