Beyond the 806
Judge denies Karmelo Anthony's appeal for a new trial in killing of Austin Metcalf - CBS Texas - CBS News
A Collin County judge denied Karmelo Anthony's request for a new trial Saturday, letting stand the conviction for the April 2025 stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco ISD track meet. Anthony was convicted of murder after a Collin County jury rejected his self-defense argument, finding he intentionally stabbed Metcalf during an altercation at the meet.
Anthony was convicted of murder after a Collin County jury rejected his self-defense argument, finding he intentionally stabbed Metcalf during an altercation at the meet. His new defense team pushed for a new trial following the conviction earlier this summer. Judge Michael Chitty heard the request and denied it Saturday.
Collin County prosecutors said they respected and expected the court's decision.
For Lubbock families who followed this case, the verdict and now this ruling reinforce how Texas juries weigh self-defense claims in situations where a fight turns fatal. The track meet setting made this story hit differently for parents and student-athletes across the state who spend weekends at exactly those kinds of competitions.
Anthony still faces sentencing. The jury's rejection of the self-defense claim was the central turning point in the case, and Saturday's ruling means that finding will not get a second look from a new jury.
Metcalf was killed at a high school track meet, the kind of spring afternoon that is supposed to end with times posted and bus rides home.
Common questions
Did Karmelo Anthony get a new trial?
- No. Judge Michael Chitty denied the request for a new trial Saturday, letting the murder conviction stand. Anthony's new defense team had pushed for a new trial following his conviction earlier this summer, but Collin County prosecutors said they respected and expected the court's decision.
Why was Karmelo Anthony convicted of murder if he claimed self-defense?
- A Collin County jury rejected Anthony's self-defense argument and found he intentionally stabbed 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during an altercation at a Frisco ISD track meet in April 2025. Texas juries can reject self-defense claims when evidence shows the use of force was not justified.
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