Karmelo Anthony wins bid for new judge as he seeks new trial

Key Points:

• Judge John Roach, who presided over Karmelo Anthony's 2025 murder trial, was removed from the case after the defense argued he compromised his impartiality by enforcing strict courtroom rules and giving a post-trial interview supporting the verdict.
• Anthony, convicted of fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf and sentenced to 35 years, is seeking a new trial citing restricted public access, alleged prosecutorial breaches of a character evidence agreement, and disputed jury instructions on self-defense.
• The defense criticized Roach's limitations on cameras and public attendance during the trial, while prosecutors maintained confidence in the unanimous jury verdict and the fairness of the proceedings.
• A new judge will be assigned for a hearing on Anthony's retrial request, scheduled for Thursday, with increased public access provided via an overflow room and live video feed.
• Supporters of Anthony celebrated the judge's removal outside the courthouse, chanting “Free Karmelo,” while both families of the defendant and victim were present during the hearing.