Why Were No Black Jurors Selected in the Karmelo Anthony Trial? Here’s What Happened.
Dallas Morning News Reports No Black Jurors Selected in Karmelo Anthony Trial
A jury has reportedly been selected in the highly publicized murder trial of Karmelo Anthony, the Texas teen charged in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco in April 2025.
According to reports from the Dallas Morning News, the final panel consists of 12 jurors and 6 alternates, and none of the jurors selected are Black. Jury selection began June 1 and concluded June 3 after attorneys worked through a pool of nearly 600 prospective jurors.
Anthony, now 19, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Metcalf, 17, who was fatally stabbed during an altercation at Kuykendall Stadium. Prosecutors allege Anthony intentionally stabbed Metcalf during a dispute under a team tent at the track meet.
The defense is expected to argue self-defense, maintaining that Anthony acted to protect himself during the confrontation. Prosecutors have indicated they will challenge that claim and are expected to rely heavily on witness testimony and surveillance evidence presented during the trial.
Opening statements are scheduled to begin June 4 at the Collin County Courthouse in McKinney. The trial is expected to last approximately two weeks.
Because Anthony was 17 at the time of the incident, he is being tried as an adult but is not eligible for the death penalty under Texas law. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence ranging from 5 years to life in prison.
The case has drawn national attention and generated intense public debate. Due to security concerns and an active gag order, cameras, cell phones, and live-streaming equipment are prohibited inside the courtroom.
