safety
High-profile attorneys join Karmelo Anthony appeal effort
By Ahraya Burns at NBC DFW
· June 22, 2026
· 2 min read
A high-profile legal team announced Monday that it will represent Karmelo Anthony as he appeals his murder conviction and 35-year prison sentence in the death of Frisco teenager Austin Metcalf. The announcement comes less than two weeks after Anthony filed a pauper's oath requesting court-appointed
Key takeaway Anthony was convicted by a Collin County jury on June 9 in the April 2025 death of Austin Metcalf following an altercation at a Frisco track meet.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The addition of high-profile attorneys to Karmelo Anthony's appeal effort brings new scrutiny to the case, which has already sparked concern in North Texas communities. As the appeal process unfolds, Fort Worth residents will be watching to see how the legal team's fresh review of the trial record impacts the outcome. The involvement of attorneys like Michael Ware, director of the Innocence Project of Texas, and Texas NAACP President Gary Bledsoe, suggests that the appeal may raise questions about the fairness of the original trial. Given the severity of the sentence and the fact that Anthony maintained he acted in self-defense, the appeal has the potential to resonate with local discussions about justice and public safety. The case may also draw attention to the resources available to defendants in North Texas, particularly in cases where individuals cannot afford legal representation.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC DFW . The Fort Worth surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: safety ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: NBC DFW ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A high-profile legal team announced Monday that it will represent Karmelo Anthony as he appeals his murder conviction and 35-year prison sentence in the death of Frisco teenager Austin Metcalf. The announcement comes less than two weeks after Anthony filed a pauper's oath requesting court-appointed
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by NBC DFW and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ahraya Burns at NBC DFW. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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