Karmelo Anthony Seeks New Trial After 35-Year Sentence, Accusing Judge of Bias

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 8

Two post-conviction motions ask to overturn Karmelo Anthony’s murder conviction, remove Collin County Judge John Roach from the case and grant a new trial.
A 63-page filing says Roach’s post-verdict remark that the jury “got it right,” along with his defense of trial rulings, created an appearance of bias that could taint post-trial proceedings.
The defense also argues Anthony’s Sixth Amendment public-trial rights were violated because cameras were barred and only 27 public seats were available during the proceedings.
Other claims say prosecutors broke an off-the-record evidentiary agreement and jury instructions undercut Anthony’s self-defense case in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco track meet.
Under Texas law, the recusal request now goes to a regional administrative judge, who will decide whether a hearing is needed while Anthony serves his 35-year sentence.