CA, US & World
Tensions Flare Outside North Texas Courthouse as High School Track Meet Murder Trial Begins
Tensions boiled over outside a North Texas courthouse today as the racially charged murder trial of 19-year-old Carmelo Anthony officially got underway. Large crowds gathered outside the building to protest, mirroring the high emotional stakes inside the courtroom where Anthony has pleaded not guilty to the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf last year.
The incident occurred during a high school track meet, where Metcalf was fatally stabbed in the chest.
As reported by journalist Maria Guerrero of NBC 5 Dallas, the opening day of the trial centered heavily on surveillance footage capturing the fatal altercation. Members of the jury watched the video intently, while Metcalf’s mother was visibly shaken, wiping away tears as the footage played.
The video documents a physical confrontation in the stands. In the recording, individuals can be seen pushing one another before a figure identified as Anthony moves further up into the bleachers. The figure then runs down, flees the immediate area, and is seen walking away shortly before law enforcement officers apprehend him.
The state and the defense presented vastly different interpretations of those seconds of footage. Government attorneys allege that Anthony’s actions constitute an unjustified, provoked murder. They argue that Anthony deliberately goaded Metcalf into making a physical move, establishing a pretext to use lethal force. On the other side, Anthony's legal counsel maintains that their client acted strictly in self-defense, emphasizing that it was Metcalf who initiated physical contact first.
While prosecutors insist that the criminal case has nothing to do with race, the demographic makeup of the seated jury has triggered widespread community outrage and demonstrations outside the courthouse doors. The selected panel, comprising 12 primary jurors and six alternates, includes five women of color and 13 white men and women. There are no Black jurors on the panel, sparking intense criticism regarding the fairness and equity of the trial.
Protesters outside the courthouse stated they are tired and are saying enough is enough because there is not a single Black juror on the panel. Court officials confirmed that the trial is slated to run for approximately two weeks, with testimony from eyewitnesses, track meet attendees, and responding law enforcement officers expected to continue tomorrow morning.
Explore NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
June 4, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your favorite NFL team?
A major cleanup is underway after powerful waves damaged 14 beachfront homes near Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Residents are concerned their homes could remain vulnerable without protective measures in place. Crews are clearing debris, while efforts to bring in protective boulders were delayed by high tide. #California #OrangeCounty #CapistranoBeach #CoastalWaves #Beachfront #WeatherNews
Two new Girl Scout cookies are coming in 2027 🍪 Meet Sparkables: a crunchy oatmeal cookie with chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles, developed with Partake in a facility designed to avoid the nine major food allergens. And for the pups: Patch Pals 🐾 Soft-baked, blueberry muffin-flavored dog cookies in four adorable designs. Both will be available online beginning in January. Which one are you most excited to try? #GirlScouts #GirlScoutCookies #NewCookies #DogTreats #FoodAllergyFriendly #CookieSeason
It’s more than just dancing — it’s fitness, confidence and community. A Coachella Valley dance studio is helping adults move their bodies, have fun and step into their power, one class at a time. And during Beyoncé’s birthday week, the energy was turned all the way up. “When in doubt, twerk it out.” See how VXN Worldwide Dance Company is getting the Valley moving — and building confidence along the way. Read more at NBCPalmSprings.com. #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Dance #Fitness #Community NBCPalmSprings