Collin County judge imposes strict rules on media access, security and courtroom conduct ahead of trial Carmelo Anthonyteen accused of stabbing classmate Austin Metcalf 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.
When does Carmelo Anthony’s trial begin?
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
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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 a number of conditions, including that only nine members of the media may be in the courtroom at a time, that the Collin County Public Information Office (PIO) will control all credentials and seating, and that photography, video recording, audio recording, live streaming and any electronic capture of the proceedings is prohibited.
Strict etiquette rules include a ban on any reactions, gestures, conversation, irrelevant reading, food, drink or distracting attire. No logos or presentation materials are allowed either.
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No one may photograph, record, identify or contact witnesses, prospective witnesses, jurors or prospective jurors. Media interviews are prohibited in the courtroom, corridors and restricted areas.
Only authorized personnel will have access to areas outside the bar, including attorneys, clients, court staff, law enforcement, witnesses and jurors. All attendees must pass security screening. Attendees may not gather in hallways or impede court operations. Trial evidence will not be released to the public or media until the end of the trial.
Any violation may result in immediate removal, revocation of media credentials or contempt of court sanctions without warning.
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.
