High-profile attorneys take on Karmelo Anthony appeal

A high-profile legal team announced Monday it will represent Karmelo Anthony as he appeals his murder conviction and 35-year prison sentence in the death of a Frisco teenager.

Anthony, 19, was convicted by a Collin County jury on June 9 in the April 2025 death of Austin Metcalf following an altercation at a track meet. Anthony has maintained that he acted in self-defense.

The announcement comes less than two weeks after Anthony filed a pauper’s oath, stating he could no longer afford legal representation, and formally notified the court of his intent to appeal.

In a news release issued by Stand with Karmelo, six attorneys from North Texas and Austin said they will represent Anthony pro bono while conducting a “fresh” and independent review of the trial record.

The appellate team includes former Dallas County prosecutor Russell Wilson, Michael Ware, and Gary Bledsoe. Attorneys Brooke Cluse of Ben Crump Law, Sean Daredia, and Justin A. Moore are also part of the team.

The attorneys said they will refrain from interviews as they begin reviewing the case but emphasized their commitment to a thorough evaluation of the legal proceedings.

Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison after jurors deliberated on the case stemming from the fatal confrontation at a Frisco track meet. Prosecutors argued the killing was unjustified, while the defense claimed Anthony acted to protect himself during the altercation.

The newly formed legal team includes attorneys with backgrounds in appellate law, civil rights litigation, and criminal defense, signaling a broad-based approach to the appeal.

The group’s involvement comes at a critical stage as appellate courts will review trial procedures, evidence, and legal arguments to determine whether the conviction should stand or be reconsidered.

Further details about the appeal strategy will emerge as the attorneys complete their review of the case record.

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