Texas judge defends barring cameras from Karmelo Anthony murder trial
Judge John Roach Jr. is standing by his decision to keep cameras out of the Karmelo Anthony murder trial, saying the move was intended to protect the fairness of the proceedings.
Anthony, who was convicted in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf and sentenced to 35 years in prison, is now challenging that punishment on appeal. Roach has rejected accusations that he had any personal connection to Metcalf’s family, stressing that his focus throughout the case was ensuring Anthony received a fair trial.
The ruling and the broader handling of the case have continued to draw criticism, particularly from those who argue race played a role in the public reaction and courtroom debate.
Supporters of Anthony have remained vocal since the verdict and sentencing, continuing to express anger and disappointment over the outcome.
On Tuesday, June 9, Anthony was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison for killing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, last year.
Backers of Anthony insist he acted in self-defense when he stabbed Metcalf.
Addressing comments about the sentencing, she wrote “that Anthony would be protected in prison, adding she didn’t care about the victim’s family’s loss,” according to the outlet.
Karmelo Anthony was convicted of killing Austin Metcalf. (Texas Department of Criminal Justice; Jeff Metcalf)
News Agency also reported Howard University professor Stacey Patton wrote an opinion article on her Substack “Dear Jeff Metcalf: Your Son Is Dead Because You Failed to Teach Him That Black Boys Have Boundaries,” which essentially blames the victim for the killing.
Another supporter, W. Burlette Carter, who is a professor emerita of law at George Washington University, made her concerns with the trial public following the verdict.
She made a post on X that said, “Karmelo Anthony was entitled to a jury of his peers. He did not get that. On that ground alone, he is entitled to a new trial. Minorities are not interchangeable. The prosecutor’s reported proffered reasons for striking all black jurors —that they were teachers—appears to be pretext. Anthony needs a new lawyer on appeal and in a new trial.”
Karmelo Anthony poses for a new mugshot photo. (Collin County Jail)
Anthony’s trial was made up of jurors who are fellow U.S. citizens — also known as a “jury of one’s peers.” In all criminal prosecutions, the U.S. Constitution says the accused has “the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed.”
News Agency has reached out to Howard University, TDCJ, and Burlette Carter for comment.
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