Karmelo Anthony‘s lawyers filed a motion requesting a new trial. Furthermore, the attorneys are asking for the removal of Judge John Roach, who presided over the last trial. According to NBC 5 News, Anthony’s new legal team wants Roach removed over “problematic comments” he made during an interview following the proceedings.
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Karmelo Anthony’s Lawyers Request New Trial
As reported by The Shade Room, 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony was convicted by an all-white jury for the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. Karmelo was then sentenced to 35 years in prison on June 9. His new legal team is requesting a new trial, and they filed a motion arguing that Karmelo’s constitutional rights were violated during the proceedings. The 63-page document states that the teens’ constitutional rights were violated by the exclusion of the public from parts of the trial. The filing also states that the jury received improper instructions and claimed the prosecutors reneged on an agreement regarding Karmelo deciding not to testify on his own behalf.
During a track meet in Frisco, Texas, on April 2, 2025, a then-17-year-old Karmelo reportedly sought refuge from the rain under the competition’s tent. Austin reportedly told him to leave several times, and the two argued. Austin, who was 6 feet tall and weighed approximately 200 pounds, reportedly shoved Karmelo, who is 5″11′ and approximately 162 pounds. According to Newsweek, Karmelo warned Austin not to touch him multiple times before stabbing him with a utility tool. The teenager pleaded self-defense. His lengthy sentence by an all-white jury raised questions about race, and his legal team wants a new trial.
What Did The Judge Say Post-Trial?
Judge Roach gave an interview after the trial, and his comments resulted in Anthony’s legal team filing for his removal. During an interview with WFAA News, Roach was asked if the jury reached the correct verdict. The jury deliberated for less than two hours.
“Yes they did,” replied Roach. “Because they were picked based upon the law, they listened to the facts, it happened in this courtroom, and they got a verdict.”
When asked about his decision not to allow cameras in the courtroom, the judge defended his choice.
“Yes, it was an easy decision,” he said. “I’ll tell you why, my primary goal in every case is to make sure the defendant and the prosecution get a fair trial. Period. I know I made people mad but I’m not here to make them happy either.”
Texas NAACP President Is Representing Karmelo
According to the New York Post, Karmelo’s new legal team includes the president of the Texas NAACP, Gary Bledsoe. The team also includes civil rights lawyer Brooke Cluse and appellate attorney Russell Wilson. They are representing their client pro bono. Cluse is an attorney with the prestigious law firm Ben Crump Law. The trio of attorneys teamed up in June following Karmelo’s sentencing. Their goal is to overturn both his conviction and prison sentence.
