Karmelo Anthony’s Judge Removed From Case as Defense Seeks New Trial

A Texas judge has removed Judge John Roach from further proceedings in the case of Karmelo Anthony, who is seeking a new trial after being convicted of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet.

Senior Judge Sid Harle granted Anthony’s defense team’s request Wednesday, ruling that Roach should be recused from the case following public comments he made after Anthony’s June conviction.

Anthony’s attorneys argued that Roach’s interview with WFAA raised questions about whether he could remain impartial during post-trial proceedings. During the interview, Roach described Anthony as a “nice young man” but also defended the jury’s decision to find him guilty. The defense argued that the comments amounted to public statements about matters that could still come before the court.

Harle acknowledged that recusal is a difficult standard to meet and said he personally believed Roach was capable of handling the case fairly. However, he emphasized that the issue was whether Roach’s continued involvement could create an appearance of impartiality concerns.

Prosecutor Bill Wirskye strongly opposed the motion. He defended Roach’s conduct and argued that the judge had acted appropriately throughout the proceedings. Wirskye also criticized what he described as efforts by social media personalities and influencers to influence the case.

The decision comes as Anthony’s legal team prepares to argue for a new trial. His attorneys have challenged several aspects of the original proceedings, including courtroom restrictions, jury instructions and the defense’s ability to present Anthony’s self-defense argument.

Anthony was convicted in June and sentenced to 35 years in prison for the April 2025 stabbing of Metcalf during a track and field competition in Frisco, Texas. Prosecutors maintained that the stabbing was unjustified, while Anthony’s defense argued that he acted in self-defense during the confrontation.

The case has received national attention and sparked intense public debate surrounding race, self-defense and the criminal justice system.

Following Harle’s decision, Anthony’s attorneys said they were pleased with the ruling and looked forward to presenting their new-trial arguments before what they described as a fair and independent judge.

A hearing on Anthony’s motion for a new trial is scheduled for Thursday.