Opening statements are expected to begin Thursday in the Texas murder trial of Karmelo Anthony after a jury with no Black jurors was selected in a case that has ignited racial tensions and drawn national attention.Anthony, who is Black, is charged with first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of fellow high school student Austin Metcalf, who is White, during a Frisco track meet in April 2025 and has maintained that he acted in self-defense.Both were 17 at the time.Judge John Roach Jr.
spent the first few days of the proceedings this week overseeing jury selection as attorneys worked to identify jurors who could fairly evaluate a case that has generated widespread publicity, social media debate and competing narratives since the deadly confrontation.A 12-person jury was seated on Wednesday.None of them are Black, FOX 4 reported.
The prosecutor noted during jury selection that he has never had to have this type of conversation about race with a jury, according to the outlet.KARMELO ANTHONY TRIAL IGNITES RIVAL CAMPS THAT THREATEN TO GET IN JURORS’ HEADS IN TRACK MEET STABBING: EXPERTKarmelo Anthony, 17, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing death of Texas track star Austin Metcalf.(FOX 4)According to courtroom reporting from FOX 4 Dallas, Anthony appeared in court Wednesday wearing a suit and tie with a purple shirt, a color frequently worn by his supporters during court appearances.
The outlet reported that the 18-year-old's hair appeared more closely cropped than in prior appearances and that he remained stoic throughout the proceedings.The case has attracted significant public attention since Metcalf's death, spawning online campaigns, public demonstrations and heated debate across social media platforms.Supporters of both Anthony and Metcalf have weighed in publicly, while attorneys and advocates connected to the case have repeatedly urged the public not to prejudge the outcome before all evidence is presented in court.Texas defen...