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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 19, 2026Miami-Dade

Visiting judge removes District Judge John Roach from Karmelo Anthony murder case

A visiting judge has ordered the removal of District Judge John Roach from the murder case of 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony, citing concerns over judicial impartiality following a post-trial media interview. The ruling clears the way for a new judge, Michael Chitty, to preside over an upcoming hearing to determine if Anthony will be granted a new trial for the 2023 stabbing death of Austin Metcalf.

criminal justicecourt proceedingsjudicial ethicshomicide
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Why It Matters

The removal of the presiding judge directly impacts the legal process for a defendant sentenced to 35 years in prison, as the new judge will now decide whether the original murder conviction stands or if a retrial is warranted.

Key Facts

  • District Judge John Roach was removed from the Karmelo Anthony murder case by visiting Judge Sid Harle.
  • Judge Michael Chitty has been assigned as the new presiding judge.
  • The recusal was granted due to concerns that Judge Roach's impartiality could be questioned after he told a TV station the jury 'got it right' regarding the guilty verdict.
  • Karmelo Anthony was previously sentenced to 35 years in prison for the stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf.
  • A hearing is scheduled to determine if Anthony will be granted a new trial.
  • The defense argued for recusal based on the judge's public comments and strict courtroom rules that allegedly limited public access.
  • The prosecution argued that Judge Roach's courtroom rules were necessary to protect trial integrity amid public demonstrations.
  • The incident occurred at a high school track meet last year following a confrontation over a tent in the bleachers.

Who's Mentioned

personKarmelo Anthony“Defendant convicted of murder, currently 19 years old.”locationMcKinney, Texas“Location of the court proceedings.”personSid Harle“Visiting judge who ordered the recusal.”personAustin Metcalf“Victim of the fatal stabbing at a high school track meet.”personMichael Chitty“Judge newly assigned to the case.”personBill Wirskye“Prosecutor who opposed the recusal.”personJohn Roach“State District Judge removed from the case.”