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NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsAugust 19, 2026Hillsborough

Judge removed from Texas murder case as defendant seeks new trial

A Texas district judge has been removed from the murder case of 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony, who is currently seeking a new trial following his conviction for the fatal stabbing of a high school athlete. The removal follows arguments from Anthony's legal team regarding the judge's courtroom conduct and post-trial media interviews.

criminal justicecourt proceedingshomicidejudicial conduct
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — News

Why It Matters

The removal of the presiding judge necessitates the appointment of a new judge to oversee the defendant's pending request for a , which could impact the 35-year prison sentence previously handed down.

Key Facts

  • Judge John Roach was ordered removed from the murder case of Karmelo Anthony.
  • Karmelo Anthony was previously convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison.
  • The defendant is currently seeking a new trial.
  • A new judge will be assigned to preside over the retrial request hearing scheduled for Thursday.
  • The defense argued for a retrial citing the judge's strict courtroom rules and post-trial media interviews.
  • The incident occurred at a high school track meet involving a dispute over a team tent.
  • The victim, Austin Metcalf, was 17 years old at the time of the incident.
  • The defendant did not testify during the original trial.
  • The case gained public attention due to social media discourse regarding the racial identities of the defendant and victim.

Who's Mentioned

personAustin Metcalf“Victim of the stabbing”personJohn Roach“State District Judge removed from the case”personKarmelo Anthony“Defendant convicted of murder”locationCollin County“Location of the court hearing”other17“Age of the victim at the time of the incident”other19“Current age of the defendant”