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Murder Trial of Karmelo Anthony Opens With No Black Jurors on Panel

The trial will test whether prosecutors can prove the April 2025 stabbing was a provoked murder using video and witness evidence before a jury the defense says is unrepresentative.

Overview

  • The fatal stabbing took place at a Frisco high-school track meet on April 2, 2025, when prosecutors say Karmelo Anthony pulled a knife and stabbed 17-year-old Austin Metcalf in the chest.
  • Jury selection concluded this week with a 12-member jury and six alternates that include no Black jurors, prompting a formal Batson-style objection from Anthony’s defense and a judge’s ruling to allow the panel to stand.
  • Opening statements began Thursday and prosecutors told jurors they will rely on stadium surveillance video, multiple witnesses and 911 audio to show the killing was a provoked, unjustified murder.
  • The defense maintains Anthony acted in self-defense and has acknowledged he stabbed Metcalf, with attorneys arguing jurors will see a chaotic, split-second confrontation that created reasonable doubt.
  • The court has tightened security, banned devices and restricted public comments as protests, online fundraising reported between roughly $600,000 and $1.4 million, and social-media disputes raise concerns about juror influence and community division.