Collin County District Judge John Roach Jr. has issued sweeping new restrictions on media coverage for the upcoming murder trial of Karmelo Anthony, the teenager charged with fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet last year.
The order, signed Friday in the 296th District Court, severely limits press access and bans all recording devices.
Citing the intense public interest and the precedent set by the U.S. Supreme Court in Sheppard v. Maxwell, Judge Roach claimed that excessive media coverage could prejudice the trial.
Under the new rules, which go into effect for the trial scheduled to begin June 1:
- The courtroom opens at 8:30 a.m. with staggered entry: credentialed media at 8:30 a.m., victims’ and defendant’s families at 8:40 a.m., and the general public at 8:50 a.m. Doors close at 9:00 a.m. with no re-entry until recess.
- Only nine credentialed media members are permitted inside the courtroom at any time. The Collin County Public Information Office will manage all credentials and seating.
- No photography, video, audio recording, livestreaming, or any visual/audio capture is allowed by media or the public.
- No images or recordings of witnesses, prospective jurors, or jurors may be published.
- Media interviews with trial participants are prohibited inside the courtroom and can only occur after the trial ends.
- Strict decorum is required — no reactions, outbursts, talking, signs, or gestures.
- All attendees must clear security screening.
- Trial exhibits will not be released until after the verdict.
The Collin County Sheriff’s Office will enforce the order, with violations potentially resulting in removal, loss of credentials, or contempt charges.
Hellbound and Down 