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

Local Connection

The announcement comes less than two weeks after Anthony filed a pauper’s oath requesting court-appointed legal assistance, saying he could no longer afford an attorney. The filing came the same day Anthony notified the court of his intent to appeal.

In a news release, 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 legal team includes former Dallas County prosecutor Russell Wilson, attorney Michael Ware, director of the Innocence Project of Texas, and Texas NAACP President Gary Bledsoe. Attorneys Brooke Cluse of Ben Crump Law, Sean Daredia, and Justin A. Moore are also part of the appellate team.

Background

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. Anthony maintained that he acted in self-defense.

Jurors later sentenced Anthony, now 19, to 35 years in prison.

The attorneys say they will hold off on interviews, but they released a statement addressing their role in the case.

“We recognize the profound loss suffered by one young man’s family and the uncertainty facing another,” the statement said.

The attorneys added: “Our responsibility is to determine whether a legal error occurred and to ensure that every issue supported by the record is fully and vigorously presented on appeal.”

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.