Texas teen convicted in fatal stabbing at track meet seeks a new trial and judge

McKINNEY, Texas (AP) — The judge presiding over the murder conviction of Texas teenager Karmelo Anthony has been removed from the case ahead of a critical hearing to determine if a new trial should be granted in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet. The removal of Judge John Roach was a legal win for Anthony, now 19, who sought his removal following a June trial, partly due to an interview where Roach stated jurors "got it right" when they delivered a guilty verdict.

Anthony, sentenced to 35 years in prison, appeared in a Dallas courtroom wearing a green prison jumpsuit as a visiting judge ordered Roach's recusal. Outside the courtroom, Anthony supporters erupted in cheers while chanting "Free Karmelo!" Kevin Anthony's lawyers argued that the judge's comments and strict courtroom rules may have tainted his impartiality in considering a new trial motion.

A retrial is now expected to be decided at an upcoming hearing, where evidence of Anthony's aggressive behavior during the incident will be examined.