A visiting judge ordered the recusal of state District Judge John Roach from the murder case of Karmelo Anthony on Wednesday in McKinney, Texas. The decision came ahead of a scheduled hearing to determine whether Anthony should receive a new trial in connection with the death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet. Anthony, now 19 years old, was convicted earlier in the summer and sentenced to 35 years in prison.
Anthony’s legal team had sought Roach’s removal from the case, citing concerns about his impartiality. Among their objections were strict courtroom rules they argued limited public access to the proceedings. More significantly, they pointed to a television interview Roach gave after the trial concluded, in which he stated that jurors “got it right” when they found Anthony guilty. The interview was played during the hearing on the recusal motion.
Visiting Judge Sid Harle granted the recusal request, writing in his order that the judge’s “impartiality might reasonably be questioned” based on the evidence presented. Harle indicated he personally believed Roach would be fair but determined that granting the recusal was necessary based on how the situation might appear to outside observers. Judge Michael Chitty was subsequently assigned to oversee the case. Anthony was scheduled to appear in court the following day for the hearing that will determine whether a new trial is warranted.
The case has drawn significant public attention in part due to extensive social media discussion. The confrontation between Anthony and Metcalf occurred in the stadium bleachers during a rainy spring day, with witnesses describing a dispute over Anthony’s presence under a tent belonging to Metcalf’s team. During the trial, Anthony did not testify, and jurors rejected his self-defense claims. The case also attracted attention related to the racial backgrounds of those involved, though attorneys for both sides argued the killing was unrelated to race.
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