FRISCO, Texas – Austin Metcalf's father, Jeff Metcalf, says he "100%" stands by the judge's decision in the Karmelo Anthony murder trial to keep cameras out of the courtroom.Judge John Roach of the 296th District Court went on the record previously to say the decision was essentially imperative to keep the trial fair.In a sit-down interview with Fox News Digital, Jeff Metcalf said, "You have minors that had to testify.It's hard enough for them because they've witnessed a trauma.
They will have permanent memories.I mean they're all in counseling.
It was hard enough to watch them get up on the stand and have to testify and be asked the tough questions."Jeff Metcalf is interviewed by Fox News Digital at his home in Frisco, Texas, Wednesday, June 17, 2026.Metcalf's 17-year-old son, Austin Metcalf, was murdered at a high school track meet by Karmelo Anthony last year.
(Matthew Symons for Fox News Digital)Metcalf's son was fatally stabbed in the chest by Anthony at a high school track meet in April 2025.Anthony was convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison.WATCH: Austin Metcalf’s father remembers his son’s childhoodMetcalf, who was under a gag order imposed by the judge throughout the trial, said he wants to speak face-to-face with the Anthony family.
He said he has yet to hear from the parents of the man who killed his son.JUDGE PRESIDING IN CASE OF SLAIN TEXAS TEEN AUSTIN METCALF TARGETED IN ALLEGED DOXXING HOAX; FBI INVESTIGATING"If they would have taken accountability and showed remorse, I truthfully believe, I don't think he would have got that many years that he received," he said about the Anthony family.WATCH: Austin Metcalf's father says the Anthony family has yet to speak to himFox News Digital has reached out to the Anthony family for comment.Austin Metcalf, 17, was stabbed to death at a Texas track meet.(Jeff Metcalf)Anthony has since filed a notice of appeal to challenge his conviction.AUSTIN METCALF'S DAD EXPRESSES EMPATHY FOR KARMEL...