DALLAS, Texas — Dr. Matthews held a press conference following the conviction and sentencing of Karmelo Anthony, calling the case a “modern day lynching” and outlining plans to support Anthony’s appeal.
Earlier this week, a Collin County jury convicted Anthony of murder in the 2025 stabbing death of Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco. Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison after being convicted by an all-white jury.
During the press conference, Dr. Matthews said she believed Anthony was going to be found guilty from the beginning and described the sentence as “egregious.” She said her focus is now on the appeals process rather than retrying the case in public.
Dr. Matthews said efforts are underway to help Anthony’s family identify what she described as the best possible legal representation for an appeal. According to Dr. Matthews, activists and supporters are working to provide the family with options for experienced appellate attorneys, while allowing the family to decide who will represent Anthony moving forward.
She also questioned the speed with which Anthony was transferred to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice following sentencing and expressed concerns about the appointment of appellate counsel.
A significant portion of the press conference focused on Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis. Dr. Matthews referenced a federal sexual harassment lawsuit filed against Willis and read portions of the complaint aloud during the event. She also discussed a reported settlement connected to the case and argued that voters should be aware of allegations involving elected officials. The court filing referenced during the press conference is included below.
Dr. Matthews also criticized Collin County Judge John Roach Jr., pointing to the third-party website Child Abusive Judges, which publishes allegations and complaints involving judges from across the country. During the press conference, Dr. Matthews displayed materials from the website and noted that Judge Roach’s name appears on the list.
Dr. Matthews argued that voters should research judges and elected officials before casting ballots and said the information raised concerns about those overseeing cases involving families and children. She encouraged community members to become more engaged in local elections and judicial accountability efforts.
According to Dr. Matthews, the appeals process could take between one and two years. She urged supporters, independent journalists and community members to remain involved as Anthony’s legal team prepares the next phase of the case.
