Judge Removed From Case as Karmelo Anthony Seeks Retrial

MCKINNEY, TX — The judge who presided over the murder trial of Karmelo Anthony was ordered removed from the case Wednesday as the Texas teenager seeks a new trial and appeals his conviction in the fatal stabbing of a high school athlete.

Anthony, 19, was convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison after a Collin County jury in June rejected his claim of self-defense in the 2025 stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet.

Anthony’s attorneys argued Wednesday that a new trial was warranted, in part because state District Judge John Roach imposed overly strict courtroom rules and gave an interview after the trial. A new judge will preside over a hearing Thursday on the defense request for a retrial.

Anthony attended Wednesday’s hearing in a green jumpsuit. His parents and Metcalf’s parents also were in the courtroom. Supporters of Anthony cheered in the courthouse hallways and outside after Roach was removed from the case.

Witnesses testified that the confrontation began on a rainy spring day when Anthony sat under a tent belonging to Metcalf’s Memorial High School team in the stadium bleachers. The students attended different schools. Witnesses said Metcalf and others repeatedly told Anthony to leave.

Prosecutors argued Anthony provoked the confrontation and was the aggressor. According to a police report, Anthony reached into a bag at one point and said, “Touch me and see what happens.”

Witnesses testified that Metcalf pushed Anthony, who admitted he pulled out a knife and stabbed Metcalf in the chest.

The stabbing occurred as several schools competed at the track meet. Anthony’s defense maintained that he acted in self-defense.

The new judge is scheduled to hear arguments on the retrial request Thursday.