Karmelo Anthony Appoints New Lawyer for Appeal

Karmelo Anthony, convicted of murder for fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, has appointed a new lawyer for his appeal, according to court records. Lara Bracamonte Davila is now representing Anthony, who was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the crime committed during a track event in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025. Previously, criminal defense attorney Donny Perales represented Anthony briefly. Perales indicated that the Anthony family is expected to retain an attorney for the appeal process. Anthony filed a notice of appeal one day after his sentencing, initiating the formal challenge to his conviction and sentence. The appeal process can take years and does not guarantee a new trial. Anthony's parents have claimed that the jury was biased, asserting that it was composed entirely of white members, and have stated that their son was acting in self-defense. Judge John Roach, who presided over the trial, defended the jury's decision, stating that they were selected according to the law and listened to the facts presented in court.