Jury selection begins in Frisco track meet murder case
Jury selection began on Monday in the murder trial of 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, accused of fatally stabbing another teen during a Frisco ISD track meet in April 2025.
Anthony and Austin Metcalf, 17, had argued during the track meet, witnesses told police at the time of the stabbing. Metcalf then pushed Anthony and Anthony stabbed Metcalf once in the chest, witnesses have said.
At the time of his arrest 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, the Star-Telegram previously reported.
If convicted of murder, Anthony faces between five and 99 years or life in prison. In the Texas criminal justice system, 17-year-olds are considered adults.
Potential Jurors interviewed, opening statement to begin Thursday
Judge John Roach Jr. summoned about 600 potential jurors from Collin County for the case, with opening statements tentatively scheduled for Thursday, Star-Telegram media partner WFAA-TV reported.
On Monday morning, supporters for Anthony gathered outside the courthouse with “a drum and tambourines” wearing purple T-shirts, according to WFAA.
The case has attracted international attention and sparked widespread reaction on social media.
In April Judge Roach issued strict media guidelines for the trial, including a limit of nine media members and prohibiting photography and digital recording of court activity.
Monday trial update
About 50 people were excused during questioning by the judge. On Tuesday, the judge and lawyers will review questionnaires, WFAA reported.
Around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, texts or emails will be sent to those selected, instructing them to return for the second round of jury selection at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. The judge said he hopes the panel will be narrowed to about 250 people by then, and that a jury will be picked Wednesday, WFAA reported.
Court proceedings are scheduled for 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each weekday, and also on Saturdays. The trial is set to potentially last through June 12.