The courtroom atmosphere was tense on Friday during the second day of testimony in the murder trial of Karmelo Anthony, a Texas teenager accused of murdering another high school student at a track meet.

Before the morning’s proceedings began, three individuals were removed from the Collin County courthouse. Among them was a woman who exchanged heated words with a sheriff’s deputy. A blogger from North Carolina faced ejection due to allegations of using a racial slur against a deputy. Another individual was suspected of violating courthouse rules by using a cell phone or recording inside the premises.

Karmelo Anthony, a 19-year-old Black teenager, is charged with the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, who is white. The incident occurred on April 2, 2025, at a track meet in Frisco, Texas, during a dispute over a seat.

On Thursday, supporters of Karmelo Anthony gathered outside the courthouse in McKinney, Texas, to demonstrate. Attorney Mike Howard, defending Anthony, argued that the stabbing was an act of self-defense. In contrast, Texas prosecutor Bill Wirskye described it as an ‘unjustified provoked murder.’

The case has gained national attention, partly due to its racial aspects. The all-white composition of the jury has attracted criticism from various groups and trial observers.

During Friday’s proceedings, Texas State District Judge John Roach Jr. issued strict instructions to the public, warning against talking or disturbances. He emphasized the authority of officials to remove violators from the courtroom, barring them from returning.

Reporting was contributed by Maria Guerrero in McKinney, Texas, and Suzanne Gamboa in Austin, Texas.