A Texas judge has rejected Karmelo Anthony’s request for a new trial, maintaining his conviction for murder and a 35-year sentence. Anthony’s lawyers argued courtroom restrictions and the handling of an unwritten agreement with prosecutors violated his rights. Retired District Judge Michael Chitty made the decision after reviewing the case record and evidence, though his order did not elaborate on the reasoning.
The Collin County District Attorney’s Office, led by Greg Willis, anticipated the decision. Willis stated they remain confident in the verdict and the judicial process. Despite the denial of a new trial, Anthony retains the right to appeal.
“Every defendant has the right to appeal, and our thoughts and prayers remain with the Metcalf family in the painful wake of last week’s hearing.”
During previous hearings held in McKinney, Texas, testimony centered around an oral agreement between Anthony’s defense team and prosecutors. The agreement aimed to prevent the introduction of potentially harmful character evidence. However, the defense claimed that prosecutors changed the terms if Anthony decided to testify.
Former lead defense attorney Mike Howard believed the agreement would allow Anthony to focus on his confrontation with Austin Metcalf at a Frisco track meet. This assumption changed when prosecutors indicated the agreement would not apply if Anthony took the stand. Howard described this as a pivotal moment that deterred Anthony from testifying.
Toby Shook, another defense attorney, also expected Anthony to support his self-defense claim on the stand. He was surprised by the prosecutors’ stance, which ultimately kept Anthony from testifying and exposed him to potential character evidence.
Prosecutor Bill Wirskye, known for his self-defense training presentations, disputed the defense’s interpretation. He stated that there was no breach of agreement as its specifics were never formally discussed.
Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding courtroom access and jury instructions’ impact on Anthony’s rights. Judge Sid Harle removed the original trial judge, John Roach, due to concerns over impartiality. The decision upheld Anthony’s conviction for stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf.