The lawyer for murder suspect Carmelo Anthony discontinued his case on Monday after Anthony, 19, chose not to testify for the defense.
Judge John R. Roach informed the jury, “Ladies and gentlemen, this indicates that you have heard all the evidence you will hear today.”
The court paused after an unexpectedly lengthy lunch break and is set to reconvene Tuesday morning, when attorneys will present their closing arguments.
Following this, a jury of 12 will deliberate the outcome for Carmelo Anthony, who faces a first-degree murder charge in the April 2025 death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalfe.
Anthony has maintained his innocence, asserting it was an act of self-defense.
The defense appeared to face significant setbacks, both last week and on the opening day of the trial.
In one instance, a defense witness contested Anthony’s self-defense narrative, stating, “I think Carmelo was wrong.”
Prosecutors queried, “Did Carmelo Anthony initiate the confrontation?”
The witness answered, “Yes.”
This reflects a defense argument that seems to have faltered.
Last week, an attorney for Anthony claimed that Metcalfe inflicted his own injuries by stabbing himself with Anthony’s knife, which reportedly drew gasps from some jurors.
Testimony from various witnesses suggested a consistent narrative where Anthony entered the opposing track team’s tent and was repeatedly asked to leave—up to 15 times—yet refused, with his hands in a bag.
Witnesses claim Metcalfe told Anthony he didn’t want to fight, then grabbed him and attempted to remove him from the tent. Anthony then withdrew his hand from the bag and fatally stabbed Metcalfe in the chest.
Witnesses have generally stated that Anthony wasn’t partaking in bullying or any “group behavior.”
The jury has been sequestered and will remain so until they reach a verdict.
Since Anthony was 17 at the time of the incident, Texas law prohibits a death sentence. If found guilty, he could face a prison sentence ranging from 5 to 99 years or life, plus a possible fine of up to $10,000.
