Collin County judge imposes strict rules on media access, security and courtroom conduct ahead of trial Carmelo Anthonyteen accused of stabbing classmate Austin Metcalfe He was killed in April 2025 during the Frisco Independent School District track and field meet. 296th District Court Judge John Roach Jr. signed the order in April, citing intense public interest. He also stressed the need to protect the rights of jurors, witnesses and defendants to a fair proceeding.
The trial is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 1, according to Collin County court records, CBS News reported. Anthony faces a first-degree murder charge.
If convicted, he could face 5 to 99 years in prison or prison life. In the Texas criminal justice system, 17-year-olds are considered adults.
Anthony is accused of fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a rain delay at a high school track meet. Before the stabbing at Frisco Memorial High School, Metcalf reportedly asked Anthony, who is black, to leave the event because he did not attend that school. Matt Kraft is white.
Learn more | GoFundMe calls suspect Austin Metcalfe a ‘polite man’
Full list of rules imposed by judges
In his speech, Roach cited Shepard v. Maxwell and argued that the restrictions were necessary to protect defendants’ rights to a fair trial, juror privacy and courtroom security. The order stipulates various conditions. The rules set by the judge are as follows:
- The court opens at 8:30 a.m. every day, with staggered admission times – 8:30 a.m. for the media, 8:40 a.m. for family members, and 8:50 a.m. for the public. Closes at 9am, no late arrivals until recess.
- Only nine members of the media can be in the courtroom at one time. The Collin County Public Information Office (PIO) will control all qualifications and seating
- Photography, video recording, audio recording, live streaming and any electronic capture of the meeting is not permitted. The device may only be used for silent note-taking with court approval.
- No one may photograph, record, identify or contact witnesses, witnesses, jurors or prospective jurors. Interviews with them are prohibited until the end of the trial and only with their consent.
- Media interviews are prohibited in the courtroom, corridors and restricted areas. Interviews may only be conducted in designated areas coordinated by the County PIO.
- Strict etiquette rules apply including prohibiting any reactions, gestures, conversation, irrelevant reading, food, drink or distracting attire. No one may bring signs or demonstration materials.
- Only authorized individuals will have access to areas outside the bar, including attorneys, clients, court staff, law enforcement, witnesses and jurors.
- All attendees must pass security screening. Additional measures can be implemented. Gathering in hallways or obstructing court operations will not be permitted.
- Trial evidence will not be released to the public or media until the trial is concluded.
- Any violation may result in immediate removal, revocation of media credentials or contempt of court sanctions without warning.
