A Texas courtroom fell silent this week as Judge John Roach Jr. imposed a sweeping gag order in the high-profile murder case against Karmelo Anthony, preventing all parties from discussing the case publicly.
According to The Daily Caller, the Collin County judge issued the order to maintain integrity in the upcoming trial set for June 2026. Anthony stands accused of first-degree murder in the stabbing death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas.
The case has sparked national attention due to racial undertones, as Anthony is Black and Metcalf was white. Judge Roach's order bars parties, police, witnesses, and experts from speaking to media outlets or posting about the case on social media platforms without court approval.
Confrontation Turned Deadly at Memorial High School Track Meet
Witnesses at the scene reported that Anthony was sitting under his team's tent at Memorial High School when he was told he shouldn't be there. According to reports, the situation escalated quickly.
Anthony allegedly responded to Metcalf with "touch me and see what happens," setting the stage for a confrontation. When Metcalf reportedly pushed Anthony, the situation turned deadly as Anthony allegedly stabbed the 17-year-old.
The teen reportedly confessed at the scene, telling authorities, "I did it," but later claimed the stabbing was an act of self-defense. This contradiction will likely be a central point of contention when the trial begins next summer.
Controversial Release Generates Public Outcry
Despite facing first-degree murder charges, Anthony was granted bail and placed under house arrest. This decision allowed him to graduate from high school while awaiting trial.
The judicial leniency shown to Anthony has become a flashpoint in public discourse. Critics argue that the severity of the charges should have resulted in pretrial detention, while supporters maintain that Anthony deserves the presumption of innocence.
A protection order was also issued by the judge, though court documents don't specify which party is being protected. This additional measure suggests concerns about potential threats or harassment connected to the case.
Financial Support Flows to Anthony Family Amid Controversy
Following the incident, Anthony's family received substantial financial support from donors sympathetic to his case. The funds have apparently transformed their living situation dramatically.
The family now resides in a $900,000 home within a gated community outside Frisco. This significant upgrade in their living circumstances has fueled additional controversy among those following the case.
Meanwhile, the Metcalf family has faced their own challenges in the aftermath of their son's death. In a disturbing development, they were victims of "swatting" – when someone makes a false emergency call to prompt a SWAT team response to an innocent person's address.
