Karmelo Anthony Appeals 35-Year Murder Sentence, Citing All-White Jury and Trial Errors
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jun 11
Karmelo Anthony Appeals 35-Year Murder Sentence, Citing All-White Jury and Trial Errors
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jun 11
Summary
Wednesday's appeal filing shifts the case from the verdict itself to whether Karmelo Anthony's murder trial was conducted properly after he received a 35-year sentence for Austin Metcalf's stabbing death.
Defense lawyer David Coale said the appeal will examine jury selection and other possible legal errors, while Anthony's family also alleges witnesses lied or gave inconsistent testimony.
Andrew Anthony said the all-White jury and intense public attention meant his son was judged before trial; his mother said jurors seemed to have decided the case before her sentencing remarks.
Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis said justice was served and jurors testified truthfully, while Metcalf's father called the verdict bittersweet and said he had forgiven Anthony.
The April 2, 2025 killing at a Frisco track meet drew nationwide protests and threats against both families, underscoring how the appeal will unfold under continued public pressure.