Judge Removed From Texas Teen Track-Meet Murder Case Before Retrial Hearing
On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, visiting Judge Sid Harle removed state District Judge John Roach from the murder case of Karmelo Anthony ahead of a retrial hearing in Texas.[1]
Harle said Roach's post-trial interview, in which Roach said the jury "got it right," created an appearance problem and he granted the defense's recusal motion.[1] A new judge will now preside over a Thursday hearing on Anthony's request for a new trial in the fatal 2023 stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Texas high school track meet.[1]
Anthony, who is Black and now 19, was convicted in June 2026 and sentenced to 35 years for the killing.[1] Both prosecution and defense told jurors the case was not about race, even as it drew intense attention on social media.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, visiting Judge Sid Harle ordered state District Judge John Roach removed from Karmelo Anthony's murder case.
- Harle cited Roach's post-trial interview stating the jury 'got it right' as grounds to grant the defense recusal motion based on appearance concerns.
- A new judge will preside over a Thursday hearing on Anthony's request for a new trial in the 2023 fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Texas high school track meet.
- Anthony, now 19 and Black, was convicted in June 2026 and sentenced to 35 years; both sides told jurors the case was not about race despite intense social media attention.
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