Texas judge denies Karmelo Anthony’s request for new trial in deadly stabbing at track meet

DALLAS (AP) – A Texas judge denied a new trial for Karmelo Anthony on Saturday in the stabbing death of a 17-year-old athlete at a high school track meet, a killing that drew national attention and led to harassment of the families.

Key points

• Anthony, 19, was convicted of murder in June and sentenced to 35 years in prison for the April 2025 killing of Austin Metcalf.
• Judge Michael Chitty denied the retrial motion in a half-page order after a two-day hearing this week near Dallas, citing a review of the evidence and arguments.
• Both sides agreed to hold back evidence that risked further inflaming a case already boiling with racial tensions and death threats.
• "Our commitment to our client has not changed, " Wilson remarked.

Judge Michael Chitty denied the retrial motion in a half-page order after a two-day hearing this week near Dallas, citing a review of the evidence and arguments. He did not elaborate. Russell Wilson, Anthony's attorney, remarked the defense would appeal.

"Our commitment to our client has not changed, " Wilson remarked. "We will continue to advocate vigorously on his behalf through every lawful avenue available."

At the center of Anthony's retrial request was an off-the-record agreement between prosecutors and his trial defense team to keep damaging character evidence regarding both teenagers out of the proceeding. Both sides agreed to hold back evidence that risked further inflaming a case already boiling with racial tensions and death threats.

Taken together, the developments around texas judge denies Karmelo Anthonys request for new trial in deadly stabbing point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.