Defense Seeks to Remove Judge From Murder Case, Citing Bias in Post-Trial Comments

A Collin County judge will consider whether to remove the trial judge from Karmelo Anthony’s remaining post-conviction proceedings Wednesday morning, according to court filings. The separate hearing on Anthony’s new-trial motion is set for Thursday, with Judge Sid Harle presiding over the recusal request at 9 a.m.

Anthony’s defense team, led by attorney Russell Wilson II, filed motions July 7 arguing that Judge John Roach cannot impartially handle post-trial matters because of statements he made to reporters following the June guilty verdict. The defense contends Roach’s public remarks, in which he said the jury “got it right,” created an appearance of prejudgment on issues the defense plans to raise.

A Collin County jury convicted Anthony in June of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during an altercation at a Frisco track meet, sentencing him to 35 years in prison. Anthony is expected to attend Wednesday’s hearing, and a bench warrant has been issued in the case, according to a county official.

The defense filing challenges several aspects of the trial, arguing the courtroom lacked sufficient public access with cameras barred and only 27 public seats available. The motion also alleges prosecutors violated an off-the-record agreement regarding character evidence and claims jury instructions improperly limited consideration of Anthony’s self-defense claim.