Nationwide — A jury has been selected in the Texas murder trial of Karmelo Anthony, an African American teen accused of fatally stabbing another student during a Frisco high school track meet in 2025. The 12-member jury reportedly does not include any Black jurors.
Anthony, now 19, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. The incident happened in April 2025 in Frisco, Texas. Although Anthony was 17 at the time, Texas law treats 17-year-olds as adults in criminal proceedings.
Court proceedings in Collin County are moving forward after jury selection was completed from a pool of roughly 500 potential jurors, according to People. Prosecutors described the case as race-neutral and said jurors were chosen based on standard legal procedures.
During the selection process, some potential jurors were dismissed due to their work in education. Others were removed after stating that the race of those involved could influence their decision. The defense raised a Batson challenge, arguing against race-based exclusions in jury selection, though such objections are rarely upheld in court.
Police affidavits and witness statements describe the confrontation starting at Kuykendall Stadium during a track meet. Metcalf allegedly asked Anthony to move from under a tent, which led to a verbal exchange that escalated quickly.
Anthony allegedly told Metcalf, “Touch me and see what happens,” before Metcalf attempted to move him.
According to investigators, Anthony then pulled a knife from his backpack, stabbed Metcalf in the chest, and fled the scene. He later told responding officers, “I was protecting myself,” as stated in the records.
Prosecutors argue the stabbing was not self-defense, while the defense maintains that Anthony was acting to protect himself.
Meanwhile, online fundraisers have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Anthony’s defense, while Metcalf’s family campaign has also drawn major donations.
Following the incident, Metcalf’s twin brother accepted his posthumous diploma during a graduation ceremony held under a gag order connected to the ongoing case.