“I think the concern is you have a lot of emotion on both sides,” said attorney Todd Shapiro.

FRISCO, Texas — A Collin County judge has issued courtroom rules ahead of the upcoming murder trial of Karmelo Anthony, the former Frisco student charged in the 2025 stabbing death of Austin Metcalf at a school track meet.

Judge John Roach of the 296th District Court signed an order Friday outlining security and media restrictions before trial proceedings begin June 1.

Under the order, no visual or audio recording will be allowed by media or anyone else inside the courtroom. Seating will be limited, with designated areas reserved for families, members of the media, and the public. The court says in the order that the doors will close promptly at 9 a.m. each morning and people will not be admitted after until a recess.

Security is also expected to be heightened, with bag checks and magnetometers at the courthouse entrance and possibly at the courtroom itself.

“He’s fair. He gives everybody a good trial. I think he’s doing the right thing. He’s just trying to manage the situation,” attorney Todd Shapiro said about Judge Roach.

Other judges with scheduled matters in the courthouse have reportedly adjusted their calendars, postponed hearings or moved proceedings online to accommodate the high-profile case.

Collin County-based attorney Todd Shapiro said the level of restrictions is uncommon. Shapiro is not a party to the case.

“I just think because of the high-profile nature of the offense it gained a lot of attention both locally, statewide and nationally, and I think the concern is you have a lot of emotion on both sides. They want to keep everyone in check and not make it a complete circus,” he said.

The court order also states: “The Court finds that this case has generated substantial public and media attention and that unrestricted access or activity may compromise courtroom security, juror privacy, and the Defendant’s right to a fair trial.”

Anthony was indicted by a grand jury in June 2025 on a first-degree murder charge and is being tried as an adult. Defense attorneys have said Anthony acted in self-defense during the altercation.

The trial is scheduled to begin June 1 in Collin County.