The judge who presided over Karmelo Anthony's murder trial has been removed from further proceedings, as the 19-year-old seeks a new trial.

Anthony was convicted in June and sentenced to 35 years in prison for fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet. The defense motion to recuse Judge John Roach cited concerns about his impartiality and courtroom restrictions imposed during the high-profile case.

Attorneys for Anthony argued that Judge Roach made problematic public comments after the verdict, appearing to endorse the jury's decision and defend his courtroom measures. They also pointed to a public letter released by Roach following the trial, which they contended demonstrated pre-judgment on issues central to the pending motion for a new trial.

During a hearing, defense counsel argued that Roach's public statements about an impending proceeding should trigger an automatic recusal. In contrast, the prosecution contended that Roach acted appropriately and suggested external efforts aimed at disrupting the trial.

Judge Sid Harle, who traveled from San Antonio, granted the defense's motion to recuse Judge Roach. This decision led to audible cheers and applause from supporters of Anthony in the courtroom and in the parking lot.

A hearing on Anthony's motion for a new trial is scheduled for Thursday. The defense's motion asserts that Roach's courtroom restrictions denied Anthony a fair trial. Additionally, they allege improper jury instructions and claim prosecutors prevented Anthony from presenting a self-defense argument.

Prosecutors had characterized the stabbing as unjustified murder, while the defense maintained that Anthony acted in self-defense when he stabbed Metcalf in April 2025. The defense expressed satisfaction with Judge Harle's decision and anticipation of presenting the new trial motion to an impartial judge.

This development allows Anthony's legal team to pursue their motion for a new trial, which hinges on allegations of judicial bias and procedural errors during the original trial. The outcome of the upcoming hearing will determine the next steps in the case.