Judge Issues Strict Security, Media Rules Ahead of High-Profile Murder Trial

Courtroom restrictions aim to maintain order and ensure a fair trial for Karmelo Anthony, accused of stabbing death at school track meet.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:35am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single piece of crime scene evidence, such as a bloodied knife or torn clothing, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the need for heightened security and restricted access in a high-profile criminal trial.Strict security measures and limited media access aim to maintain order and ensure a fair trial in the high-profile murder case.Frisco Today

A Collin County judge has signed an order outlining strict security and media restrictions for the upcoming murder trial of Karmelo Anthony, a former Frisco student charged with the 2025 stabbing death of Austin Metcalf at a school track meet. The order bans visual and audio recording inside the courtroom, limits seating, and requires security measures like bag checks and magnetometers.

Why it matters

The high-profile nature of the case, which has gained attention locally and nationally, has prompted the judge to take these measures to maintain order, protect juror privacy, and ensure a fair trial for the defendant. Attorneys say the level of restrictions is uncommon but necessary given the emotional nature of the case on both sides.

The details

Under the judge's order, no visual or audio recording will be allowed by media or anyone else inside the courtroom. Seating will be limited, with designated areas reserved for families, members of the media, and the public. The court says the doors will close promptly at 9 a.m. each morning and people will not be admitted after until a recess. Security is also expected to be heightened, with bag checks and magnetometers at the courthouse entrance and possibly at the courtroom itself.

  • The murder took place in 2025 at a school track meet.
  • Karmelo Anthony was indicted by a grand jury in June 2025.
  • The trial is scheduled to begin on June 1, 2026.

The players

Karmelo Anthony

A former Frisco student charged with the 2025 stabbing death of Austin Metcalf at a school track meet. He is being tried as an adult on a first-degree murder charge.

Austin Metcalf

The victim who was stabbed to death by Karmelo Anthony at a school track meet in 2025.

Judge John Roach

The judge presiding over the Karmelo Anthony murder trial in the 296th District Court of Collin County.

Todd Shapiro

A Collin County-based attorney who is not involved in the case but commented on the judge's strict security and media restrictions.

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What they’re saying

“I think the concern is you have a lot of emotion on both sides. They want to keep everyone in check and not make it a complete circus.”

— Todd Shapiro, Attorney

What’s next

The trial of Karmelo Anthony is scheduled to begin on June 1, 2026 in the 296th District Court of Collin County.

The takeaway

The judge's strict security and media restrictions for this high-profile murder trial highlight the need to balance public access, courtroom safety, and the defendant's right to a fair trial, especially in cases that have generated significant emotional responses in the community.