Karmelo Anthony’s effort to overturn his murder conviction has suffered a major setback after a Texas judge denied his request for a new trial in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf.

Anthony, 19, was convicted in June 2026 and sentenced to 35 years in prison for Metcalf’s death during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025. His defense team later asked the court to order a new trial, arguing that circumstances surrounding the original proceedings prevented Anthony from presenting his defense fairly.

At the center of the request was an informal agreement between prosecutors and Anthony’s original defense team concerning potentially damaging information about both teenagers. Anthony’s lawyers argued that a dispute over the agreement led Anthony to decide not to testify, despite his planned self-defense strategy. The defense also raised concerns about courtroom restrictions imposed during the original trial and questioned the impartiality of the judge who presided over it.

The judge ᴀssigned to consider the retrial request, Michael Chitty, rejected the motion after reviewing the evidence and arguments presented during a two-day hearing. The ruling leaves Anthony’s conviction and 35-year sentence in place for now.

Anthony has maintained that he acted in self-defense during the confrontation with Metcalf at the track meet. Prosecutors, however, argued that Anthony was the aggressor and that he pulled a knife after the confrontation escalated. Jurors rejected the self-defense argument and found him guilty.

The case has attracted intense national attention, including significant racial tensions and online harᴀssment surrounding both families. More recently, previously undisclosed evidence discussed during the retrial hearing has brought renewed scrutiny to the circumstances surrounding the original trial. Reports have described allegations concerning the behavior and communications of both teenagers, although much of that material was not presented to the jury during the original proceedings.

Anthony’s attorneys have said they intend to appeal the decision, meaning the legal battle is not over. Meanwhile, the conviction remains in effect, and Anthony continues to face his 35-year prison sentence.

The case is likely to remain under close legal and public scrutiny as the appeals process moves forward, with Anthony’s defense continuing to argue that he did not receive a fair trial and prosecutors maintaining confidence in the original verdict.

Sources: The Guardian