Karmelo Anthony seeks new trial in track meet stabbing case — McKINNEY, Texas

MCKINNEY, Texas — The defense argues it forewent important character evidence on victim Austin Metcalf pursuant to a "gentleman's agreement" with the prosecution.

McKINNEY, Texas (CN) — The public got its first look this week at what defense attorneys say was important evidence left out of Karmelo Anthony’s murder trial as the convicted killer fights for a second chance to prove his claim of self-defense in the fatal stabbing of fellow highschooler Austin Metcalf at a suburban Dallas track meet.

In a two-day hearing that ended Friday evening, Anthony’s newly retained appellate team argued Judge Michael Chitty should grant Anthony’s motion for a new trial, arguing the defense forewent significant character evidence about Metcalf under an agreement with the prosecution that they say ultimately broke down, causing Anthony to forgo his right to testify in his own defense.

Through a “gentleman’s agreement,” the two sides say they committed to avoiding character evidence and trying the case purely on what happened “under the tent” — a reference to the Memorial High School tent at the track meet where the stabbing took place.