The Latest Move In Karmelo Anthony’s Case

Convicted murderer Karmelo Anthony has a new lawyer representing his appeal, according to court records. 

Anthony, who was convicted this month for fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, will now be represented by court-appointed lawyer Lara Bracamonte Davila, Collin County Court records show. Anthony is currently behind bars after a jury sentenced him to 35 years in prison for murdering Metcalf at a track event in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025. 

Fox News first reported the news that Bracamonte Davila had been appointed to take over the appeal process. Before Bracamonte Davila was appointed, criminal defense attorney Donny Perales represented Anthony for a short time. 

“It is expected that the Anthony family will be retaining an attorney for the appeal,” Perales told Fox News. 

Bracamonte Davila describes herself as a lawyer who is “compassionate but tough.” 

“There are many people who don’t have the courage, strength, or knowledge of how to stand up for themselves,” her website says. “I strive to be the voice for the voiceless, whether that’s a teen in trouble, a woman in an abusive situation, a father struggling to gain parental rights, or any individual charged with a crime.”

If someone is found guilty, she says her job is “to ensure the punishment doesn’t exceed the crime.”

One day after a jury sentenced him to prison, Anthony filed a notice of appeal. The filing begins the formal process of challenging both his conviction and sentence, which can take years to progress through the courts and does not guarantee a new trial.

Anthony’s parents have falsely claimed that the jury that sentenced their son was “all white” and blamed racism for the outcome. Kayla Hayes, Anthony’s mother, also claimed that her son was just defending himself when he stabbed the unarmed Metcalf. 

“My son is no murderer. My son didn’t intend to hurt anyone,” Hayes said. “My son was defending himself, and that’s what hurts so bad.”

The judge who oversaw the high-profile case said the jury made the correct decision. 

“Yes,” said Judge John Roach. “They did because they were picked based upon the law, they listened to the facts, it happened in this courtroom, and they got a verdict.”