Nationwide — Judge John Roach, who oversaw Karmelo Anthony’s controversial murder trial, has been removed from the case after another judge granted the defense’s request to recuse him. A different judge will now handle Anthony’s request for a new trial.
According to WFAA, Judge Sid Harle approved the defense motion Wednesday, barring Roach from handling any further proceedings in the case. Harle said recusal requires a high standard, but that standard differs from determining whether a judge can remain impartial.
Roach presided over the trial that ended with a jury convicting Anthony of murdering Austin Metcalf during a track meet. Harle, who recently oversaw the Uvalde school shooting trial, handled the hearing that led to Roach’s removal.
Anthony’s motion for a new trial is scheduled for Thursday. Administrative Judge Ray Wheless selected retired Kaufman County District Judge Michael Chitty to hear the arguments.
Legal expert Todd Shapiro called the recusal a win for Anthony and his supporters but said it does not change the larger course of the case. He described the decision as an “abundance of caution.”