A Texas judge has denied a motion for a new trial filed by lawyers for 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony, leaving intact his murder conviction and 35-year prison sentence.

Visiting Judge Michael Chitty rendered the decision Saturday following two days of evidentiary hearings in Collin County. Anthony was convicted in June for the April 2025 fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco.

Anthony’s new appellate legal team argued that constitutional and legal errors deprived him of a fair trial. Central to their motion were allegations that prosecutors and original defense attorneys maintained a private “gentleman’s agreement” that suppressed key background evidence from the jury. Defense attorneys claimed this arrangement prevented Anthony from testifying in his own defense.

Prosecutors defended the proceedings, stating that all parties acted ethically and in full compliance with court rulings. State attorneys noted the agreement was intended to prevent prejudicing the jury, as both teenagers had troubled histories that included violent behavior.

With the motion for a new trial denied, Anthony’s defense team is expected to pursue an appeal through the Texas appellate court system.