A Collin County judge has imposed strict rules on media access, security, and courtroom conduct ahead of the trial of Karmelo Anthony, the teen accused of stabbing fellow student Austin Metcalf to death during a Frisco ISD track meet in April 2025. 296th District Court Judge John Roach Jr. signed the order in April, citing intense public interest. He also stressed the need to protect jurors, witnesses, and the defendant’s right to a fair proceeding.
The trial is set to begin Monday, June 1, according to Collin County court records, CBS News reported. Anthony is facing a first-degree murder charge.
If convicted, he could face a possible sentence of 5-99 years or life in prison. 17-year-olds are considered adults in the Texas criminal justice system.
Anthony is accused of stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf to death during a rain delay at a high school track meet. Before the stabbing, which took place at Memorial High School in Frisco, Metcalf had reportedly asked Anthony, who is black, to leave the event since he did not attend that school. Matcalf was white.
Read More | ‘Justice For Karmelo’ GoFundMe claims Austin Metcalf suspect is a ‘well mannered man’
Full list of rules imposed by the judge
Roach, in his address, cited Sheppard v. Maxwell and found that restrictions are necessary to protect the defendant’s right to a fair trial, juror privacy, and courtroom security. The order laid down various conditions. The rules imposed by the judge are as follows:
- The courtroom will open daily at 8:30 am, with staggered entry – media at 8:30, family at 8:40, and the public at 8:50. Doors will be shut at 9 am, and there will be no late entry until recess.
- Only nine media members may be inside the courtroom at one time. The Collin County Public Information Office (PIO) will control all credentialing and seating
- Photography, video, audio recording, livestreaming, and any electronic capture of proceedings will not be permitted. Devices can only be used for silent note‑taking with court approval.
- No one will be allowed to photograph, record, identify, or contact witnesses, prospective witnesses, jurors, or prospective jurors. Interviews with them will be prohibited until after the trial and only if they agree.
- Media interviews are prohibited inside the courtroom, hallways, and restricted areas. Interviews can only be held in designated zones coordinated through the county PIO.
- Strict decorum rules that apply include no reactions, gestures, talking, unrelated reading, food, drink, or distracting attire. No one is allowed to carry signs or demonstrative materials.
- Only authorized individuals are allowed to enter the area beyond the bar, including counsel, parties, court staff, law enforcement, witnesses, and jurors.
- All attendees are required to pass security screening. Additional measures could be implemented. Congregating in hallways or blocking courthouse operations is not allowed.
- Trial exhibits are not going to be released to the public or media until the trial ends.
- Any violation may result in immediate removal, loss of media credentials, or contempt sanctions without warning.
