A judge has issued a gag order in the murder case against 18-year-old Karmelo Anthony, accused of fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco track meet.
The Dallas Express obtained the gag order filed on July 28, issued by Judge John Roach, which bans those involved in the case, plus “law enforcement” and court officials, from making statements that could sway the trial.
“The Court finds that extensive pretrial publicity poses serious risk to the fairness of the trial,” Roach wrote in the order.
Anthony, 17 at the time, allegedly stabbed and killed Metcalf on April 2 at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, as The Dallas Express reported at the time. Police arrested him the same day. Anthony is set to face trial on June 1, 2026.
The gag order applies to all parties and attorneys involved in the case; witnesses, consultants, agents, and spokespersons; “law enforcement personnel” and court officials.
It bans them from making “any extrajudicial statement” on the “character, credibility, expected testimony, guilt, or innocence of any party or witness,” the expected evidence, or the jury. It also bans statements which could “influence public opinion or potential jurors.”
“These restrictions apply to statements made via any public medium, including traditional news outlets and social media,” the order reads.
But some statements are allowed, including “procedural announcements” or “statements required by legal or ethical duties.”
“Media coverage has the potential to cause imminent and irreparable harm to the defendant’s right to fair trial,” Roach wrote. “Alternative measures (venue change, juror screening, sequestration) would be inadequate alone; Narrowly applied speech restrictions are necessary to protect juror impartiality.”
The order is in effect until the jury reaches a verdict or until further notice. Any violation could bring “contempt, fines, attorney discipline, or other remedies” deemed appropriate.
Anthony’s bond was reduced from $1 million to $250,000 due to financial hardship, as The Dallas Express previously reported. This is despite reporting that Anthony’s family had allegedly moved into a $900,000 home in a gated community and was seen driving a new Cadillac Escalade.
Anthony claims he acted in self-defense and that Metcalf put his hands on him after being asked not to, according to a police affidavit. He reportedly said after his arrest, “I’m not alleged, I did it.” Anthony also asked an officer if Metcalf would be okay and whether his actions could be considered self-defense.
Frisco ISD released surveillance footage in mid-June, showing movement under a tent near the 50-yard line at 9:55 a.m. during the meet, as The Dallas Express also reported. Soon after, people ran from and to the area. Minutes later, paramedics arrived for Metcalf.
“Karmelo and his family are confident in the justice system and the people of Collin County to be fair and impartial,” Anthony’s attorney Mike Howard previously said in a statement. “We expect that when the full story is heard, the prosecution will not be able to rule out the reasonable doubt that Karmelo Anthony may have acted in self-defense.”
Soon after the killing, Metcalf’s father, Jeff, expressed forgiveness to Anthony. Weeks later, police removed Jeff from the premises when he tried to attend a press conference held by Anthony’s family.
Jeff previously said he expected “justice will be served for Austin Metcalf.”
“I look forward to the forthcoming trial,” he said. “But it will never bring my son back.”