Judge denies Karmelo Anthony a new trial, leaving him to fight conviction on appeal

After reviewing Karmelo Anthony’s motion, the court record, evidence and arguments, briefs and relevant case law, retired District Judge Michael Citty denied the convicted murderer's bid for a new trial. 

The order was filed on Monday and doesn't provide any details on why the request was denied, Fox News reported. 

The decision leaves Anthony's murder conviction and 35-year prison sentence in place. His effort to challenge the outcome of his trial last June will continue on appeal. 

Texas judge on Wednesday granted Anthony's request to remove the judge who presided over his murder trial from the post-trial proceedings. Judge Sid Harle found that a reasonable outside observer could question whether Judge John Roach, who was judge in Anthony's trial in June, appeared impartial. 

Anthony was convicted in June of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, who prosecutors allege Anthony fatally stabbed during a spat at a Frisco, Texas, track meet. The jury sentenced Anthony to 35 years in prison. 

Anthony's legal team filed two motions on July 17. Once sought to recuse Roach, and the other is seeking a new trial. The hearing for the new-trial motion was scheduled for 9 a.m. on Thursday.