Karmelo Anthony Murder Trial Begins in Texas as Jury Selection Opens Under Heavy Security

By The Black Insider Staff

McKINNEY, Texas - After garnering national attention and the public's debate, the murder trial of Karmelo Anthony has officially begun Monday, June 1, 2026, in Collin County, Texas.

Anthony’s charge for murder is for the stabbing to death of the 17-year-old Austin Metcalf on April 2, 2025, at a track meet held by the Frisco ISD. It involved a local community and was a case that was followed by many in social media and national news.

Attorneys are beginning to select a jury at the Collin County Courthouse in McKinney, which reportedly called hundreds of potential jurors. Over the next few days, court officials are expected to further whittle the jury down, until the opening arguments are made.

The stabbing was done in self-defense, Anthony's defense has argued. The prosecutors, however, are likely to seek a murder conviction, citing the evidence. The most important issue for jurors as the trial progresses will be whether the state is able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Anthony killed someone, or whether that person's actions were legitimate.

Because of the publicity surrounding the case, court house security is increased. The conduct of those in court has been cordoned off with new rules, such as restrictions on the use of recording devices, cameras and public access. No more than necessary seating in the courtroom will be allowed and will be on a “first come, first served” basis.

The case has also stirred up emotional responses from both families' supporters. The case has garnered significant attention from demonstrators, the media, and online commentators, sparking debates about youth violence, self-defense legislation, racial tension, and misinformation that has run rampant on social media.

Even though the case is in the public spotlight, Anthony is still presumed innocent until he is found guilty in court.

The trial is set to run until at least mid-June.