Paxton attacks Talarico over comments made about justice system

Democratic U.S. [Fox 4 Dallas]

Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico faced pushback from Republican rivals this week following remarks he made about jury composition in a high-profile murder case, reigniting debate over racial equity within Texas' criminal justice system.

During an August 5 appearance on a national radio show, Talarico commented on the Karmelo Anthony trial, which concluded in June with Anthony's conviction for stabbing Austin Metcalf during a Frisco track meet. A jury sentenced Anthony to 35 years in prison. Talarico noted the absence of Black jurors on the panel as indicative of broader systemic problems. "I'm not an expert on this particular case, but I know that there were no Black members of the jury, and to me, that's the only evidence you need to really prove that this system is not working for Black Texans," he said. While the jury lacked Black members, the panel included some jurors of other racial backgrounds.

Talarico, who has worked on justice reform legislation during his time in the statehouse, positioned his remarks within the context of ongoing inequities. "We've got a system that doesn't serve all Americans equally, and we know that Black Texans have not gotten the justice they deserve in many cases," he stated during the broadcast interview.

The comments drew swift criticism from Attorney General Ken Paxton, Talarico's opponent in the November race for Texas' U.S. Senate seat. Paxton characterized Talarico's statements as endorsement of Anthony's case, despite Talarico refraining from direct commentary on either the trial outcome or the conviction itself. "Karmelo Anthony was a violent criminal who killed Austin Metcalf in cold blood," Paxton posted on social media. Anthony is currently seeking a new trial.

The matchup between the two candidates remains highly competitive according to recent polling, with the race showing narrow margins between them. Democrats have not secured a statewide victory in Texas since 1994.