Judge defends decision to bar cameras from Karmelo Anthony murder trial

The judge who presided over Karmelo Anthony's murder trial defended his decision to bar cameras and livestreaming from the courtroom.

Judge John Roach of the 296th District Court in Collin County said the move was necessary to ensure a fair trial for both sides.

A jury convicted Anthony of murder and sentenced him Tuesday to 35 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas.

In an interview with WFAA after the verdict, Roach said his main duty was to protect the fairness of the proceedings.

"Yes, it was an easy decision," Roach told the station. "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."

"I know I made people mad but I'm not here to make them happy either," he added.

The decision drew criticism from reporters and members of the public who wanted more access to the case.

"I had to balance between the media's right to know and be able to know what's going on, which I think is extraordinarily important," Roach said. "I think the public had access to the courtroom and see what is going on."

Roach said he wanted to keep outside commentary and public pressure from affecting the jury.

"As long as I follow the law, I sleep well at night," he said.

Roach also rejected claims that he had a prior relationship with the Metcalf family.

"I wouldn't know Mr. Metcalf prior to this trial if he walked up to me and said 'hello,'" he said.

When asked if the jury reached the right verdict, Roach said he believed it did.

"Yes they did because they were picked based upon the law, they listened to the facts, it happened in this courtroom, and they got a verdict," he said.

Roach described Anthony as a young man who now understands the consequences of his actions.

"He seems like a nice young man who committed a crime and he understands today more than any day before the consequences of committing a crime like he did," he said.