Judge John Roach
Coverage of Judge John Roach in the Nexus archive.
- Austin Metcalf’s dad supported Karmelo Anthony judge’s hard line on cameras
Jeff Metcalf, father of Austin Metcalf, supports Judge John Roach's decision to ban cameras in the Karmelo Anthony murder trial, citing the trauma of minor witnesses. Anthony was convicted of stabbing Austin to death in 2025 and sentenced to 35 years in prison. Metcalf has called for accountability from Anthony's family but has not received a response.
- Karmelo Anthony judge weighs in on jury verdict — and makes shocking comment about killer
Judge John Roach defended the jury’s verdict in the trial of Karmelo Anthony, who was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf. The judge’s comments followed the conclusion of a high-profile trial last week.
- Judge defends barring cameras from Karmelo Anthony murder trial, says it was 'an easy decision'
Judge John Roach of the 296th District Court defended his decision to bar cameras and livestreaming from Karmelo Anthony's murder trial, stating it was necessary to ensure a fair trial. A Collin County jury sentenced Anthony to 35 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas.
- Karmelo Anthony trial begins with no Black jurors in racially-charged case over track meet stabbing
The trial of Karmelo Anthony, a Black teen charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing of White classmate Austin Metcalf during a Texas high school track meet, began with a jury containing no Black jurors. Anthony claims self-defense, and his defense raised a Batson challenge during jury selection over concerns of racial bias in juror dismissals.
- Jury selection continues in Karmelo Anthony murder trial a year after fatal track meet stabbing
Jury selection continues in Karmelo Anthony's murder trial for the 2025 stabbing death of Austin Metcalf during a Frisco track meet. Voir dire began Monday in Collin County and is expected to conclude Wednesday, with opening arguments starting Thursday. Judge John Roach has imposed strict media rules, and prosecutors emphasized the presumption of innocence during juror questioning.