Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years for Austin Metcalf murder, appeal grounds discussed
The judge who oversaw the closely watched murder trial of Karmelo Anthony is defending one of the case’s most debated rulings, saying the decision to keep cameras and livestreams out of the courtroom was necessary to protect the fairness of the proceedings.
Judge John Roach of Texas’ 296th District Court said this week that he remains confident he made the right call in barring video coverage during Anthony’s trial.
On Tuesday, a Collin County jury sentenced Anthony to 35 years in prison after convicting him of murder in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, a Memorial High School student. The killing happened during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas.
Speaking to WFAA after the verdict, Roach said his restrictions on cameras and livestreaming were intended to preserve the integrity of the trial in a case that drew intense public attention.
Karmelo Anthony was convicted in the killing of Austin Metcalf.
Karmelo Anthony (left) was convicted of killing Austin Metcalf (right). (Texas Department of Criminal Justice; Jeff Metcalf)
“Yes, it was an easy decision,” Roach told the station. “I’ll tell you why. My primary goal in every case is to make sure the defendant and the prosecution get a fair trial. Period.”
“I know I made people mad but I’m not here to make them happy either,” he added.
The decision to bar cameras and livestreaming drew criticism from reporters and members of the public who wanted greater access to the proceedings.
A court sketch shows Karmelo Anthony during his trial in Collin County, Texas, where he was convicted of murder in the 2025 stabbing death of Austin Metcalf on June 9, 2026. (Pat Lopez)
“I had to balance between the media’s right to know and be able to know what’s going on, which I think is extraordinarily important. I think the public had access to the courtroom and see what is going on,” Roach said.
The Texas judge said his goal was to prevent outside commentary and public pressure from influencing the proceedings or the jury.
“As long as I follow the law, I sleep well at night,” Roach said.
Defense attorney Mike Howard delivers opening statements during Karmelo Anthony’s murder trial in a courtroom sketch from the Collin County courthouse. (Pat Lopez)
Roach also pushed back on claims that he had a personal relationship with the Metcalf family.
“I wouldn’t know Mr. Metcalf prior to this trial if he walked up to me and said ‘hello,’” he said.
When asked whether the jury reached the correct verdict, Roach said he believed they did.
Karmelo Anthony’s grandmother, Toni Hayes, leaves court in McKinney, Texas, on June 9, 2026. Anthony was sentenced to 35 years for the murder of Austin Metcalf at a track meet in Frisco last year. (AJ Skuy for News Agency)
“Yes they did because they were picked based upon the law, they listened to the facts, it happened in this courtroom, and they got a verdict,” he said.
Roach also shared his impressions of Anthony following the trial.
“He seems like a nice young man who committed a crime and he understands today more than any day before the consequences of committing a crime like he did,” he said.
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