UMVA has learned that the judge who presided over the high-profile murder trial of Karmelo Anthony is standing by one of the case's most controversial decisions, saying keeping cameras out of the courtroom was necessary to ensure a fair trial.
Judge John Roach of the 296th District Court said it was the correct decision to bar cameras and livestreaming during Anthony's murder trial, a move that drew criticism from reporters and members of the public who wanted greater access to the proceedings.
A Collin County jury sentenced Anthony to 35 years in prison after finding him guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Memorial High School student Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas.
In an interview following the verdict, Roach defended his decision to bar cameras and livestreaming from the courtroom, saying his primary goal in every case is to make sure the defendant and the prosecution get a fair trial.
"Yes, it was an easy decision," Roach said. "I'll tell you why. My primary goal in every case is to make sure the defendant and the prosecution get a fair trial. Period."
Roach acknowledged that his decision may have made some people unhappy, but said he wasn't there to make them happy, instead focusing on upholding the law.
The judge said he had to balance between the media's right to know and the need to prevent outside commentary and public pressure from influencing the proceedings or the jury.
"I think the public had access to the courtroom and see what is going on," Roach said, adding that he sleeps well at night knowing he followed the law.
Roach also pushed back on claims that he had a personal relationship with the Metcalf family, saying he wouldn't know them prior to the trial if they walked up to him and said hello.
When asked whether the jury reached the correct verdict, Roach expressed confidence in their decision, saying they were picked based on the law, listened to the facts, and delivered a verdict in the courtroom.
Roach also shared his impressions of Anthony following the trial, describing him as a nice young man who committed a crime and now understands the consequences of his actions.
