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Judge denies Karmelo Anthony's appeal for a new trial in killing of Austin Metcalf - CBS News
The decision comes after both prosecutors and Anthony's new defense team revealed more details in a tense two-day hearing.
✨ Key Highlights
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A Collin County judge, Michael Chitty, denied Karmelo Anthony's request for a new trial on Saturday, August 22, 2026, after testimony extended into Friday evening.
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Anthony was convicted earlier in the summer of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, whom he stabbed during a Frisco ISD track meet in April 2025, with a jury rejecting his self-defense claim and finding he intentionally stabbed Metcalf.
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Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis said his office respected and expected the ruling, stating the jury's guilty verdict stands and offering thoughts for the Metcalf family.
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Defense attorney Russell Wilson expressed disappointment, saying the team would pursue the appeal in the Fifth Court of Appeals and continue advocating for Anthony through every available legal avenue.
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The hearing featured new background details about both Anthony and Metcalf, and included testimony from two attorneys—described as best friends outside the case—whose exchange grew heated over whether Anthony received a fair trial.
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The defense argued Anthony's trial was so unconventional that the guilty verdict and 35-year sentence should be overturned, calling trial attorney Toby Shook to the witness stand to support that claim.