A Collin County judge on Saturday denied a motion for a new trial in the fatal April 2025 stabbing of Austin Metcalf, a 17-year-old athlete who was killed after a high school track meet in the Frisco area. The decision leaves intact a June jury conviction and a 35-year prison sentence for 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony.
Judge cites record review; no detailed findings released
Judge Michael Chitty issued a short, half-page order following a two-day hearing this week near Dallas, saying he had reviewed the evidence and arguments and denying the retrial motion. The order did not set out the judge’s reasoning in detail.
The retrial request centered on a contested agreement that had been reached off the record between prosecutors and Anthony’s trial defense team. Both sides had agreed to withhold certain character evidence about the two teenagers from the jury because of concern that it could inflame public sentiment in a case already marked by intense attention and threats against the families.
- Defendant: Karmelo Anthony, 19
- Victim: Austin Metcalf, 17
- Conviction: Murder (June trial)
- Sentence: 35 years in prison
Defense says agreement breakdown justified new trial
Anthony’s attorneys argued that the off-the-record agreement was undermined, pointing to a heated exchange between counsel as Anthony prepared to testify. Defense lawyers said the episode altered their trial strategy and influenced Anthony’s decision ultimately not to testify. They asked the court for a new trial on that basis and other procedural grounds.
“Our commitment to our client has not changed,” said defense attorney Russell Wilson. “We will continue to advocate vigorously on his behalf through every lawful avenue available.”
Wilson confirmed the defense will appeal the denial.
Prosecutors and district attorney defend the trial
Prosecutors pushed back this week, defending the fairness of the trial and the jury’s verdict. Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis issued a statement after the judge’s order, saying the guilty verdict remains in place and expressing sympathy for the Metcalf family.
“We respect, and expected, the court’s decision denying the motion for a new trial,” Willis said. “The jury’s guilty verdict stands, and we remain confident in the process. Every defendant has the right to appeal, and our thoughts and prayers remain with the Metcalf family in the painful wake of last week’s hearing.”
Prosecutor Bill Wirskye also defended the trial as fair during this week’s proceedings.
Case drew national attention and local tensions
The shooting attracted broad media coverage and intense social media commentary that cast the killing in racial terms. The two families were subjected to harassment and death threats during and after the trial. Anthony is Black and Metcalf was white; however, attorneys on both sides told jurors the case was not about race.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 2025 | Death of Austin Metcalf after a Frisco-area high school track meet |
| June 2026 | Jury convicts Karmelo Anthony of murder; sentenced to 35 years |
| August 2026 | Judge Michael Chitty denies motion for a new trial after hearing |
Local residents and school officials have faced the fallout from the case since the killing, with concerns over student safety and community division rising to the fore. The legal fight now shifts to the appellate courts, where Anthony’s attorneys say they will continue to pursue relief.
As the case proceeds through appeals, Frisco families and local leaders remain attentive to developments that could affect schools, community relations and how future high-profile cases are handled by prosecutors and courts in Collin County.
