A Collin County judge issued an order last week placing strict rules for members of the media and public who plan to attend the trial for Karmelo Anthony, who is charged with killing a fellow athlete at a Frisco track meet.
By Jane Harper
Staff Writer
www.dallasnews.com
A judge has imposed strict rules for members of the media and public who plan to attend the upcoming trial for a Frisco teen accused of fatally stabbing another student at a high school track meet.
The trial for Karmelo Anthony is scheduled to begin June 1 at Collin County Courthouse in McKinney.
Anthony, 18, is charged with first-degree murder in the April 2025 killing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. Anthony was arrested immediately after the incident. He was released on bond several days later and placed under house arrest at his parents’ home.
State District Judge John Roach Jr. issued an order last week setting conditions for entry into the courtroom during Anthony’s trial, as well as expectations for how those in attendance should conduct themselves during the proceedings.
“The Court finds that this case has generated substantial public and media attention and that unrestricted access or activity may compromise courtroom security, juror privacy, and the Defendant’s right to fair trial,” the order states.
Only nine media representatives will be permitted inside the courtroom, the order states. They will be allowed in first each day, with designated family members coming in next and then the general public.
According to the order:
- Attendees must remain silent and respectful while in the courtroom.
- Gestures, facial expressions or other reactions to testimony or court rulings will not be permitted.
- Clothing or other items displaying messages, logos, symbols or images related to the case or that are considered to be distracting or potentially prejudicial will be prohibited.
- Signs, banners or other such materials also will not be allowed in the courthouse.
The rules will be enforced by sheriff’s deputies, the order states. Anyone who violates them risks being removed from the courtroom and possibly being charged with contempt of court.
The stabbing happened during a Frisco ISD track meet that Anthony and Metcalf were competing in. Anthony was a senior at Centennial High School, and Metcalf was a junior at Frisco Memorial High School.
Since then, the case has garnered significant national attention, especially on social media platforms, where misinformation about the case spread.
According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Anthony was standing under a tent designated for Metcalf’s team when a confrontation between the two athletes broke out.
Witnesses told police Metcalf told Anthony to leave the tent. Anthony allegedly reached inside his bag and said, “Touch me and see what happens,” the affidavit said. Metcalf then touched him, to which Anthony replied, “Punch me and see what happens.”
According to the report, Metcalf grabbed Anthony and again told him to move when Anthony pulled out a knife, stabbed Metcalf once in the chest and ran away. Anthony was taken into custody a short time later and told officers he acted in self-defense, the affidavit said.
If convicted, Anthony could face up to a life sentence.
Jane Harper is a Senior Staff Writer for the Dallas Morning News.
