Austin Metcalf's father admits he 'feels sorry' for Karmelo Anthony after his retrial bid was shot down

Anthony's attempt for a retrial in the case that ended with his murder conviction was rejected Saturday.

Austin Metcalf's grieving father admits he feels "sorry" for convict Karmelo Anthony and revealed he even forgave his son’s killer after the fatal stabbing.

Jeff Metcalf said he does not believe the conviction and prison sentence can bring his family justice.

Karmelo Anthony denied new trial after Austin Metcalf murder conviction Steve Charnock | Audience Writer Published August 24, 2026 4:45pm Updated August 24, 2026 4:45pm Karmelo Anthony’s request for a new trial was rejected following a two-day hearing in Collin County (Picture: Collin County Jail/KDFW) Karmelo Anthony

Karmelo Anthony’s defense lawyers lost their motion for a retrial on Saturday following a two-day court hearing in Texas last week. The development comes two months after the 19-year-old black man was convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison for fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf, a 17-year-old white athlet

A Texas judge denied Karmelo Anthony's attempts to get a new trial in the stabbing death of Austin Metcalf. He was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

The decision comes after both prosecutors and Anthony's new defense team revealed more details in a tense two-day hearing.