World
Karmelo Anthony’s Defense Targets Judge After Murder Conviction
Attorney Russell Wilson II Claims Judge John Roach’s Remarks Raised Questions of Bias Against His Client
A Texas judge will hear arguments Wednesday over whether Judge John Roach should be removed from Karmelo Anthony’s post-trial case. The hearing comes one day before a separate hearing on Anthony’s request for a new trial.
Anthony’s new attorney, Russell Wilson II, asked another judge to remove Roach, arguing that comments he made after the June murder conviction created the appearance of bias. The hearing is set for 9 a.m. Wednesday, with Judge Sid Harle presiding. Anthony is expected to attend.
Anthony was convicted in June of killing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during an altercation at a Frisco track meet. A Collin County jury sentenced him to 35 years in prison.
His legal team filed two motions on July 7: one seeking Roach’s removal and another requesting a new trial. The new-trial hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
The defense points to comments Roach made after the verdict, including his statement that the jury “got it right.” Roach also defended his decisions on courtroom access and the dismissal of three Black prospective jurors. Anthony’s lawyers argue those comments make it difficult for Roach to fairly consider their post-trial claims.
The defense is not directly arguing that Anthony is innocent. Instead, his lawyers say several legal and constitutional issues prevented him from receiving a fair trial.
They argue the trial was not open enough to the public because cameras were banned and only 27 seats were available. They also accuse prosecutors of breaking an agreement involving character evidence and other alleged acts.
The defense says that dispute affected Anthony’s decision on whether to testify because he risked having potentially damaging evidence presented to the jury.
His lawyers are also challenging the jury instructions, arguing they did not allow jurors to fully consider Anthony’s claim of self-defense.
Wednesday’s ruling could determine which judge handles Anthony’s request for a new trial and other remaining post-conviction matters.
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