COLLIN COUNTY, TEXAS — The judge overseeing the high-profile murder trial of Karmelo Anthony defended his controversial decision to bar cameras and livestreaming from the courtroom.
Judge John Roach of the 296th District Court told WFAA that keeping cameras out was necessary to ensure both the prosecution and defense received a fair trial.
“Yes, it was an easy decision,” Roach said. “My primary goal in every case is to make sure the defendant and the prosecution get a fair trial. Period.”
Anthony was convicted of first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, and sentenced to 35 years in prison by a Collin County jury.
Maintaining Fair Trial and Public Access
Roach acknowledged that his ruling drew criticism but emphasized the balance between public transparency and protecting the integrity of the trial.
“I had to balance between the media’s right to know and be able to know what’s going on,” he said. “The public had access to the courtroom and could see what was happening, but I wanted to prevent outside commentary and pressure from influencing the jury.”
The judge also addressed claims of personal ties to the Metcalf family.
“I wouldn’t know Mr. Metcalf prior to this trial if he walked up to me and said ‘hello,'” Roach said.
Verdict and Reflections
When asked if the jury reached the correct verdict, Roach expressed confidence in their decision.
“Yes they did because they were picked based upon the law, they listened to the facts, it happened in this courtroom, and they got a verdict,” he stated.
Roach also shared his impression of Anthony following the trial.
“He seems like a nice young man who committed a crime and he understands today more than any day before the consequences of committing a crime like he did,” he said.
