Convicted killer Karmelo Anthony is pushing for a complete do-over of his high-profile murder trial, demanding a new judge and arguing that his constitutional rights were violated during the original proceedings.

The 19-year-old’s high-powered new defense team filed motions on Tuesday in the appeal of his conviction for the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025.

Key Arguments in the Appeal
Anthony’s attorneys claim the original trial was not fully accessible to the public, violating his constitutional rights. They also allege that prosecutors improperly prevented him from testifying in his own defense.

In addition to seeking a new trial, the defense is asking that Judge John Roach — who presided over the dramatic proceedings — be removed from all remaining post-trial matters. They argue that Roach showed bias against Anthony in post-verdict interviews, making it impossible for him to rule fairly on future motions.

In one interview with WFAA, Judge Roach defended the jury’s guilty verdict, stating the jurors “did the right thing” after listening to the facts. He added that Anthony “seems like a nice young man who committed a crime” and would have to live with the consequences.

Background of the Case
Anthony was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison last month. The jury deliberated for just over two hours before reaching the verdict.

The fatal incident occurred during a rain delay at a track meet when Anthony was sitting in Metcalf’s team tent. Witnesses said Metcalf repeatedly told him to leave. When Metcalf pushed him, Anthony pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the chest. Metcalf died in his twin brother’s arms.

Anthony’s defense team argued self-defense at trial, but the jury rejected that claim.

New Legal Team
Anthony recently assembled an elite defense team for his appeal, including Texas NAACP president Gary Bledsoe, veteran appellate attorney Russell Wilson, and civil rights lawyer Brooke Cluse from Ben Crump Law. The attorneys are reportedly working the case pro bono.

The appeal does not guarantee a new trial and could take several months to resolve. Anthony remains in custody serving his 35-year sentence.

The case gained national attention, with heated debates over race, self-defense claims, and the circumstances of the confrontation between the two high school athletes.

Main Sources: New York Post, court documents, and WFAA interviews.