A Collin County courtroom became the center of renewed legal battles Thursday as convicted killer Karmelo Anthony pursued his bid for a new trial in the stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf.
Retired District Judge Michael Chitty presided over the hearing after the original trial judge John Roach was recused from all post-conviction proceedings. The hearing was expected to stretch into Friday.
A central issue before the court involves what attorneys describe as a so-called gentleman’s agreement reached between prosecutors and the defense prior to the original June trial. Both sides reportedly agreed to exclude character evidence related to Anthony and to Metcalf and his brother keeping the focus strictly on events that unfolded the day of the stabbing.
Criminal defense attorney Cody Cofer who followed the case closely said prosecutors allegedly withdrew from that off-the-record arrangement. That decision reportedly led Anthony to conclude he could not safely take the stand in his own defense a move that could now be grounds for a new trial.
Judge Roach was removed from the case just one day before Thursday’s hearing. A San Antonio judge appointed to evaluate the recusal request ruled that Roach should step aside citing comments Roach made in a post-trial interview where he said the jury reached the right verdict and described Anthony as a nice young man who committed a crime. The defense also pointed to Roach’s rulings that restricted public access during the proceedings.
Austin Metcalf’s father Jeff reacted to the recusal ruling and Anthony’s push for a new trial with measured words. He said that if a new trial is granted Anthony could ultimately receive more years and suggested the outcome may not favor the defense as much as supporters expect.
The original crime took place on April 2 2025 at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco during an 11-5A district track meet. Witnesses said a confrontation broke out when Metcalf told Anthony to leave the area beneath a pop-up tent belonging to Memorial High School during a rainstorm. Anthony reached into his bag issued a warning and when Metcalf made physical contact Anthony pulled a black knife and stabbed him in the chest before fleeing.
Metcalf who had a twin brother Hunter present at the scene died in his brother’s arms despite emergency efforts by first responders. Anthony admitted to the stabbing and claimed self-defense but prosecutors successfully argued the act was a senseless murder. He was convicted in June and has been seeking to overturn that verdict ever since.
