Texas Judge Calls Karmelo Anthony a “Nice Young Man” but Still Supports 35-Year Sentence as One Final Statement Sparks Debate
The Texas judge who oversaw Karmelo Anthony’s murder trial has described the convicted teen as a “nice young man,” while still backing the jury’s decision to impose a 35-year prison sentence in the high-profile case.
Veteran Judge John Roach Jr. faced heavy scrutiny throughout the proceedings. Critics accused him of limiting media access by banning cameras from the courtroom, while others speculated online about possible personal ties to the family of slain student-athlete Austin Metcalf.
The case stems from the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Metcalf during a dispute over seating at a track and field meet in Frisco on April 2, 2025. Anthony, now 19, was also a high school football player at the time of the incident.
The trial quickly gained national attention, fueled by broader debates around race and self-defense claims. Anthony’s defense argued he acted in self-defense, though he chose not to testify during the proceedings.
Anthony was ultimately convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison. The jury also rejected a “sudden passion” argument, which could have reduced the charge to second-degree murder and lowered the potential sentence to a maximum of 20 years.
Despite public backlash over the verdict and the jury composition, which did not include any Black jurors, Judge Roach said he believed the jury reached the correct conclusion based on the evidence presented in court.
“Yes they did because they were picked based upon the law, they listened to the facts, it happened in this courtroom, and they got a verdict,” he told WFAA.
Roach also said he had largely ignored outside commentary during the trial, adding, “As long as I follow the law, I sleep well at night.”
At the same time, he offered a personal reflection on the defendant, calling Anthony “a nice young man” who now better understands “the consequences of committing a crime like he did.”
The emotional impact of the verdict was evident in court. Anthony reportedly broke down in tears when the guilty decision was read, and later kept his head lowered as the victim’s family delivered statements during sentencing. He briefly looked up only when prompted by Metcalf’s twin brother, Hunter.
Because of the judge’s decision to prohibit cameras in the courtroom, the only visual record of the trial came from courtroom sketches. Roach defended the restriction, calling it an “easy decision” made to protect fairness.
“I’ll tell you why, my primary goal in every case is to make sure the defendant and the prosecution get a fair trial. Period,” he said. “I know I made people mad but I’m not here to make them happy either.”
Roach’s current term is set to end in six months, meaning the Anthony trial is likely to be one of the final major cases he presides over.
Anthony has since filed a formal notice of appeal following his conviction.
