Karmelo Anthony will not get another trial.
Retired District Judge Michael Chitty denied Anthony’s motion Saturday, leaving his murder conviction and 35-year prison sentence in place. Chitty had until Monday to rule but issued his decision ahead of that deadline.
🚨 IT’S OFFICIAL: Convicted m*rderer Karmelo Anthony is NOT getting a retrial, he’s facing 35 years in prison for slaughtering Austin Metcalf
He had intent to m*rder, and said, “when I stab, I’m gonna lick their blood off the blade” 😡
Karmelo is frankly LUCKY he isn’t in… pic.twitter.com/sQ8EiklylP
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) August 22, 2026
The on-air report revealed more about the character evidence discussed during the new-trial hearing. It included allegations that Austin Metcalf had previously used racial slurs and bullied black classmates, along with violent text messages attributed to Anthony. One read:
“When I stab SB, I’m gonna lick their blood off the blade.”
Attorneys had reached a verbal agreement before the murder trial to keep character evidence involving both teenagers away from the jury. The report said the agreement was meant to avoid further inflaming a case already surrounded by racial tension, threats and protests.
Users posted the signed one-page order on X.
Order Denying New Trial for Karmelo Anthony. pic.twitter.com/bFHsZqfNi8
— J_Lerone Presents (@j_lerone) August 22, 2026
Chitty wrote that he reviewed the motion, court record, evidence, arguments, briefs and relevant case law.
“The Court has determined that the Motion should be denied. It is therefore considered, ordered, and adjudged by the Court that the Motion for New Trial is denied.”
That was the entire explanation.
Anthony’s attorneys argued that courtroom restrictions violated his Sixth Amendment right to a public trial. They also challenged the jury instructions and claimed prosecutors failed to honor the unwritten agreement over character evidence.
Former defense attorney Mike Howard acknowledged that the two sides never expressly agreed on whether Anthony’s testimony would be covered. He also said he could not accuse prosecutors of acting in bad faith.
Anthony was convicted in June of murdering 17-year-old Metcalf during a Frisco high school track meet. His direct appeal can continue. For now, the conviction stands and so do the 35 years.
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