The murder trial involving Karmelo Anthony, the now-18-year-old who fatally stabbed a fellow track athlete at a North Texas high school last year, is underway, as jury selection has already begun this week.

Anthony was indicted on a first-degree murder charge in the killing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a track meet in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025, according to Blavity and ABC News.

Details on the trial and why strict rules are in place

A court spokesperson confirmed that jury selection started on Monday and will continue on Wednesday at the Collin County Courthouse in McKinney, Texas. Opening arguments will begin on Thursday if the jury is selected, the spokesperson said, per ABC News.

The case has gained nationwide attention, and strict rules have been implemented as the trial date nears. Judge John Roach has enforced a gag order, preventing everyone involved from discussing details about the matter. He also barred cameras from the courtroom during the trial and prohibited other electronic devices.

“Due to the significant public and media interest in this case, the Court finds that specific procedures are necessary to ensure the Defendant’s right to a fair and impartial trial, the orderly administration of justice, the safety and security of all participants, and reasonable public access consistent with constitutional requirements,” Roach wrote in an order on the trial proceedings, per ABC News.

What happened between Anthony and Metcalf during the track meet?

The two teenagers were track athletes from different schools and attended a track meet at Kuykendall Stadium on April 2, 2025. Anthony, a former student at Centennial High School in Frisco, Texas, and Metcalf, who was a student at Frisco Memorial High School, did not know each other. The pair reportedly had a heated exchange before Anthony stabbed Metcalf in the chest under his school’s tent, according to Blavity.

Responding officers interviewed more than 75 witnesses who allegedly witnessed the incident. Two witnesses stated that Anthony was sitting under Metcalf’s team’s tent, with the 17-year-old asking him to leave. Metcalf then touched and shoved Anthony, and Anthony reached into his bag, pulled out a knife, stabbed Metcalf and walked away. Shortly after the killing, Anthony was taken into custody.

During the investigation, Anthony told police that he was “protecting himself” and that he warned Metcalf not to touch him. Police labeled him as an alleged suspect, but Anthony admitted that he stabbed Metcalf, claiming that it was self-defense.

What was Karmelo Anthony charged with?

Anthony has since been charged with first-degree murder and was released on a $250,000 bond, which was initially set at $1 million. At the time, Collin County Judge Angela Tucker reduced Anthony’s bail because he had no criminal history before the incident, per Blavity.

Under the bond conditions, Anthony was required to wear an ankle monitor and check in with the court regularly. If he violated that rule, he would be taken into custody immediately. Since then, he and his family have had to relocate to a secret location after being harassed because of the nature of the case.

Anthony’s mother, Kala Hayes, spoke out during an April press conference, saying her family had been “under attack” since the incident and calling out those who have targeted her and her loved ones.

“Whatever you think what happened … my three younger children, my husband and I didn’t do anything to deserve to be threatened, harassed and lied about,” Hayes said, per ABC News.

“I don’t know why we are being targeted and discriminated against before a fair trial. Our son deserves the same rights under the law that everyone is afforded to,” she added.

Anthony’s self-defense claim is expected to be a key issue at trial. Under Texas law, prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he did not act in self-defense, according to Fox 4 News.

“If self-defense is an issue in the case, the state has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that it was not self-defense,” former Dallas County Assistant District Attorney Russell Wilson said.