Austin Metcalf murder: Trial date set as media rules tighten for Karmelo Anthony case

The trial of Karmelo Anthony is scheduled to begin Monday, June 1, 2026. Anthony faces a first-degree murder charge; if convicted, he could face 5-99 years or life in prison. He is 17 years old and is treated as an adult in Texas.

The order states that trial exhibits will not be released to the public or media until the trial concludes.

Collin County 296th District Court Judge John Roach Jr. signed an order imposing strict media access, security, and decorum rules ahead of Karmelo Anthony's trial. The order cites Sheppard v. Maxwell and aims to protect jurors, witnesses, and the defendant's fair trial rights. It limits courtroom access to nine media members at a time, places credentialing under the Public Information Office, and bans photography, video, audio recording, livestreaming, and electronic capture. It also imposes decorum restrictions and security requirements, with penalties for violations including removal, loss of credentials, or contempt sanctions.

During a rain-delayed Frisco ISD track meet at Memorial High School in Frisco, 17-year-old Austin Metcalf was stabbed to death after reportedly asking Karmelo Anthony, who was not a student there, to leave the event. Metcalf was white and Anthony is Black.