Judge sets media rules for upcoming Frisco track meet stabbing trial
A Collin County judge last week issued strict media guidelines for the upcoming trial of a teen accused of stabbing another student to death last April during a Frisco ISD track meet.
Judge John Roach Jr. of the 296th District Court issued the rules last Friday, citing public interest in the case and the defendant’s right to a fair trial, according to the order.
At the time of the incident, witnesses told police that then-17-year-old Karmelo Anthony and Austin Metcalf, also 17, had argued during the track meet. Metcalf then pushed Anthony and Anthony stabbed Metcalf once in the chest.
When he was arrested, Anthony volunteered statements to the police, including admitting to the stabbing, according to the arrest report. Anthony also cried and asked officers whether Metcalf would be OK, and asked whether the stabbing could be considered self-defense.
In the order, the judge stipulated:
- The courtroom will open at 8:30 a.m. on each day of the trial, with staggered entry times every 10 minutes. Members of the media will be allowed in first, followed by family, then members of the public.
- Only nine members of the media will be allowed to attend the trial, and photography and other digital recording of court activity will be prohibited.
- All those present must be dressed appropriately, and no talking, gestures, facial expressions or other reactions to court proceedings are permitted.
- Any exhibits admitted during the trial will not be released to the public until the conclusion of proceedings.
If convicted, Anthony faces between 5 and 99 years or life in prison. 17-year-olds are considered adults in the Texas criminal justice system.
