NewsWPLG Local 10August 19, 2026Miami-Dade
Visiting judge removes District Judge John Roach from Karmelo Anthony murder case
A visiting judge has removed District Judge John Roach from the murder case of 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony, citing concerns over the judge's impartiality following a post-trial media interview. The ruling clears the way for a new judge to preside over an upcoming hearing to determine if Anthony will be granted a retrial for the 2023 stabbing death of Austin Metcalf.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
The removal of the presiding judge directly impacts the legal process for a defendant sentenced to 35 years in prison, as a new judge will now decide whether the original trial's verdict stands or if a retrial is necessary.
Key Facts
- Visiting Judge Sid Harle ordered the recusal of District Judge John Roach from the Karmelo Anthony murder case.
- Judge Michael Chitty has been assigned to preside over all future proceedings in the case.
- The recusal was granted due to concerns that Judge Roach's impartiality could be questioned after he told a TV station that the jury 'got it right' in the guilty verdict.
- Karmelo Anthony, 19, was previously convicted of the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet.
- Anthony is currently serving a 35-year prison sentence.
- A hearing is scheduled for Thursday to determine if Anthony will be granted a new trial.
- The defense argued for recusal based on the judge's post-trial comments and strict courtroom rules that allegedly limited public access.
- Prosecutor Bill Wirskye opposed the recusal, arguing the judge's actions were intended to protect trial integrity.
- The incident occurred last year during a confrontation at a high school tent at a track meet.
- Witnesses testified that Anthony was the aggressor and stabbed Metcalf in the chest after a dispute over tent space.
Who's Mentioned
personKarmelo Anthony“Defendant convicted of murder, currently 19 years old.”other35“Years of the prison sentence given to Anthony.”other19“Current age of the defendant.”personSid Harle“Visiting judge who ordered the recusal.”other17“Age of the victim at the time of the incident.”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.”locationMcKinney“Location of the courtroom proceedings.”personJohn Roach“State District Judge removed from the case.”