The hearing over Karmelo Anthony’s motion for a new trial continues in Texas on Friday for the teen convicted in the stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. File Photo by Activedia/Pixabay
Aug. 21 (UPI) -- The hearing over Karmelo Anthony's motion for a new trial continues in Texas on Friday for the teen convicted in the stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf.
Retired Kaufman County District Judge Michael Chitty is presiding over the hearing after Judge John Roach was recused on Wednesday. Judge Sid Harle, who is overseeing the case, ruled on Roach's recusal over comments he made, sharing his personal opinion about the verdict in the public.
Roach's comments are part of the defense's argument for a new trial. Anthony's legal team says his constitutional rights were violated, claiming he was coerced into waiving his right to testify. It also says Roach's instructions to the jury were misleading and denied him a fair trial.
Anthony, 19, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison. His attorneys have argued that he acted in self defense when he stabbed Metcalf in the stands at a track meet in April 2025.
