Karmelo Anthony, 17, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf, 17, during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, in 2025. The case has drawn national attention amid allegations of racial bias in jury selection.
After three days of juror selection from 600 summonses, no Black jurors were chosen for the trial. Defense lawyers accused prosecutors of improperly striking the only three remaining Black prospective jurors, but District Judge John Roach accepted the state's explanation that they were removed because they are educators.
The Next Generation Action Network, a civil rights organisation, expressed concern on social media, stating: 'The prosecution used its final strikes to remove the remaining qualified Black jurors from the jury pool, raising serious concerns about fairness and equal justice.'
According to the arrest report, the altercation began when Anthony sat under a tent belonging to Metcalf's team during a rainstorm. Witnesses said Anthony reached into his bag and said, 'Touch me and see what happens.' Metcalf then grabbed Anthony, and Anthony allegedly pulled a knife and stabbed him before fleeing.
Anthony's attorney, Mike Howard, argued self-defence, saying Anthony sought shelter from the rain and was confronted by Metcalf and his twin brother, who are significantly larger. Howard claimed Metcalf made first contact, and Anthony acted in a 'split-second decision' out of fear. Prosecutors, however, described the stabbing as a 'sneak, surprise attack'.
Testimony continues, with a school resource officer testifying that Anthony said, 'He put his hands on me. I told him not to. He put his hands on me.' The trial is expected to last several weeks.
