Carmelo Anthony trial: No black jurors in murder trial? What happens during jury selection

According to Fox 4 KDFW, the final jury in Collin County consisted of 12 jurors and six alternates, excluding black members. The group reportedly included 11 women and seven men.

Anthony, 19, faces murder charges after an altercation at a track meet hosted by the school resulted in Metcalf’s death on April 2, 2025. Authorities said the argument began over seating arrangements and escalated into a stabbing incident.

The jury selection process became one of the most closely watched aspects of the case because of the racial dynamics surrounding the trial. Anthony, who was black, was charged with killing Metcalf, who was white.

Fox 4 KDFW reports that defense attorneys argued that three black women were removed from the jury pool despite being “similarly situated” to a white female juror who was ultimately allowed to remain on the jury.

Also read: Carmelo Anthony trial: Protests break out outside Texas courthouse, supporters chant ‘self-defense is not a crime’

The defense raised what’s known as a Batson challenge, a legal objection used when attorneys believe a juror was excluded because of race.

Prosecutors deny race was a factor in their decision. Assistant District Attorney Dewey Mitchell reportedly told the court that prospective jurors were dismissed because they were in education-related occupations.

Because the fatal incident occurred during a school-sponsored sporting event involving teenagers, prosecutors argued they did not want traditional educators serving on the panel.

Judge John Roach Jr. sided with prosecutors and allowed jury selection to proceed.

An educator was eventually seated, although she reportedly worked as a beautician instructor at a trade school rather than working directly with high school students.

Also read: Carmelo Anthony made chilling six-word threat to Austin Metcalf before murder, ‘Touch me and see…’

Jurors saw grainy stadium surveillance video and heard emotional 911 audio of a coach trying to perform CPR on Metcalf after the stabbing.

Prosecutors also ended the first day of testimony on an emotional note by showing a blood-stained jacket allegedly used to apply pressure to Metcalf’s wounds.

The trial is expected to last about two weeks. Under Texas law, Anthony could face five years to life in prison if convicted.