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Judge denies Karmelo Anthony's bid for new trial in Austin Metcalf murder

newsAug 22, 202657138

Judge Michael Chitty on Saturday denied 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony's motion for a new trial in the fatal April stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco ISD track meet. The decision followed a tense two-day hearing that stretched into Friday evening after Anthony's new defense team pressed for a new trial and introduced testimony and new background information about both Anthony and Metcalf. Defense witness and trial attorney Toby Shook testified that prosecutors boxed the defense in and that Anthony had planned to take the stand, while lead prosecutor Bill Wirskye said there was never an agreement preventing Anthony from testifying and that unusual rules were needed because of threats and public pressure. Anthony was convicted by a Collin County jury in June and received a 35-year sentence after jurors rejected his self-defense claim following about three hours of deliberation. Defense attorney Russell Wilson said the team respectfully disagrees with the ruling and will continue the appeal, noting they believe the issues raised deserve appellate review. The case now moves to the Fifth Court of Appeals in Dallas, where Anthony can press the same arguments or raise new allegations on appeal.

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