Texas judge rules on Karmelo Anthony new-trial bid, denies motion

Key Points:

• A Texas judge denied Karmelo Anthony's request for a new trial, leaving his murder conviction and 35-year sentence intact, though Anthony plans to continue his challenge on direct appeal.
• The hearing focused on an oral agreement between Anthony's former defense attorneys and prosecutors about excluding damaging character evidence, which became disputed when Anthony considered testifying.
• Former defense attorneys testified they believed the agreement allowed Anthony to testify about the confrontation, but prosecutors later said it would not apply if he took the stand, leading to confusion and Anthony's decision not to testify.
• The judge also reviewed claims that courtroom restrictions violated Anthony’s Sixth Amendment right to a public trial and that jury instructions limited jurors’ ability to consider self-defense, but these claims were not detailed in the denial order.
• Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis expressed confidence in the verdict and the judicial process, while the defense continues to pursue appeals.