Attorneys for Karmelo Anthony appeal his murder conviction in track meet stabbing
NBC News • • sports
Key Points:
- Karmelo Anthony, convicted last month for the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at a Texas track meet, has filed an appeal and requested a new trial, citing court errors including restricted public access and alleged breach of an evidence agreement.
- Anthony’s new attorneys argue the trial was rushed, with insufficient time given to counsel Anthony on whether to testify, and criticize Judge John Roach for publicly expressing opinions on the verdict and trial fairness, requesting his recusal.
- Prosecutors, led by Collin County’s Bill Wirskye, deny the appeal’s claims, affirming the trial was conducted ethically and fairly, with a unanimous jury verdict supporting the conviction.
- The appeal highlights concerns over the judge’s public comments defending jury selection, which excluded Black jurors, and the sealing of court files under restrictive conditions, raising questions about judicial neutrality post-trial.
- The case has drawn national attention due to racial dynamics—Metcalf was white and Anthony is Black—and is now supported on appeal by a prominent team of civil rights and criminal defense attorneys working pro bono.
