New Trial for Teen Convicted in Track Stabbing | Fayetteville Arkansas News

A 19-year-old, Karmelo Anthony, is poised for a new trial after his original conviction for fatally stabbing a 17-year-old athlete at a high school track meet was thrown into doubt. The judge presiding over the first trial was removed following controversial remarks he made on TV praising the jury’s verdict — prompting a new judge to take charge of the retrial motion. Anthony’s lawyers argue the trial was fundamentally unfair, citing rigid courtroom rules and flawed jury instructions, plus claims that Anthony’s decision not to testify was shaped by tense negotiations with prosecutors over trial focus. Witnesses say the fight erupted when Anthony refused to leave Metcalf’s team tent, and jurors rejected his self-defense claim, finding him the aggressor. Though the case sparked national debate and racialized online discourse, both sides insist race played no role in the tragedy — while families of both victims have endured harassment since the incident. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/1234f4476690607c