Who is Judge John Roach Jr., Collin County judge who presided over Karmelo Anthony murder trial?

Judge John Roach Jr., the presiding judge of Texas’ 296th District Court in Collin County, oversaw the high-profile murder trial of Karmelo Anthony, who was convicted on Tuesday of first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco track meet in April 2025.

Who is Judge John Roach Jr.?

Judge John Roach Jr., a Republican, has served as a state district judge since 2007. His current term ends December 31, 2026, and he plans to retire at the end of the year. He previously practiced law as managing partner of Roach LLP and at Cowles & Thompson, P.C.