Previous Trial Coverage: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Recusal hearing | Retrial hearing Karmelo Anthony is back in a Collin County courtroom on Friday as a hearing on his bid for a new trial continues. Anthony, who was convicted this summer of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a track meet in 2025, is seeking a new trial following his conviction in June. NBC 5 will live blog the hearing below: During Thursday’s hearing, attorneys focused on what happened behind closed doors during Anthony’s original trial. Defense attorney Mike Howard, who represented Anthony during his first trial, spent hours on the stand detailing how both sides agreed on what would and would not be presented to jurors. That informal agreement kept bad character evidence about Anthony and Metcalf out of the trial. For Anthony, that character evidence included prior violent thoughts and behavior, and his mindset before the track meet. Proposed evidence about Austin Metcalf and his twin brother Hunter included allegations of bullying and racism. According to Howard, the biggest dispute occurred when Anthony was about to testify during the original trial. He said prosecutors took the position that the agreement did not cover Anthony if he took the stand, leading to a heated exchange in the judge’s chambers. Anthony ultimately decided not to testify because he felt he “wasn’t going to get a fair shake.” Retired District Judge Michael Chitty will continue hearing Anthony’s motion on Friday. Chitty has until Monday to rule on the motion for a new trial. During Friday’s hearing, Howard’s former co-counsel Toby Shook is expected to testify along with several other witnesses. The hearing will resume at 9 a.m. Trial judge recused The retrial hearing began a day after a hearing to recuse Judge John Roach, who presided over Anthony’s June murder trial. Appointed San Antonio Judge Sid Harle ruled that Roach should be recused from Anthony’s post-trial proceedings. Anthony’s new defense team, led by Russell Wilson, sought to remove Roach from the case. The defense cited Roach’s rulings limiting public access, as well as an interview in which Roach agreed the jury got it right and characterized Anthony as “a nice young man who committed a crime.” Following Roach’s recusal, Austin Metcalf’s father, Jeff, spoke to NBC 5 about Anthony’s efforts to get a new trial. “Let’s see what happens tomorrow,” Metcalf said. “Let’s see if they’re still celebrating tomorrow, because if he’s still granted a new trial, he could get more years.” Murder of Austin Metcalf Frisco Police were called to Kuykendall Stadium at about 10 a.m. on April 2, 2025, after 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony stabbed 17-year-old Austin Metcalf in the chest during a confrontation in the stands. According to witnesses, an argument began when Metcalf, a Memorial High School junior, told Anthony, a Centennial High School student, to move from underneath Memorial’s pop-up tent used during a downpour. When he was told to leave, Anthony immediately opened his bag, reached in, and said to the victim, “Touch me and see what happens,” according to witnesses. When Metcalf pushed Anthony, a witness said Anthony unexpectedly pulled a black knife from the bag, stabbed Metcalf in the chest, and ran away. The death drew national attention in part because of social posts that amplified the case over race. Anthony is Black, and Metcalf was white. Anthony told police he was protecting himself during the confrontation, but prosecutor Bill Wirskye told jurors during opening remarks that it was a “senseless murder” and not a case of self-defense. Austin Metcalf’s father, Jeff Metcalf, said his son didn’t know Anthony, and that Austin’s twin brother, Hunter, was nearby when the confrontation took place and not only saw his brother get stabbed but he tried to stop the bleeding. Frisco Police said that despite lifesaving measures by police and fire personnel, including CPR and the administration of blood, Metcalf died in his twin’s arms. Jeff Metcalf said his son had a 4.0 GPA, was the MVP of the football team, and had a bright future, including attending college. Anthony admitted to stabbing Metcalf and claimed self-defense. When an officer referred to Anthony as the ‘alleged suspect,’ Anthony reportedly responded, “I’m not alleged; I did it,” and asked whether the stabbing could be considered self-defense and if Metcalf was OK. The incident took place at the 11-5A championship district track meet, which included more than 100 students from eight schools. The district said that moments after the stabbing, the stadium was immediately secured, the meet was suspended, and all students were returned to their home campuses “with expediency.” ...read more read less