Visiting Judge Michael Chitty denied Karmelo Anthony’s motion for a new trial on August 22, 2026. Anthony had been convicted of murdering Austin Metcalf and sentenced to 35 years in prison. The ruling left the conviction in place while separate appellate review continued.

Why It Matters

A request for a new trial is not an order granting one. The defense could raise concerns about legal procedures, but the judge had to decide whether those concerns required another trial. The denial did not end every possible appeal.

Go Deeper | What the Record Shows

Anthony’s defense argued that the original trial was unfair in several respects, including courtroom access and a claimed informal understanding between lawyers about testimony. These were allegations in a post-trial motion. Prosecutors disputed them and cited parts of the trial transcript.

Earlier in August, Judge John Roach had been recused from hearing the motion because his public comments about the verdict could raise concerns about the appearance of neutrality. That decision did not overturn the verdict. Judge Chitty was assigned to decide the new-trial request instead.

Chitty considered hearings, arguments and the case record. In an order dated August 22, he denied the motion. The reported order did not contain a long explanation. The legal judgment from the June jury remained effective.

Austin’s family still faced the loss of a 17-year-old son and brother. Anthony’s legal team said it would keep pursuing the appeal. The public should not describe a denied new-trial motion as an acquittal or a new guilty verdict.

What Happens Next

Anthony’s appellate case remained before the Fifth Court of Appeals. The defense continued discussing legal arguments in September. Any later appellate opinion must be verified from the court docket.

Legal status: The June 9 murder conviction and sentence have not been overturned by the procedural rulings described here. Legal arguments are not findings.