India, Aug. 19 -- The appeal hearing of Karmelo Anthony, a Frisco, Texas teen accused of killing another teen, Austin Metcalf, in April last year reached a major turning point on Wednesday afternoon.

Judge John Roach, who had been presiding over the case, was recused after he gave an interview about the case to a local broadcaster. Judge Roach allegedly agreed with the jury in the interview, compromising the sanctity of the appeal hearing.

Karmelo Anthony, 19, also appeared in court for the hearing - for the first time since his June conviction. He was convicted of murder by a jury, and Judge John Roach sentenced him to 35 years in prison for the murder of Austin Metcalf. The trial is not being livestreamed, and a select few journalists...