Jurors involved in the murder trial of Karmelo Anthony are reportedly dealing with rising anxiety after a troubling wave of online behavior emerged following the verdict.
According to a Daily Mail report published Thursday, June 11, a series of videos circulating on social media show individuals approaching strangers in public and falsely accusing them of being members of the jury. The incidents have sparked serious concern about juror safety and the broader impact of viral misinformation.
Anthony, 19, was convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Texas high school track meet in 2025. His defense argued that he acted in self-defense during a confrontation under a tent, but jurors rejected that claim after roughly three hours of deliberation.
One widely shared Instagram clip shows a man riding a bicycle approaching a person sitting on a sidewalk who appeared to be homeless. The cyclist asks, “Hey, wasn’t he on jury selection?” before striking the individual. A bystander can be heard immediately correcting him, saying, “No, he wasn’t, seriously, no, he wasn’t,” and adding, “He’s a vet, dude.”
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is reportedly investigating the incident. The Daily Mail further noted that beyond real-world confrontations, some online users have also circulated AI-generated videos showing fictional jury members being attacked, intensifying fears of targeted harassment and intimidation.
In response to the growing concern, the presiding judge has issued a gag order restricting jurors from speaking publicly about the case and taking steps to protect their identities.
Anthony’s case continues to draw widespread attention. His supporters have questioned the fairness of the verdict, pointing to the jury composition and arguing that the absence of Black jurors raised concerns about racial bias. The jury consisted of 12 members and six alternates, described as mostly white, with several Hispanic, Asian, and Middle Eastern or Indian jurors included. During jury selection, the defense filed a Batson challenge alleging racial bias in juror dismissal, but the judge denied the motion.
Despite the conviction, Anthony’s legal battle is ongoing. His attorneys filed a notice of appeal within 24 hours of the verdict.
The case remains a flashpoint in public debate, continuing to fuel discussion around race, self-defense law, and the role of social media in high-profile criminal trials.
