Texas judge defends 35‑year sentence in Karmelo Anthony murder case

Judge John Roach Jr. presided over the high‑profile murder trial of 19‑year‑old Karmelo Anthony in Collin County, Texas. Anthony was convicted of stabbing Austin Metcalf to death at a high school track meet in April 2025 and sentenced to 35 years in prison. Roach told local media that the jury reached the correct verdict and described Anthony as “a nice young man who committed a crime,” emphasizing that the defendant now understands the consequences of his actions.

Roach also defended his decision to ban cameras and other media from the courtroom, stating that his primary goal was to ensure a fair trial despite acknowledging that the ruling “made people mad.” The trial proceeded with a jury that included no Black jurors, prompting a Batson challenge from the defense. Prosecutors highlighted the weapon used – a $13 Ozark Trail multitool from Walmart – as illegal on school property. The victim’s family delivered a impact statement, while Anthony’s parents vowed to continue fighting the conviction on appeal. The case has drawn community attention, including a $600,000 fundraiser for Anthony’s defense.