Karmelo Anthony's defense team has achieved a significant win in their pursuit of a new trial, as their request for a new judge has been granted.
The decision came from a Collin County, Texas courtroom on Wednesday morning, with visiting Judge Sid Harle presiding.
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Judge Harle previously served as the judge in the first Uvalde school shooting trial.
As a result, Judge John Roach, who oversaw Anthony's initial trial and had publicly stated he believed the trial was fair, has been recused from the case.
A new judge has not yet been appointed to take over the proceedings.
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Once appointed, the new judge is expected to hear arguments from Anthony's defense on Thursday regarding why he should receive a new trial.
Anthony was accused of fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf with a pocketknife during an April 2025 track meet in Frisco, Texas.
He was found guilty of murder after a highly publicized trial in June and was sentenced to 35 years in prison.
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Anthony is currently housed at the Wallace Pack Unit, a medium-security state prison operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
He attended Wednesday's hearing in a green jumpsuit, with his parents and Austin's parents also present in the courtroom.
His supporters reportedly cheered in the courthouse and on the streets outside when Judge Roach was ordered removed from the case.
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Anthony's family has maintained his innocence and immediately began working on an appeal.
