The first day of jury selection in the case involving a Texas teenager accused of stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf to death following a confrontation at a high school track meet was ushered in by demonstrators from both sides taking to the streets outside the courthouse, raising concerns about a potential outside influence impacting the jury.
Karmelo Anthony, 18, is charged with first-degree murder stemming from Metcalf’s death.
The case sparked outrage both in the local community and nationwide, with conversations surrounding race and self-defense rights taking center stage.
On Monday, as prospective jurors arrived at the courthouse to be considered for selection, a crowd of demonstrators descended outside the court-ordered perimeter to voice their support for both sides of the case.
Positioned on opposite sides of the street, video footage shows the groups chanting, playing instruments and carrying signs both in favor and against Anthony – with the crowd of counter-demonstrators also carrying a large sign with Metcalf’s photo.
“We declare, we decree, Karmelo is free,” supporters of Anthony can be heard saying outside the courthouse.
Hellbound and Down 