George Anthony Goes Missing, Found in Daytona Beach, Hospitalized, Jose Baez: Charges to Bar Association Clarified

George Anthony has been under a great deal of stress due to the murder of his granddaughter Caylee and the subsequent investigation and arrest of his daughter Casey for homicide.

The father of Casey Anthony, who is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee, has been taken to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation after he was reported missing and having suicidal thoughts, authorities said.

George Anthony was reported missing late Thursday night from his Orange County home but was located a few hours later at the Hawaii Motel on U.S. Highway 1 in Daytona Beach.
"He had text-messaged family members that he wanted to end his life," Daytona Beach Police Chief Mike Chitwood said.

Local 6 News reported that a suicide note was also found in George Anthony's car. The note is in the possession of the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

"I'm being told by sources close to the investigation that the note included wording like 'I want to go be with Caylee,'" Local 6 News reporter Jessica D'Onofrio said.

George Anthony's wife, Cindy Anthony, and their attorney, Brad Conway, reported him missing after he failed to arrive at a 4 p.m. Thursday meeting with them, officials said.

"George has been through a lot. The entire Anthony family has been through a lot. George is OK. Thank God," Conway said. "Had it not been for a cooperative effort between Orange County and Volusia County, I don't know what the outcome would have been."

According to Brad Conway, the family attorney, (She's doing) as well as can be expected, but she's good," Conway said. "George is safe, and he's with us, so it's all good."

According to the article, Casey was informed of the situation.

This situation shows clearly the mental toll Casey's behavior has taken on the family. Police had removed a gun purchased in September from the wheel-well of his vehicle. At that time, Casey had been bailed out for the second time and there were angry protesters outside the house. At the time, there was a great deal of discussion as to whether the gun, which George had purchased in August, was for the protesters or for himself.

George has been taken into custody under the Florida Baker Act which provides for a 72 hour psychiatric hold. He was taken to Halifax Medical Center for observation.

Let's hope that George gets the help he needs at this difficult time.

Baez Bar Complaints Being Investigated

According to WFTV,

The Bar has confirmed it has two open investigations. The first involves Jose Baez's PR firm, Press Corp Media, run by Todd Black. In the past, Baez's spokesperson has released statements to the media about State Attorney Lawson Lamar and prosecutors
In one release, it states, "Lawson Lamar is facing tough opposition and having a missing baby is a perfect springboard for free commercial time." Another release states, "The prosecution has manipulated and shamelessly used the media in the reporting of false distorted … evidence."

Sources told Eyewitness News officials are looking into whether or not Baez violated a rule that states lawyers can't make false statements about judges or legal officials.

The second investigation deals with Baez possibly violating advertising rules, where he claimed to have more credentials and experience than he really did.

The two complaints are in addition to an informal complaint made to the State Attorney's Office. Sources told Eyewitness News there are allegations that Baez maybe using entertainment deals to fund his defense team.

I hope that Baez's ethical issues are cleared up soon and that the discovery process moves on so that there can be a trial. In the end, this case isn't about the circus, the media, Jose Baez, George and Cindy Anthony. It's about justice for a precious child who lost her life. It's all about Caylee.