A Collin County judge in Texas has issued a gag order in connection with the Austin Metcalf stabbing case, as the murder trial nears.
As reported by ABC 8, on Monday, Judge John Roach issued an order stating that “law enforcement, witnesses, and expert consultants” are prohibited from making any “extrajudicial statement” about the case on social media, any public platform, or in the media unless they have received prior approval from the court.
“The Court finds that extensive pretrial publicity poses serious risk to the fairness of the trial,” Roach stated in the order.
FOX News Digital reports that a trial date has been set for June 1, 2026.
CrimeOnline previously noted that Metcalf, a junior at Memorial High School in Frisco, was killed in a stabbing incident at the UIL District 11-5A track meet at Kuykendall Stadium on April 2.
According to police, 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony, a Centennial High School student in Frisco, stabbed Metcalf in the chest after a dispute arose when Anthony sat under a tent meant for Memorial High School students.
In the arrest report, Anthony claimed to a school resource officer that Metcalf “put his hands” on him during the confrontation.
After police placed him in custody, Anthony reportedly said, “I’m not alleged. I did it.”
He later asked if Metcalf would be OK and questioned whether his actions would be considered self-defense, according to the arrest report.
In response to the gag order, the Next Generation Action Network released a statement via The Dallas Morning News on behalf of Anthony’s family, expressing their support for the decision.
“Although our organization is not directly involved in the legal proceedings and has not taken an oath in court, we fully endorse the court’s intent to maintain the integrity of this significant and highly publicized case.”
“We recognize the critical importance of upholding the judicial process and have consistently honored that responsibility by affirming at each press conference that we refrain from discussing legal specifics or speculating on the defense strategy.”
Anyone who violates the gag could possibly face contempt of court, lawyer discipline, and/or fees.
Meanwhile, Anthony, charged with murder, remains on house arrest and has been ordered to have no contact with the Metcalf family.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Karmelo Anthony/Collin County Sheriff’s Office and Austin Metcalf/Memorial High School]
