Karmelo Anthony Trial No Black Jurors In Murder Trial What Happened During Jury Selection

The murder trial of Karmelo Anthony, the Frisco ISD student accused of fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a 2025 track meet, has drawn national attention after no Black jurors were selected for the final panel.

According to Fox 4 KDFW, the final jury seated in Collin County consists of 12 jurors and six alternates, with no Black members included. The panel reportedly includes 11 women and seven men.

Anthony, 19, faces a murder charge in connection with Metcalf’s death following an altercation during a school-sponsored track event on April 2, 2025. Authorities allege the argument began over seating arrangements before escalating into a stabbing.

The jury selection process became one of the most closely watched aspects of the case due to the racial dynamics surrounding the trial. Anthony, who is Black, is accused in the death of Metcalf, who was white.

Tensions rose during the final phase of jury selection when Anthony’s attorneys formally objected to the prosecution’s removal of several Black prospective jurors.

Fox 4 KDFW reported that defense lawyers argued three Black women were struck from the jury pool despite being “similarly situated” to a white female juror who was ultimately allowed to remain on the panel.

The defense raised what is known as a Batson challenge, a legal objection used when attorneys believe jurors are being excluded because of race.

Prosecutors denied race was a factor in their decisions. Assistant District Attorney Dewey Mitchell reportedly told the court the prospective jurors were dismissed because they worked in education-related professions.

Because the fatal incident took place during a school-sponsored athletic event involving teenagers, prosecutors argued they did not want traditional educators serving on the panel.

Judge John Roach Jr. sided with prosecutors and allowed the jury selection to proceed.

According to reports, one educator was ultimately seated, though she reportedly works as an esthetician instructor at a trade school rather than with high school students directly.

Opening statements in the case began Thursday. Prosecutors described the fatal stabbing as a “provoked, unjustified sneak attack,” according to Fox 4 KDFW, while the defense argued Anthony acted in self-defense during a chaotic confrontation.

Jurors were shown grainy stadium surveillance footage and heard emotional 911 audio featuring a coach attempting CPR on Metcalf after the stabbing.

The prosecution also displayed a blood-stained jacket allegedly used to apply pressure to Metcalf’s wounds, ending the first day of testimony on an emotional note.

The trial is expected to last approximately two weeks. If convicted, Anthony could face a sentence ranging from five years to life in prison under Texas law.

Prakriti Deb is a journalist at Hindustan Times Digital, where she is part of the US Desk. She works on stories related to American politics, crime, sports, entertainment and weather. She particularly enjoys covering political developments that have global ripples. Through her work, she aims to break down complex events in a way that feels simple and understandable. Before joining the Hindustan Times, she worked with The Indian Express Digital, where she covered world affairs. She holds a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication with a specialisation in Journalism, along with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature. Outside the newsroom, Prakriti enjoys travelling and stepping out of her comfort zone. She finds her sense of being through storytelling in all its forms, including conversations, painting, theatre, dance and photography. She appreciates discussions that challenge her perspective and help her see the world a little differently.Read More