Karmelo Anthony murder trial appeals and judge dispute

Key developments

1. Aug 22, 2026

   A newly assigned judge denies Karmelo Anthony's bid for a new trial, rejecting claims he was coerced into not testifying at his murder trial.

   6 sources on this →
2. Aug 22, 2026

   Anthony's defense pushes for the removal of Judge John Roach amid recusal hearings, as activists urge peaceful participation and debate civil-rights access to the court.

   157 sources on this →

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Photo: KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA / Wikimedia Commons (Pexels)

World

Judge Denies New Trial in Frisco Track-Murder Case

Karmelo Anthony’s defense teams are pursuing a new trial and the possible removal of Judge John Roach, with a series of hearings this week to decide on recusal and whether he should stay on the case. Activists urge peaceful participation as debates center on civil-rights access to the court and how past restrictions may have affected the trial.

157 sources

Photo: Boko Shots / Wikimedia Commons (Pexels)

World

Judge Denies Karmelo Anthony's New Trial

Karmelo Anthony, 19, was convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison for stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco, Texas track meet in April 2025. His bid for a new trial was denied by a newly assigned judge, who rejected claims of coercion over his decision not to testify and noted a disputed defense-prosecutor arrangement, with appeals possible to the Fifth Court of Appeals.