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NewsWPLG Local 10August 20, 2026Miami-Dade

Defense attorneys seek new trial for Karmelo Anthony in high school track meet stabbing

Attorneys for Karmelo Anthony are requesting a new trial for his 35-year prison sentence, arguing that an off-the-record agreement between legal teams to exclude character evidence and other court procedures compromised the original trial. The request is currently being reviewed by a new judge after the original presiding judge was removed from the case.

criminal justicecourt proceedingshomicidelegal ethics
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Why It Matters

The court's decision will determine whether Anthony, currently serving a 35-year sentence for the stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, will face a new trial or remain incarcerated.

Key Facts

  • Karmelo Anthony is currently serving a 35-year prison sentence for the stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf.
  • The stabbing occurred last year during a confrontation at a high school track meet near Dallas.
  • Defense attorneys argue the original trial was flawed due to an off-the-record agreement to exclude character evidence regarding both the defendant and the victim.
  • The original presiding judge, John Roach, was removed from the case on Wednesday after giving a TV interview stating jurors 'got it right'.
  • Judge Michael Chitty has been assigned to decide whether a new trial will be granted.
  • Prosecutor Bill Wirskye stated that both sides agreed to exclude evidence of Anthony's alleged obsession with weapons and Metcalf's alleged history of using racial slurs to 'turn down the temperature' of the case.
  • The case involved significant public tension, including death threats against the judge and witnesses, and the circulation of fake autopsy reports.
  • Witnesses testified that the confrontation began over Anthony's refusal to leave a team tent at the track meet.
  • Anthony allegedly told the victim 'Touch me and see what happens' before the stabbing occurred.

Who's Mentioned

personMike Howard“Anthony's lead attorney during the original trial.”personKarmelo Anthony“Defendant convicted of stabbing Austin Metcalf.”locationMcKinney, Texas“Location of the court proceedings.”personAustin Metcalf“17-year-old victim of the stabbing.”personMichael Chitty“New judge assigned to the retrial motion.”personBill Wirskye“Prosecutor in the case.”personRussell Wilson“Defense attorney representing Anthony in the retrial motion.”personJohn Roach“Original judge removed from the case.”