A Texas judge has denied Karmelo Anthony’s request for a new trial after the 19-year-old was convicted of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a school track meet in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025. Anthony’s lawyers had argued that his constitutional rights were violated during pre-trial proceedings and the trial, but Judge Michael Chitty rejected the motion on Saturday, leaving Anthony’s 35-year prison sentence in place.

Anthony was convicted of murder on June 9 after admitting that he stabbed Metcalf during the track meet but maintaining that he acted in self-defence. A jury rejected that argument and found him guilty after roughly three hours of deliberations.

Judge rejects request for retrial

Anthony’s legal team filed a motion seeking a new trial, arguing that several aspects of the proceedings had deprived him of a fair hearing.

The defence claimed Anthony’s rights were violated because he was absent from some pre-trial hearings and because former Collin County Judge John Roach allegedly held undocumented conferences. His lawyers also argued that restrictions on courtroom access violated Anthony’s Sixth Amendment right to a public trial.

However, after reviewing the motion, evidence, arguments, legal briefs and relevant case law, Judge Chitty denied the request.

The ruling means Anthony remains sentenced to 35 years in prison.

New details emerge during hearing

The decision came after a hearing in which previously undisclosed information about both Anthony and Metcalf was discussed.

The prosecution presented evidence that Anthony had made violent threats before the fatal stabbing. According to testimony, Anthony sent a message in 2023 saying, “Imma shoot the school up tmr,” while attending Centennial High School in Frisco.

Prosecutors also presented testimony concerning threats allegedly made against Anthony’s girlfriend, Valeria Perez, in 2024. One message reportedly threatened gun violence, while another contained a reference to stabbing someone.

The defence had previously maintained that Anthony’s actions during the track meet were motivated by self-defence.

Information about Austin Metcalf also revealed

The hearing also brought attention to previously undisclosed allegations concerning Metcalf.

Anthony’s lawyers claimed Metcalf had previously been involved in an incident involving racist graffiti and had received probation. The defence also referred to an earlier assault-related incident involving Metcalf when he was a child.

Much of this information had not been presented to the jury during the original murder trial because both sides had agreed beforehand to limit what evidence would be introduced.

What happened at the track meet?

Anthony admitted stabbing Metcalf during a confrontation at a track meet in Frisco on April 2, 2025. He argued that he acted in self-defence after being confronted and provoked.

Metcalf was unarmed when he was stabbed and suffered a fatal wound.

The case quickly became a national flashpoint, attracting intense debate over race, self-defence and the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.

A jury ultimately rejected Anthony’s claim that the killing amounted to self-defence and convicted him of murder. He was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

Defence continues legal challenge

Anthony’s family and supporters have continued to argue that he did not receive a fair trial.

His legal team was expanded after his conviction, with his new lawyers challenging the conduct of the proceedings and raising constitutional concerns.

Former Judge Roach was subsequently removed from the case following arguments by Anthony’s lawyers. The defence also criticised an interview Roach gave after the trial, claiming that his comments raised concerns while the case remained subject to further legal proceedings.

Roach has maintained that he followed the law during the trial.

For now, however, Anthony’s attempt to secure a new trial has failed, and his 35-year sentence remains in effect.