Judge denies Karmelo Anthony's appeal for a new trial in killing of Austin Metcalf

A judge has denied Karmelo Anthony's request for a new trial in the murder of Austin Metcalf after his new defense team called for it in the wake of his conviction earlier this summer.

Judge Michael Chitty rendered his decision Saturday after testimony stretched into Friday evening . The decision could have a major impact on how people perceive the justice system in Texas.

Anthony was convicted of murdering 17‑year‑old Austin Metcalf after stabbing him during a Frisco ISD track meet in April 2025. A Collin County jury rejected his self‑defense claim and found he intentionally stabbed Metcalf during an altercation.

"We respect, and expected, the court's decision denying the motion for a new trial," Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis said in a statement. "The jury's guilty verdict stands, and we remain confident in the process. Every defendant has the right to appeal, and our thoughts and prayers remain with the Metcalf family in the painful wake of last week's hearing."

Russell Wilson, one of Anthony's attorneys, expressed disappointment with Chitty's decision.

"We respectfully disagree with the ruling and remain firmly committed to protecting our client's rights," Wilson said. "We believe the issues raised in our motion are substantial and deserve meaningful appellate review. The denial of our motion does not end this case. We will continue the appeal in the Fifth Court of Appeals and pursue every legal remedy available to our client.

"Our commitment to our client has not changed. We will continue to advocate vigorously on his behalf through every lawful avenue available."

Friday's testimony followed a whirlwind day earlier, during which new background information was revealed about both Anthony and Metcalf.

Two attorneys took the witness stand who are best friends in life but on opposite sides of the case. At one point, their exchange actually got heated over whether Anthony received a fair trial.

Anthony returned to the courtroom where he sat beside his defense attorneys, who continued to present their case that his murder trial was so unconventional, the guilty verdict and 35-year sentence should be thrown out.

The witness they used to prove that point was Toby Shook, one of Anthony's trial attorneys, who told the judge that prosecutors put them in a corner.

Shook says the plan was for Anthony to take the stand in his own defense, but that prosecutors were going to severely limit what he could be asked because of a private gentleman's agreement not to bring up anything from the backgrounds of the defendant or the victim.

Both sides made the agreement because Metcalf and Anthony have troubled histories or violent behavior.

Anthony's background, which CBS News Texas first revealed publicly last night, was read in the courtroom when the state presented its case.