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Judge denies Karmelo Anthony's appeal for a new trial in killing of Austin Metcalf
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- A judge denied Karmelo Anthony's request for a new trial in the 2025 murder conviction of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, upholding the 35-year sentence after a Collin County jury rejected Anthony's self-defense claim.
- The defense argued that private agreements and unusual trial restrictions, including limiting testimony about the backgrounds of Anthony and Metcalf, compromised Anthony's right to a fair trial, but the judge disagreed.
- Prosecutors justified the trial's secrecy and restrictions by citing threats, public pressure, and misinformation, aiming to protect the integrity of the case amid high-profile scrutiny.
- New background information revealed both Anthony and Metcalf had violent and troubled histories, which were kept from the jury and public during the original trial under a private agreement.
- Anthony's legal team plans to continue appealing the conviction, asserting the issues raised warrant further appellate review despite the denial of the new trial motion.
