CBS News failed to correct a false claim that Karmelo Anthony, the black teenager who was convicted of murdering white teen Austin Metcalf at a track meet in Frisco, Texas, was convicted by an “all-white jury” during an interview with Anthony’s family.
While speaking with the outlet after the verdict, Anthony’s father, Andrew Anthony, stated that what stood out to him was “the all-white jury.”
Court records and reporting indicate that the final 12-person jury included no black members. The final panel of 18 (including six alternates) had greater diversity, however, with courtroom reporters noting minorities such as Asian and Indian individuals among the jurors and alternates.
The jury pool began with approximately 589 prospective jurors. After vetting, prosecutors used peremptory strikes to remove qualified Black prospective jurors
One example involved abBlack prospective juror struck for admitting bias. According to a report from local outlet KTVT, the prospective juror identified as African American told the court he would “have a hard time putting a brother in jail.”
Other Black prospective jurors expressed reservations tied to media coverage of the case or personal connections to the school district, with statements such as concerns about fairness or that the incident was “close enough to home.”
The defense raised a Batson challenge, arguing that the strikes against the final three Black prospective jurors (all women) were racially motivated. The trial court ultimately denied the challenge.
In the CBS interview, Andrew Anthony referenced the jury’s composition as noteworthy but indicated he had tried to set aside concerns, believing the evidence favored his son. The family expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of the trial, including witness testimony and legal strategy.
CBS presented the father’s description of an “all-white jury” without immediate on-air correction or qualification regarding the non-black minority jurors or the specific reasons given for striking black prospective jurors during selection.
“My son didn’t intend to hurt anyone”: The parents of Karmelo Anthony, the Texas teenager who was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of a fellow high school athlete, Austin Metcalf, spoke about their son and the trial in an exclusive interview with CBS News. Anthony’s… pic.twitter.com/kSAbDxlFxP
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) June 11, 2026
False claims surrounding an “all white” jury have been advanced by a number of public figures, including U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), rapper Cardi B and several others.
Anthony has received widespread support from black nationalists and anti-white racists, with comments celebrating the death of Metcalf receiving millions of likes and shares on social media. One former Dallas lawmaker called for Metcalf’s body to be exhumed so he could be stabbed again. The comment received thousands of likes, shares and positive comments.
Popular content creator Charleston White has pledged to raise $1 million for Anthony’s appeal effort and has argued that Anthony’s twin brother, Hunter, should have been killed as well. “He should have killed both of them. He should have killed both them peckerwoods… messing with a n*gga that’s minding his motherf***ing business,” White, a self-styled community advocate, said.
Charleston White says that Karmelo Anthony should have killed both Austin Metcalf and Hunter. Calls for a Race Riot. pic.twitter.com/ncdgIplUWz
— Gemini85 (@Gemini_803) July 8, 2025
