Just days after a Texas jury handed down a 35-year prison sentence to a 19-year-old for the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track event in April 2025, a high-profile group of civil rights attorneys has stepped in to handle Carmelo Anthony’s appeal.
On June 10, Anthony filed a notice of appeal shortly after being found guilty of murder related to the incident in Frisco, Texas, as documented by Collin County court records.
Last week, Judge John Roach of Collin County, who oversaw the trial, made evidence from the murder case accessible to the public. This disclosure marked the first occasion that still images and videos of the trial were available for viewing, given that cameras had not been permitted in the courtroom during the proceedings.
The legal team announced on Monday their plans to conduct an independent review of the trial to identify any potential errors that could ground an appeal.
Working pro bono, Anthony’s appellate team features Russell Wilson from the Russell Wilson II law firm, Gary Bledsoe from Bledsoe Law Firm PLLC and Texas NAACP President; Michael L. Ware of Michael Ware Law Offices; Brooke Crews from Ben Crump Law; Sean Deredia from Deredia Law Office; and Justin A. Moore of Stafford Moore PLLC.
“In light of the conviction, we have been engaged to perform an independent review of the court records,” the team declared. “We acknowledge the profound loss experienced by one family and the distress faced by another. We extend our condolences to all those whose lives have been irrevocably altered by these circumstances. Our aim is to ascertain if any legal mistake occurred and to ensure all relevant issues are thoroughly pursued in the appeal process.”
Legal experts mentioned that jury selection might be a pivotal aspect in the appeal process, noting that Anthony’s original defense team objected to the prosecutor dismissing the last black prospective juror, leaving the matter for the appellate court to address.
Currently in a Texas prison, Anthony has stated in a filing that he finds himself “penniless and destitute,” lacking the resources to hire an attorney for his appeal. Interestingly, though, his family has managed to raise $625,000 through crowdfunding for his legal defense and living expenses.
