Carmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years for killing Austin Metcalf, appeals discussed
Carmelo Anthony, who was convicted of murdering Austin Metcalf, 17, in Texas, receives a sentence of 35 years in prison. Jeff Metcalf presents a powerful victim impact statement. Former US Attorney Cully Stimson discusses the grounds for the appeal, including the ‘Batson claim’ regarding jury selection, as protests over alleged racism continue outside the McKinney courthouse.
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The judge who presided over the high-profile murder trial of Karmelo Anthony stood by the decision of the controversial case, saying it is important that cameras do not enter the courtroom to ensure a fair trial.
Judge John Roach of the 296th District Court said this week it was the right decision to block cameras and live broadcasts during Anthony’s murder trial.
A Collin County jury on Tuesday sentenced Anthony to 35 years in prison after finding him guilty of murder in the stabbing of 17-year-old Memorial High School student Austin Metcalf at a high school assembly in Frisco, Texas.
In an interview with WFAA following the ruling, Roach defended his decision to block cameras and live broadcasts from the courtroom.
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Carmelo Anthony (left) was convicted of murdering Austin Metcalf (right). (Texas Department of Criminal Justice; Jeff Metcalf)
“Yeah, it was an easy decision,” Roach told the station. “I’ll tell you why. My main goal in every case is to make sure the defendant and the prosecution get a fair trial. Time.”
“I know that I have offended people but I am not here to make them happy,” he added.
The decision to ban cameras and live broadcasts drew criticism from journalists and members of the public who wanted more access to the trial.
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A court photo shows Carmelo Anthony during his trial in Collin County, Texas, where he was found guilty of murder by stabbing in the 2025 death of Austin Metcalf on June 9, 2026. (Pat Lopez)
“I had to strike a balance between the media’s right to know and being able to know what was going on, which I think is incredibly important. I think the public was able to walk into the courtroom and see what was going on,” said Roach.
The Texas judge said his goal was to prevent outside commentary and public pressure from influencing the trial or the jury.
“As long as I follow the law, I sleep well at night,” said Roach.
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Defense attorney Mike Howard delivers opening statements during Carmelo Anthony’s murder trial in the Collin County District Court. (Pat Lopez)
Roach also pushed back on allegations that he has a personal relationship with the Metcalf family.
“I wouldn’t have known Mr. Metcalf before this case if he came up to me and said ‘hello,'” he said.
When asked if the jury reached the right decision, Roach said he believed they did.
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Carmelo Anthony’s grandmother, Toni Hayes, leaves a courtroom in McKinney, Texas, June 9, 2026. Anthony was sentenced to 35 years for killing Austin Metcalf at a track race in Frisco last year. (AJ Skuy for Fox News Digital)
“Yes, they did it because they were elected according to the law, they listened to the facts, it happened in this court, and they got a decision,” he said.
Roach also shared his thoughts on Anthony following the hearing.
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“He seems like a good guy who committed a crime and he understands it today more than any day before the consequences of a crime like him,” he said.
Fox News Digital’s Stepheny Price and Julia Bonavita contributed to this report.
