Judge defends camera ban in Karmelo Anthony murder trial in Texas
Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years in prison for Austin Metcalf murder, appeal grounds discussed
Karmelo Anthony, who was found guilty of first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a track meet in Texas, was sentenced to 35 years in prison. Jeff Metcalf offers a powerful victim impact statement. As protests over alleged racial bias continue outside the McKinney courthouse, former US Attorney Cully Stimson discusses grounds for appeal, including the ‘Batson argument’ regarding jury selection.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The judge presiding over Karmelo Anthony’s high-profile murder trial is standing by one of the case’s most controversial rulings, saying keeping cameras out of the courtroom was necessary to ensure a fair trial.
Judge John Roach of the 296th District Court said this week that blocking cameras and live feed during Anthony’s murder trial was the right decision.
A Collin County jury on Tuesday sentenced Anthony to 35 years in prison after finding him guilty in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Memorial High School student Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas.
In an interview with WFAA Following the verdict, Roach defended his decision to block cameras and broadcast live from the courtroom.
OJ SIMPSON-ERA LAWYER SEES FAMILIAR WARNING SIGNS AS CARMELO ANTHONY CASE BRINGS CONFLICT OVER RACE AND JUSTICE
Karmelo Anthony (left) was convicted of murdering Austin Metcalf (right). (Texas Department of Criminal Justice; Jeff Metcalf)
“Yeah, it was an easy decision,” Roach told the station. “I’ll tell you why. My primary goal in every case is to ensure a fair trial for the defendant and the prosecution. Period.”
“I know I make people angry, but I’m not here to make them happy,” he added.
The decision to ban cameras and live broadcasts sparked criticism from reporters and the public who wanted greater access to the hearings.
LAWYERS FOR CHARLIE KIRK’S ALLEGED ASSASSIN ASKED FOR COURTROOM CAMERAS TO BE BANNED DUE TO THE ‘CONTENT HOSE’
A court sketch shows Karmelo Anthony during his trial in Collin County, Texas, where he was found guilty of murder in the 2025 stabbing death of Austin Metcalf on June 9, 2026. (Pat Lopez)
“I had to balance the media’s right to know with the media’s right to know what’s going on, which I think is incredibly important. I think the public has a right to walk into the courtroom and see what’s going on,” Roach said.
The Texas judge said his goal was to prevent outside comments and public pressure from influencing the trial or the jury.
“As long as I follow the law, I sleep well at night,” Roach said.
AUSTIN METCALF’S FATHER EXPRESSES EMPATHY FOR KARMELO ANTHONY AS MURDERER’S FAMILY SAYS ‘THEY DID US A NUMBER’
Defense attorney Mike Howard gives his opening statement in a courtroom rendering from the Collin County courthouse during Karmelo Anthony’s murder trial. (Pat Lopez)
Roach also pushed back against allegations that he had a personal relationship with the Metcalf family.
“I wouldn’t recognize Mr. Metcalf if he came up to me and said ‘hello’ before this hearing,” he said.
When asked if the jury reached the right verdict, Roach said he believed it did.
KARMELO ANTHONY JURY REACHES VERDICT IN TEXAS TRACK MEET STABBING MURDER CASE
Karmelo Anthony’s grandmother, Toni Hayes, leaves court in McKinney, Texas, on June 9, 2026. Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison for killing Austin Metcalf at a track meet in Frisco last year. (AJ Skuy for Fox News Digital)
“Yes they did because they were elected according to the law, they heard the facts, it happened in this courtroom and they made a decision,” he said.
Roach also shared his impressions of Anthony after the hearing.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
“He seems like a good young man who committed a crime and today, more than ever, he understands the consequences of committing a crime like he did,” he said.
Fox News Digital’s Stepheny Price and Julia Bonavita contributed to this report.
