Judge issues gag order for Frisco track meet stabbing case
Gag order issued in Frisco fatal stabbing case
Judge John Roach cited the extensive pretrial publicity surrounding the case and concerns that it could affect the fairness of the trial. The order bars attorneys, witnesses, spokespersons, and law enforcement from speaking substantively about the case.
FRISCO, Texas - A Collin County judge has issued a sweeping gag order with less than a year until the trial over a deadly stabbing at a Frisco track meet.
What we know:
Judge John Roach cited the extensive pretrial publicity surrounding the case and concerns that it could affect the fairness of the trial.
The order bars attorneys, witnesses, spokespersons, and law enforcement from speaking substantively about the case.
The judge also stated that alternative measures like changing the venue of the trial would be inadequate.
Karmelo Anthony is currently set to go to trial on June 1, 2026 for the murder of Austin Metcalf.
Frisco ISD subpoenaed for student records related to track meet stabbing
In a letter to parents on Thursday, Frisco ISD says they will release student information to the state if parents do not object within five days.
What they're saying:
On Tuesday, we spoke to Russell Wilson, an attorney not associated with this case.
"In the past there have been competing statements released by both sides. I don’t think it's a surprise to see that," said Wilson. "One of the things that potential jurors are asked is if they have seen media coverage of the case and that impacts how they view the case."
Russell Wilson also tells FOX 4’s Peyton Yager that there may be additional information that may come out at those public hearings, but the parties will not be able to tell us in advance what they are anticipating during the trial.
If they do, there could be consequences.
Dig deeper:
The Next Generation Action Network shared a statement acknowledging the gag order shortly after it was issued.
"From the very beginning of this case, our organization has been clear and consistent in our position: we have no interest in trying this case in the court of public opinion. Our role has always been to advocate for justice, protect the integrity of the legal process, and ensure that Karmelo Anthony is afforded a fair and unbiased trial," NGAN said.
Despite speaking on behalf of the Anthony family in the past and the term "spokesperson" being included in the judge's order, NGAN founder Dominque Alexander said the gag order doesn't apply to his organization because it "is not a party to the legal proceedings and has not been sworn into court."
Alexander said NGAN will continue working to ensure that Anthony's rights are upheld and that racial bias and hate are not a factor.
"This case must be tried in a courtroom not through headlines, hashtags, or hateful narratives. The Next Generation Action Network stands to protect due process and defend the principle that justice should apply to everyone, regardless of the color of their skin," he said.
Frisco Track Meet Stabbing
Frisco Track Meet Stabbing Special
A stabbing at a Frisco track meet turned into a national story. With social media fanning the flames, the death of Austin Metcalf and arrest of Karmelo Anthony touched on several hot button issues including bail reform, misinformation and race. FOX 4 reporters who have covered the story from the beginning discuss this case and how it has been different from others they have covered in the past.
The backstory:
Anthony, 18, is charged with first-degree murder in connection with 17-year-old Metcalf's fatal stabbing on April 2.
Witnesses reported that Anthony stabbed Metcalf during a dispute at the Frisco track meet.
Representatives for Anthony say there is no evidence that young men knew each other.
An arrest report for Anthony detailed his interactions with police in the moments following the fatal stabbing.
According to the court document, witnesses pointed him out to a school resource officer, who was the first to arrive on the scene. The officer spotted Anthony on the north end of the of the track.
"I gave the suspect instructions to keep his hands up in the air. During this time, the suspect said verbally out loud, ‘I was protecting myself,’" the report states.
The suspect also told the officer, "He put his hands on me."
Who is Karmelo Anthony?
Karmelo Anthony, 17, as he was being released from jail after his bond was reduced from $1 million to $250,000.
Anthony, 17 at the time of Metcalf's stabbing, attended Frisco Centennial High School.
Family representatives say Anthony was a 3.7 GPA student and a captain of both the football and track teams.
His parents told a judge during his bond reduction hearing that he worked at Foot Locker for two years and worked a second job at H-E-B.
Anthony was the oldest of four children.
RELATED: Karmelo Anthony's family speaks publicly for first time since Frisco track meet stabbing
Who is Austin Metcalf?
Austin Metcalf (Source: Jeff Metcalf)
Metcalf, 17, was a junior at Frisco Memorial High School.
Jeff Metcalf described his son as an honor student, a natural leader, and a talented athlete. He was also a twin.
"Austin was a leader. He led the football team. He was voted team MVP by his players and coaches," he said. "He played inside. His brother plays outside. Football was his pride and joy. He was working on track and field to increase his speed."
Metcalf played linebacker and had been contacted by Division I schools, according to his father.
RELATED: Frisco teen dies in twin brother's arms after track meet stabbing
The Source: The information in this story comes from court documents, as well as past news coverage of the case.