A Texas judge has denied Karmelo Anthony’s plea for a new trial, rejecting arguments that courtroom restrictions, hearings held without his presence, and a dispute over an unwritten agreement between his former lawyers and prosecutors infringed upon his rights. Retired District Judge Michael Chitty made the decision after a thorough review of the case’s records and arguments, though the specific reasoning was not detailed. This ruling upholds Anthony’s murder conviction and 35-year prison sentence, with his legal challenge now proceeding to direct appeal. The core of the new trial hearing revolved around an alleged oral agreement between Anthony’s original defense team and prosecutors to exclude damaging character evidence. Former defense attorneys testified that they understood this agreement would permit Anthony to testify, focusing on the confrontation, but prosecutors later claimed the deal would be void if he took the stand, potentially opening the door to character evidence. This shift, according to testimony, led to a heated dispute and made Anthony reluctant to testify. While defense attorneys acknowledged the agreement’s terms regarding testimony were not explicitly detailed, prosecutors maintained they were prepared to honor it and disputed claims of bad faith, citing concerns that Anthony’s or his mother’s testimony could inadvertently introduce character evidence. The defense also raised claims regarding restrictions on courtroom access violating Anthony’s right to a public trial and jury instructions that allegedly limited the consideration of self-defense. Anthony, convicted in June for the stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco track meet, was sentenced to 35 years by a Collin County jury.
Adapted from: U.S. News Today on Fox News
