Attorneys for Karmelo Anthony requested a new trial Thursday, arguing that an off-the-record agreement to withhold evidence regarding the race and character of the involved parties hindered the fairness of his original trial. Anthony, 19, was previously sentenced to 35 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a high school stadium near Dallas last year.
The request for a retrial follows the removal of state District Judge John Roach from the case on Wednesday. Anthony's legal team sought Roach’s removal after the judge stated in a television interview that jurors "got it right" with the guilty verdict. State District Judge Michael Chitty has been assigned to decide if a retrial is warranted.
During the hearing, prosecutor Bill Wirskye confirmed that both legal teams had agreed to exclude certain details to prevent further public tension. Withheld information included a text message from Anthony about stabbing someone and records of Metcalf using racist language and having a history of fighting. Wirskye argued the conviction should stand because multiple witnesses testified that Anthony was the aggressor during the confrontation, which began when Anthony refused to leave a tent belonging to Metcalf’s team.
Defense attorney Russell Wilson, who did not represent Anthony during the original June trial, argued that the proceedings were marred by a "shadow docket" that shielded relevant character information. Wilson stated that the speed of the trial and the off-the-record agreements limited access to proper judicial proceedings. Conversely, Anthony's original lead attorney, Mike Howard, stated that both sides wanted to lower the "temperature" of the case, which had been amplified nationally on social media.
The outcome centers on the scale of judicial transparency, as the defense claims the use of an off-the-record "shadow docket" impacted a case involving a decade-spanning prison sentence. A decision to grant a new trial would require the court to re-examine evidence that was previously suppressed by mutual agreement, potentially changing how the jury views the motivations of both the defendant and the victim. For the general public and legal professionals in Texas, the case sets a precedent regarding the balance between courtroom transparency and the management of high-profile cases involving racial tensions and death threats.
If a retrial is denied, Anthony’s 35-year sentence will remain in effect. If granted, the legal process for the high school stadium killing will restart, requiring witnesses to testify again and a new jury to be empaneled. The hearing is scheduled to continue Friday, though Judge Chitty has not yet stated when he will issue a final ruling on the retrial request.