In a notable murder trial involving 17-year-old Carmelo Anthony, all prospective Black jurors were dismissed before the final selection of 12 jurors and six alternates on Wednesday. Anthony is accused of fatally stabbing fellow 17-year-old Austin Metcalfe, a promising high school athlete, at a track meet in Frisco, Texas, back in April 2025, as reported by KTVT TV.
Prosecutors justified their actions by asserting that the case’s circumstances were “race-neutral,” meaning a diverse jury wasn’t essential. This claim faced objections that were overruled by Judge John Roach. It’s worth noting that Anthony is Black, while Metcalfe is white.
Participants in the selection process seemed torn about fairness in the situation. One educator from the local school district expressed doubt, mentioning the personal connection to the case. “This hits so close to home that I’m not sure it’s completely fair,” they said.
The potential jurors were reduced from an initial pool of 589 after examination by both the prosecution and defense.
When questioned about whether media coverage influenced their views, several jurors admitted it might have. One remarked, “I don’t know if it affects me or not, but I can’t say that those thoughts aren’t in my head.”
Another prospective juror noted, “It’s hard to put a brother in prison,” reflecting on how Anthony’s race and age might play a role in perceptions of the case.
KTVT also reported that Anthony’s lawyer, Mike Howard, intends to argue that the stabbing was an act of self-defense following an altercation between the boys, with Metcalfe reportedly being unarmed at the time.
Interestingly, some jurors reacted negatively when questioned about immigration policy, with a few choosing not to answer, stating it was irrelevant.
Both the prosecution and the defense had the opportunity to dismiss 10 jurors, and by early evening, the jury had been finalized.
Opening statements are slated to commence Thursday morning, according to the report.
