Gag Order Issued in Karmelo Anthony Murder Case

A judge in Texas has implemented a gag order related to the Karmelo Anthony murder case ahead of the trial set for next June. Local outlet Kera News reported on the development on Wednesday.

Collin County Judge John Roach Jr. issued the order, which prohibits those involved in the trial—from attorneys to witnesses—from speaking to the media or discussing the case publicly. Anthony was indicted for First Degree Murder in June, accused of fatally stabbing 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas.

Witness testimonies indicated that Anthony was under a team tent at Memorial High School when he was told he shouldn’t be there. It’s reported that Anthony warned Metcalf, “Touch me and see what happens.” The situation escalated, leading to Metcalf pushing Anthony, prompting some sort of response that resulted in the stabbing.

The incident has drawn national media attention, particularly due to the racial dynamics involved—Metcalf was white and Anthony is black. In addition to the gag order, the judge has also issued a protective order, though details about its implications remain unclear.

Despite the serious allegations, Anthony was able to secure bail and graduated from high school while under house arrest. He has claimed that his actions were in self-defense, although he reportedly admitted to having “done it” at the scene.

Following the incident, Anthony’s family has seen a significant increase in donations to aid with legal expenses. They currently reside in a home valued at $900,000 in a gated community just outside of Frisco.

Meanwhile, Metcalf’s family has faced harassment, with reports of fraudulent police calls leading to SWAT teams being deployed in their neighborhood.