A new development has emerged in the Karmelo Anthony case after a judge ruled that Anthony will not receive a new trial in the murder of Austin Metcalf.
Last week, the original judge overseeing Anthony’s case, Judge John Roach, was recused from hearing any appellate issues involving Anthony’s case.
Retired Judge Kaufman County Judge Michael Chitty was appointed to hear Anthony’s motion for a new trial.
In an order dated Aug. 22, Chitty denied Anthony’s motion for a new trial.
“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,” Chitty wrote.
Anthony’s case centers on a confrontation between Anthony and Metcalf at a Frisco high school track meet. Anthony stabbed Metcalf in the heart with a 2-inch knife, causing him to bleed out in his twin brother’s arms.
A year after Metcalf’s death, Anthony was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison. He will become eligible for parole after serving half of his sentence.
Anthony subsequently appealed the jury’s verdict and requested a new trial, along with a new legal team.
Following Chitty’s ruling, Russell Wislon, an appellate lawyer for Anthony, told WFAA that he was disappointed with the court’s decision.
“We are disappointed that the Court denied our motion for a new trial. 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,” he added.
WFAA also received a statement from Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis, who said he expected the court’s decision.
“We respect, and expected, the court’s decision denying the motion for a new trial. 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,” Willis said.
Anthony’s legal team still has another avenue to challenge the guilty verdict. His attorneys can pursue a direct appeal before a three-judge panel of the Texas Fifth Court of Appeals in Dallas.
