Judge Denies Karmelo Anthony New Trial Bid, Leaving 35-Year Murder Sentence Intact
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Aug 22
Judge Denies Karmelo Anthony New Trial Bid, Leaving 35-Year Murder Sentence Intact
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Aug 22
Summary
Judge Michael Chitty on Saturday rejected Karmelo Anthony’s request for a new trial, leaving intact his murder conviction and 35-year sentence for fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a 2025 Frisco track meet.
Defense lawyers argued the original trial was unfair because private hearings, tight courtroom controls and an off-record “gentleman’s agreement” kept both teens’ backgrounds from jurors and contributed to Anthony’s decision not to testify.
Prosecutor Bill Wirskye disputed that account, saying no agreement barred Anthony from the stand and that the unusual restrictions were needed to protect the high-profile case from threats, public pressure and misinformation.
Collin County prosecutors said the jury’s guilty verdict stands, while Anthony’s new legal team said the issues remain substantial and will be pursued in the Fifth Court of Appeals.