# Anyone following the Casey Anthony trial? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 29, 2011, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-following-the-casey-anthony-trial/583652 "2011-05-29T12:50:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 19
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-following-the-casey-anthony-trial/583652/361 "2011-06-30T12:48:30Z")
> [@Sampiro](#): > > I wonder if this will help or hurt Baez’s career. He definitely got a billion dollars worth of exposure. IMHO, he’s boring, redundant and unprepared. He’s out of his league with anything more complex than a DUI trial. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-following-the-casey-anthony-trial/583652/362 "2011-06-30T17:41:24Z")
Defense rests. No Casey testimony. I wonder if letting the jury start deliberations start Saturday is risky? There may be a natural desire to rush a verdict and go home for the holidays. Seems like that could be an issue in any appeals. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-following-the-casey-anthony-trial/583652/363 "2011-06-30T17:54:53Z")
I think the jury could wrap this up before 2:00 P.M. ETA: Today. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-following-the-casey-anthony-trial/583652/364 "2011-06-30T17:57:07Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Seems like that could be an issue in any appeals. Unless they’re going to acquit, there will be _at least_ two appeals, not counting the inevitable Rule 3.850 motion (ineffective assistance of counsel). ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-following-the-casey-anthony-trial/583652/365 "2011-06-30T18:19:32Z")
Another Baez screw up. He called Cindy last week (way too early) and had her testify about the computer searches. Prosecution had a whole week to get the computer records from her employer. Now, Judge Perry is letting the new records in. If Cindy had testified today or even yesterday. Then, the prosecution would be out of luck. Another example that Baez is an amateur. Now, a key witness will look like a liar. ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-following-the-casey-anthony-trial/583652/366 "2011-06-30T19:20:06Z")
I don’t agree with (or don’t understand) the judge’s decision to allow the Gentiva testimony now. Cindy testified in June 2009 that she searched for chloroform on the home computer, on days she was supposed to be at work, so the State should have known to check her work records back then. The chloroform search is their strongest argument for premeditation, so anything related to that should have been locked up tight by the State. Shame on them. I’m okay with the decision not to allow the jurors to smell the decomp air. The State’s witnesses were way stronger than the defense folks who said the smell could have come from ordinary garbage. I’ve never smelled a dead human body, but I was at a farm once where a dead pig had been tossed into an open pit in summer. The smell made my eyes water from 100 feet away. I can believe that human decomp odor is distinctive, and unforgettable. Baez continues to fumble, and is only persuasive after he’s been coached by co-counsel. I didn’t catch Holloway’s testimony, but I heard that she wasn’t allowed to say what George supposedly told her, about Caylee drowning, an accident that went out of control. Was that because it was hearsay? ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-following-the-casey-anthony-trial/583652/367 "2011-06-30T19:28:09Z")
I don’t think the jury needs the employment records to know Cindy lied. After all, ALL the Anthony’s have lied as far as I’m concerned. If I was on the jury, I’d disregard what any of them said and do the math based on the witnesses I found most credible. Starting with Dr. Vass (the body farm guy) and then Dr. G (the medical examiner). THe defense never overcame the body being in Casey’s trunk, nor did they prove any accidental drowning or molestation. Most of the defense witnesses were torn apart under cross. Even the grief expert, as compassionate as she appeared to be, said nothing relevant to the case, she never even examined Casey. I’m seeing a guilty verdict here. ---
**Author:** ![mlees](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba8739/32.png) [@mlees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mlees)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-following-the-casey-anthony-trial/583652/368 "2011-06-30T19:36:45Z")
Ok, I’ll admit that I’m too lazy to do the homework… Are there “lesser included charges” in this trial? The Death Penalty gives me pause unless the evidence seems airtight. I’m not sure if it’s airtight, here. ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-following-the-casey-anthony-trial/583652/369 "2011-06-30T19:38:43Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > I’m seeing a guilty verdict here. Me too, but it hurts. I really want to think Caylee’s death was an accident, and that the duct tape was placed over her mouth to make it look like a kidnapping. If that’s what happened, then what happens if Casey decides to tell the truth, if the jury comes back with a guilty verdict? Could she get a new trial? ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-following-the-casey-anthony-trial/583652/370 "2011-06-30T19:43:31Z")
> [@mlees](#): > > Ok, I’ll admit that I’m too lazy to do the homework… > > Are there “lesser included charges” in this trial? > > The Death Penalty gives me pause unless the evidence seems airtight. I’m not sure if it’s airtight, here. ``` * First-degree murder * Aggravated child abuse * Aggravated manslaughter of a child * 4 counts of providing false information to a law enforcement officer: o That she worked at Universal Orlando in 2008, o That she left Caylee with a babysitter named Zenaida Fernandez Gonzalez, o That she told Jeffrey Hopkins and Juliette Lewis that Caylee was missing, o That she received a phone call from Caylee on July 15, 2008. ``` ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-following-the-casey-anthony-trial/583652/371 "2011-06-30T19:51:19Z")
Six days in jail for flipping the bird at Jeff Ashton by a visitor in court. :eek: :eek: The kid apologized to the court several times and seemed remorseful. Man, this judge is one tough S.O.B. No question he’ll fry Casey’s ass if the jury returns a guilty verdict. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-following-the-casey-anthony-trial/583652/372 "2011-06-30T19:52:26Z")
The young dude that works at TGIFriday’s in Orlando that flipped off the prosecution attorney while court was in session, just got 6 days in the County jail and a $400 fine. The judge in this case is not light. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-following-the-casey-anthony-trial/583652/373 "2011-06-30T19:53:27Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > No question he’ll fry Casey’s ass if the jury returns a guilty verdict. I thought the jury determined the sentence in Florida, not the judge. ---
**Author:** ![mlees](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba8739/32.png) [@mlees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mlees)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-following-the-casey-anthony-trial/583652/374 "2011-06-30T19:58:41Z")
> [@AuntiePam](#): > > - First-degree murder > - Aggravated child abuse > - Aggravated manslaughter of a child > - 4 counts of providing false information to a law enforcement officer: > o That she worked at Universal Orlando in 2008, > o That she left Caylee with a babysitter named Zenaida Fernandez Gonzalez, > o That she told Jeffrey Hopkins and Juliette Lewis that Caylee was missing, > o That she received a phone call from Caylee on July 15, 2008. Thanks for the info! ---
**Author:** ![Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/earl_snake-hips_tucker/32/3269_2.png) [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-following-the-casey-anthony-trial/583652/375 "2011-06-30T20:04:23Z")
Anyone wanna speculate on Caylee’s paternity? I’ve unsuccessfully tried to notice any resemblance with any of her biological family–so I’m guessing she resembles the bio-dad. But I also don’t see anything in common with the various men that Casey was associated with. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-following-the-casey-anthony-trial/583652/376 "2011-06-30T20:07:06Z")
I’m surprised George’s suicide letter can be allowed into testimony. I thought someone that is mentally impaired by alcohol or drugs can’t sign legal documents? George testified that he wrote that letter while drinking heavily and he had taken overdoses of various prescription medicines. He was taken to a hospital under suicide watch. Baez should argue the content of that letter was influenced by George’s extreme mental distress. ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-following-the-casey-anthony-trial/583652/377 "2011-06-30T20:20:31Z")
**aceplace57** - I don’t think the suicide note is considered a legal document, like a contract. It is more like correspondence. I think it could be admitted to show the mindset of the person in question. I wonder how long the prosecution’s rebuttal will take? StG ---
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-following-the-casey-anthony-trial/583652/378 "2011-06-30T20:50:27Z")
> [@AuntiePam](#): > > I don’t agree with (or don’t understand) the judge’s decision to allow the Gentiva testimony now. Cindy testified in June 2009 that she searched for chloroform on the home computer, on days she was supposed to be at work, so the State should have known to check her work records back then. The chloroform search is their strongest argument for premeditation, so anything related to that should have been locked up tight by the State. Shame on them. Basically, the judge thought the jury needs to know all the available facts and only with that can they accurately decide for themselves whether or not to believe any witness testimony. As long as he gives the defense adequate time to review and investigate the new evidence and depose the witnesses, then my amateur opinion is that it’s the proper course of action. BUT, if he doesn’t allow them adequate time, and that’s due to pressure to return a verdict before the holiday, then my opinion of that decision changes completely. Even without this last-minute development, I think the integrity of the deliberations are already skating on thin ice with the pressure to return a quick verdict and salvage everyone’s hope for a happy and Anthony/Baez-free holiday. ---
**Author:** ![simster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/simster/32/1047_2.png) [@simster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simster)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-following-the-casey-anthony-trial/583652/379 "2011-06-30T21:01:10Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I’m surprised George’s suicide letter can be allowed into testimony. I thought someone that is mentally impaired by alcohol or drugs can’t sign legal documents? > > George testified that he wrote that letter while drinking heavily and he had taken overdoses of various prescription medicines. He was taken to a hospital under suicide watch. > > Baez should argue the content of that letter was influenced by George’s extreme mental distress. Baez kept bringing the note and attempted suicide up - had he kept his mouth shut, it wouldn’t be evidence. ---
**Author:** ![conovox](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/2acd7d/32.png) [@conovox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/conovox)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2011, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-following-the-casey-anthony-trial/583652/380 "2011-06-30T22:48:54Z")
well played. and yes. can you imagine the jurors’ households, who you know are all recording all this media coverage? how cool will it be to see how ‘we’ were seeing this case vs. what they were seeing? george is either more-or-less normal, or twice as nuts as casey. i’m off on thursdays and her not testifying really ruined some pretty amazing potential viewing plans… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-following-the-casey-anthony-trial/583652.md?page=18) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-following-the-casey-anthony-trial/583652.md?page=20)