A sweeping gag order was issued by Collin County Judge John Roach on July 29, 2025, in the high-profile case involving 18-year-old Karmelo Anthony, who is charged with the murder of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a Frisco ISD track meet in April.
The order bars anyone involved in the case - including prosecutors, defense attorneys, witnesses, law enforcement personnel, court staff, and family spokespersons - from publicly commenting on substantive details. Roach cited concerns over extensive pretrial media coverage that could jeopardize the fairness of the upcoming trial.
In a related move, the judge also issued a protective order limiting access to sensitive student witness information requested from Frisco ISD - such as names, birthdates, and contact details - which will now be kept in a secure court file accessible only to attorneys on both sides.
⚖️ Why This Matters
Preserving a fair trial: Legal experts point out gag orders are common in high-profile cases precisely to avoid trial by media and preserve jury impartiality - similar to restrictions seen in other nationally publicized trials.
Case background: The fatal stabbing occurred on April 2, 2025, at a school track meet. Karmelo Anthony allegedly stabbed Austin Metcalf after a verbal confrontation under a team tent. Anthony has claimed self-defense and was indicted by a grand jury in June. The trial is set for June 1, 2026. He is currently on house arrest with an ankle monitor after a bond reduction from $1 million to $250,000.
Bottom Line
The judge’s order effectively freezes any public comment by those connected to the case while it moves toward a jury trial. Both sides are now restricted from influencing public opinion, as the legal focus shifts to building the factual record in court - not in headlines or on social media.
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