Collin County judge issues gag order in Frisco track meet stabbing case
The Collin County judge who is set to preside over next year’s trial in the Frisco track meet stabbing case has issued a gag order for the proceedings, according to WFAA-TV.
Parties to the case — a case that has drawn national attention — are no longer allowed to speak to the media about the case or post online about it without the court’s permission, according to court records. A violation of the order is punishable by contempt of court citing, fines, or attorney discipline.
Karmelo Anthony, 18, is set to be tried next year in the stabbing death of Memorial High School track athlete Austin Metcalf at a championship meet inside Frisco ISD’s Kuykendall Stadium in early April, the Star-Telegram previously reported. Anthony was released on a $250,000 bond later that month before being formally indicted in June.
Anthony could still strike a plea deal with prosecutors and avoid trial, according to WFAA.
“This case must be tried in a courtroom, not on social media or in the court of public opinion,” members of the Next Generation Action Network advocacy group said in a statement. “We will continue to support [Anthony’s] family, ensure transparency where appropriate, and remain committed to Karmelo’s right to a fair and just process.”
