Story perspectives

Activist Calls Texas Black Jury Dismissal Violation

6/4/2026

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Dominique Alexander Condemns

Activist Dominique Alexander condemned the dismissal of Black jurors as a constitutional violation and called for scrutiny of the trial.
All qualified African American jurors were dismissed from Karmelo Anthony’s murder trial in McKinney, Texas, despite prosecutors’ race-neutral claim.
A “Justice for Austin Metcalf” rally was scheduled near the courthouse.
Commentator Sarah Fields said she received threats and was denied bathroom access by Anthony supporters.

Right

Fundraiser Raises

A grassroots fundraiser has collected $600,000 to finance Karmelo Anthony’s defense in the Collin County murder case.
All qualified African American jurors were dismissed in the trial, with prosecutors asserting the process was race-neutral.
Prosecutors asked jurors if Anthony’s age, race or resemblance to their children would influence verdict.
Randy Zelin said money could fund experts, yet disproving prosecutors’ provocation claim will be hard.

History

Historical Context

In 1986 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Batson v. Kentucky that race-based peremptory challenges violate the Equal Protection Clause, a decision authored by Justice Thurgood Marshall. Subsequent cases such as Powers v. Ohio (1991) broadened Batson’s reach. The 2024 McKinney murder trial in Texas, where all Black jurors were struck, revives those precedents, prompting activist Dominique Alexander to demand stricter enforcement.

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Dominique Alexander Condemns

Activist Dominique Alexander condemned the dismissal of Black jurors as a constitutional violation and called for scrutiny of the trial.
All qualified African American jurors were dismissed from Karmelo Anthony’s murder trial in McKinney, Texas, despite prosecutors’ race-neutral claim.
A “Justice for Austin Metcalf” rally was scheduled near the courthouse.
Commentator Sarah Fields said she received threats and was denied bathroom access by Anthony supporters.

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