Texas Judge Imposes Media Blackout on Karmelo Anthony Murder Trial
Karmelo Anthony, left, is accused of murder in the stabbing death of Austin Metcalf, right.
A judge in Collin County has imposed strict new limits on media coverage ahead of the murder trial of Karmelo Anthony, the teenager accused of killing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet last year.
District Judge John Roach Jr. signed the order Friday in the 296th District Court, placing tight controls on courtroom access and prohibiting any type of recording equipment. The judge said the restrictions are necessary because of the high level of public attention surrounding the case. In the order, he referenced the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Sheppard v. Maxwell, which warned that heavy media exposure can jeopardize a fair trial.
The trial is scheduled to begin June 1, and the new rules outline how people will be allowed into the courtroom. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m., with credentialed media admitted first. Family members of both the victim and the defendant will be allowed in at 8:40 a.m., followed by members of the public at 8:50 a.m. Once the doors close at 9:00 a.m., no one will be allowed to reenter until a recess is called.
Media access inside the courtroom will be limited to nine credentialed reporters at a time. The Collin County Public Information Office will be responsible for issuing credentials and assigning seating.
The order also prohibits photography, video recording, audio recording, livestreaming, or any other form of visual or audio capture by anyone inside the courtroom. In addition, the publication of images or recordings involving witnesses, potential jurors, or seated jurors is not permitted.
Interviews with trial participants cannot take place inside the courtroom and may only be conducted after the proceedings conclude. Judge Roach also emphasized strict courtroom decorum, banning any reactions, disruptions, conversations, signs, or gestures from those in attendance. Everyone entering the courtroom must pass through security screening.
Evidence presented during the trial will remain sealed from public release until after a verdict is reached. The Collin County Sheriff’s Office will enforce the restrictions, and anyone who violates the order could be removed, lose media credentials, or face contempt of court.
Shortly after Anthony was indicted last June, Dominique Alexander of the Next Generation Action Network, who serves as a spokesperson for the family, described the case as part of what he called a broader struggle against white supremacy.
Alexander said the case reflects what he believes Black Americans experience when self-defense claims are questioned or politicized. He also addressed critics of Anthony and his family, stating they would not be intimidated and would continue to push for what he called a fair trial.
He added that the organization intends to ensure Anthony receives a trial free from misinformation, outside pressure, and prejudice. Supporters were encouraged to stand behind the family and defend what Alexander described as the truth and due process.
The incident that led to the charges occurred on April 2, 2025, during a Frisco Independent School District track meet at Kuykendall Stadium. According to investigators, the confrontation began when Metcalf, a student athlete at Frisco Memorial High School, told Anthony, then a 17-year-old student at Frisco Centennial High School, to move away from beneath a team tent.
Authorities say Anthony responded by warning Metcalf not to touch him. When Metcalf grabbed him, Anthony allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the chest.
Police say Anthony acknowledged the stabbing at the scene but has argued that he acted in self-defense.
He has since been indicted on a first-degree murder charge and is being prosecuted as an adult. If convicted, he could face a prison sentence ranging from five to ninety-nine years.
About Post Author
