A preliminary date has been set for Karmelo Anthony’s murder trial in Collin County, Texas.
Court records show that Anthony is scheduled to appear in court for the start of trial on June 1, 2026, according to TMZ. That is the earliest date any trial would likely begin, and it is possible the date could be moved back even further.
Anthony is facing a charge of first-degree murder for stabbing and killing Austin Metcalf during a dispute at an April track meet, and is facing a substantial prison sentence if convicted. Anthony has claimed he was acting in self-defense.
With nearly a year to go before the trial even starts, there will be ample time for more controversy to arise. Anthony’s family has faced some scrutiny for their fundraising efforts on behalf of Anthony and his legal defense, as there were reports that they had moved into a gated community after raising a large sum of money. The 17-year-old’s mother, Kala Hayes, said in April that the family had not used any money from the fundraising campaign.
Anthony’s bond was initially set at $1 million but was later lowered by a judge to $250,000. Anthony posted bond and was released but ordered to remain under house arrest.
