Since a meter reader discovered the remains of a small child a short distance from the Anthony home, those who have followed the case have been in a waiting mode. It is an excruciating time. It is Caylee, but until a definitive DNA match is made, no official word will be released.
The Orlando County Sheriff's Department and the FBI have been processing the scene for five days now and there is yet no end in sight. There have been reports that the body was wrapped in a plastic bag and some type of linens which directed the OCSD to get a search warrant for the Anthony House.
THE DEFENSE
The defense team is apparently sticking to the "Zanny did it" theory. Baez representative Todd Black released a statement on Saturday stating that (Casey) Anthony stands by her claim that she dropped off her 2-year-old daughter with a sitter in June and never saw her again. That won't change if it turns out the skull and bones belong to Caylee. "Casey Anthony handed her daughter off to a woman in a park who was with another woman in a car." "Her position and the position of the law firm has been that she handed her child off. ... It would be difficult for a prosecution to absolutely tell a jury that Ms. Anthony is the one who injured the child."
How long this story will be in play would seem to depend on the forensic testing of the evidence found at the scene. George, Lee, and Cindy have already given exclusionary fingerprints and Casey's are on file from her arrests. Aside from the positive identification of the body, the fingerprint results from the black plastic bag and the duct tape found around the head will help to prove or disprove the theory.
Meanwhile, the defense experts are chomping at the bit to get their hands on the crime scene evidence and the child's remains. Judge Stan Strickland ruled at Friday's emergency hearing that it is up to LE to determine when they can take over the crime scene. The OCSD stated at the hearing that they could have it when they and the FBI were finished. As more and more pieces of evidence are found, the further LE has to dig into the soil to find the tiniest of bones, the slightest bit of evidence. The judge also ruled they could not attend the autopsy as the remains had not been officially identified by the FBI lab at Quantico, VA.
After Friday's hearing, we were treated to some pretty annoyed experts. Werner Spitz stated on Geraldo At Large Friday night that, "I have never encountered a situation where I was excluded by another forensic pathologist from doing an autopsy. I wouldn't be doing anything. I would be standing there watching. But I would be watching science and science can not be changed. Why can not I be allowed the same privilege as the state or county medical examiner? I think that's horrendous. I think that has never happened. It should not happen!"
(Thank you, Kitty Malone for the transcription.)
Dr. Henry Lee stated on Nancy Grace that Science is science. It should speak for itself, and it shouldn`t be manipulated. And if it can, then it`s not science. We have qualified people, the best in the business, reviewing this evidence so we will be able to actually verify it independently. And that`s all we`re asking for, nothing more. And we`re not even asking to hide it. We`re allowing them to observe whatever it is we do.
Defense entomologist, Timothy Huntington said the study of insects could determine the time of death, but he said "insect" evidence changes over time and insects could be compromising evidence right now. "The sooner I could get access to that, the better it is and the more accurate it will be,"
At today's hearing, the defense again brought up the need to see photographs of the crime scene now, rather than later. As the Orange County attorney pointed out, the photographers are still working the scene of the crime and are on their hands and knees in the dirt, documenting everything. She does not want to pull them from the active crime scene at this point. Judge Strickland agreed and told the defense they would have to wait to get the photos through the normal discovery proceedings. (See my notes about the hearing in the previous entry.)
At the outset of the hearing, the judge stated that the issue of a second autopsy was moot.
To sum it up, even though this is an unusual case where the defendant has been under indictment for murder before the discovery of the remains, the traditional rules apply. The defense will not be given a jump-start on the evidence. They will have to follow the rules of discovery as in any other case. They will not be allowed to examine the remains until they have been positively identified and turned over to the family.
George and Cindy Anthony
When the remains were discovered, George and Cindy Anthony were in California, having appeared the previous night on The Larry King Show. It's pure karma that Cindy Anthony stated on the program that there was no way that her daughter harmed Caylee. Throughout the program she sited various sightings of the child. She was in the mall in Orlando, she was in California, she had just been sighted in a a grocery store in Tennessee.
When the Anthonys returned from California, they were whisked away to a local hotel. They couldn't go home, it had become a crime scene. The house was thoroughly searched and van loads of evidence was removed from the house. VIDEO
While still in flight, it was announced that George and Cindy had retained a new defense attorney, Bradley Conway. With the departure of Michelle Bart, their second spokesperson, Conway has now also become the family spokesman. Since his appointment, the Anthonys have not made any public comment, except through him.
In a press conference, Conway read a statement from them.
"The last six months have been the hardest six months of our lives and we understand that the ongoing investigation and prosecution of our daughter, Casey, will consume our lives with conflict," Conway read from the statement. "Based on recent developments we are realistic but continue to hope and pray that these remains are not those of our precious granddaughter Caylee Marie."
Conway also broached the subject of possible obstruction charges against the couple.
Conway said he plans to meet with the lead prosecutor and detectives later this week to ask for full immunity for the Anthonys.
Conway admits the Anthonys have made conflicting statements in the past. They will be re-interviewed by investigators. He said, for the next interview they give to authorities, there will not be any conflicting statements.
That is a relief for those of us who have realized all along that what the Anthonys say on TV and to the investigators don't jibe. I'm sure there are many of us who will be anxiously awaiting for these new and improved interviews to become public record.
WFTV
Fox35
Larry King Live
Showing posts with label Henry Lee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Henry Lee. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Anthony Emergency Hearing
Ok, yet another waste of taxpayer money and the court’s time!
Ugh, Baden is attending telephonically!
Good lord, Baez does whine!
JB: Want schematic drawings…
LKB phone-in atty.
Baden: Autopsy
Judge: Second autopsy moot.
JB: Crime scene photos, etc.
Where we were at the last hearing there was an attempt by both parties to work out crime scene. They said defense could hire off-duty officers to help them go through the scene themselves.
Were to be given 2-3 hour notice
Next day - told they would be finished the NEXT day (13th) We flew in the experts or had them on stand-by.
Important to get to it before media.
Now, not allowed to hire off-duty officers.
Following day... going through the "dance" every single day. LE not sure when they will be done. No longer crime scene, excavation site.
Exhibit A: crime scene tech. kneeling next to numerous bushes and trees.
Exhibit B: ME walking behind.... more trees & debris, crime scene techs. carrying away possible loads of soil.
Don't want to prohibit them from doing their job but they have first dibs on the scene after LE.
They would like to have the ability to see the scene as it was. It's not the same now!
Submits an article co-written by Henry Lee laying out importance of forensic botany. What can be learned by looking at plant life?
Submitted sworn affidavit by etymologist... it will be difficult to get into.
Press and other civilians will make the situation worse!
Anticipates the State will say it's an investigation and we can't turn the photos over to defense.
Baez needs to just shut up and let them conclude their investigation! Helloooo, Jose - this is how it normally gets done!
Jose says there is a time constraint and it's their duty to preserve evidence. There is a good faith basis to understand that this evidence needs to be preserved.
He asked Det. Allen if he could have photos as soon as they are done.
Allen said he could have them through discovery.
Only the defense is taking this seriously.
It's up to the courts to preserve evidence so as not to impede a fair trial.
County: Photographs
As more evidence is found, it has stretched out the investigation. It is not an excavation, it's a crime scene. It is still an active crime scene. It will change when body identified and LE is finished with the crime scene.
They have the ability to pick and choose photographs to give to Baez. They will not give picture of skull until body Identified. They will put markers into the ground.
It is at Orange County's discretion.
JB: He thinks they're getting somewhere. He'll take what they've offered and is willing to stipulate to dissemination of the photographs.
He says they can't be released under the Dale Ernhardt Law.
He makes every assurance he will not release them to any third party.
He feels that LE sometimes misses things and it's the defense's job to find what they miss.
Judge: release of photos and autopsy photos an issue for another day.
He's asking for them ahead of discovery rules.
Baden (on the phone)
Some Maceration of bones at Quantico. What bones have been shipped if any? Any possibility that they be macerated? Any forensic testing changes remains anyway.
It's hard to hear her, but they want the ME to request information from FBI about what remains they have and if bones will be macerated (de-fleshed).
Judge: point is moot until body ID's
It is a continuing request.
Teehee! Strickland ain't buying it! Just how much of the court's time and taxpayer money is Baez going to be allowed to waste??????
Asst. Cty. Atty. Guthrie:
A minimal amount of material has been sent to Quantico for ID only.
Dr. Garavaglia says there has been no maceration yet. 3'' of bone will be consumed for testing, including toxicology.
Dr. G. has a right and an obligation to do her examination correctly. She would not do anything untoward to the remains.
When it is complete, the remains will be turned over to next of kin and their experts.
She does not feel she wants to be observed.
Baden - pictures and x-rays of original autopsy
Judge: He read the motions and he understands some of what defense is requesting. He can't do what he asks to do.
He was hoping LE could give a definite time but now realizes it can't be done.
He can't tell the ME to tell FBI what to do.
If LE doesn't do complete investigation, defense would say it is a shoddy job.
He's asking the court to assist him, and he CAN'T ASSIST HIM IN A MURDER INVESTIGATION!
LE is entitled to do what they have to do.
No requirement to leave crime scene in pristine condition.
Motions DENIED!
He will receive material through usual discovery.
Baez: Would like the photos the county has as soon as the crime scene is cleared.
County Atty: Photographers are busy at the scene and she won't pull them off the scene.
Judge: Unusual situation since the body was found after defendant charged. However, usual discovery procedures will be followed.
ritanita: Wowzers! Did we call those results or not. As of now County/State 100% = Baez/Baden 0%.
ritanita provided the transcription – great job – I provided the sarcastic color commentary!
Ugh, Baden is attending telephonically!
Good lord, Baez does whine!
JB: Want schematic drawings…
LKB phone-in atty.
Baden: Autopsy
Judge: Second autopsy moot.
JB: Crime scene photos, etc.
Where we were at the last hearing there was an attempt by both parties to work out crime scene. They said defense could hire off-duty officers to help them go through the scene themselves.
Were to be given 2-3 hour notice
Next day - told they would be finished the NEXT day (13th) We flew in the experts or had them on stand-by.
Important to get to it before media.
Now, not allowed to hire off-duty officers.
Following day... going through the "dance" every single day. LE not sure when they will be done. No longer crime scene, excavation site.
Exhibit A: crime scene tech. kneeling next to numerous bushes and trees.
Exhibit B: ME walking behind.... more trees & debris, crime scene techs. carrying away possible loads of soil.
Don't want to prohibit them from doing their job but they have first dibs on the scene after LE.
They would like to have the ability to see the scene as it was. It's not the same now!
Submits an article co-written by Henry Lee laying out importance of forensic botany. What can be learned by looking at plant life?
Submitted sworn affidavit by etymologist... it will be difficult to get into.
Press and other civilians will make the situation worse!
Anticipates the State will say it's an investigation and we can't turn the photos over to defense.
Baez needs to just shut up and let them conclude their investigation! Helloooo, Jose - this is how it normally gets done!
Jose says there is a time constraint and it's their duty to preserve evidence. There is a good faith basis to understand that this evidence needs to be preserved.
He asked Det. Allen if he could have photos as soon as they are done.
Allen said he could have them through discovery.
Only the defense is taking this seriously.
It's up to the courts to preserve evidence so as not to impede a fair trial.
County: Photographs
As more evidence is found, it has stretched out the investigation. It is not an excavation, it's a crime scene. It is still an active crime scene. It will change when body identified and LE is finished with the crime scene.
They have the ability to pick and choose photographs to give to Baez. They will not give picture of skull until body Identified. They will put markers into the ground.
It is at Orange County's discretion.
JB: He thinks they're getting somewhere. He'll take what they've offered and is willing to stipulate to dissemination of the photographs.
He says they can't be released under the Dale Ernhardt Law.
He makes every assurance he will not release them to any third party.
He feels that LE sometimes misses things and it's the defense's job to find what they miss.
Judge: release of photos and autopsy photos an issue for another day.
He's asking for them ahead of discovery rules.
Baden (on the phone)
Some Maceration of bones at Quantico. What bones have been shipped if any? Any possibility that they be macerated? Any forensic testing changes remains anyway.
It's hard to hear her, but they want the ME to request information from FBI about what remains they have and if bones will be macerated (de-fleshed).
Judge: point is moot until body ID's
It is a continuing request.
Teehee! Strickland ain't buying it! Just how much of the court's time and taxpayer money is Baez going to be allowed to waste??????
Asst. Cty. Atty. Guthrie:
A minimal amount of material has been sent to Quantico for ID only.
Dr. Garavaglia says there has been no maceration yet. 3'' of bone will be consumed for testing, including toxicology.
Dr. G. has a right and an obligation to do her examination correctly. She would not do anything untoward to the remains.
When it is complete, the remains will be turned over to next of kin and their experts.
She does not feel she wants to be observed.
Baden - pictures and x-rays of original autopsy
Judge: He read the motions and he understands some of what defense is requesting. He can't do what he asks to do.
He was hoping LE could give a definite time but now realizes it can't be done.
He can't tell the ME to tell FBI what to do.
If LE doesn't do complete investigation, defense would say it is a shoddy job.
He's asking the court to assist him, and he CAN'T ASSIST HIM IN A MURDER INVESTIGATION!
LE is entitled to do what they have to do.
No requirement to leave crime scene in pristine condition.
Motions DENIED!
He will receive material through usual discovery.
Baez: Would like the photos the county has as soon as the crime scene is cleared.
County Atty: Photographers are busy at the scene and she won't pull them off the scene.
Judge: Unusual situation since the body was found after defendant charged. However, usual discovery procedures will be followed.
ritanita: Wowzers! Did we call those results or not. As of now County/State 100% = Baez/Baden 0%.
ritanita provided the transcription – great job – I provided the sarcastic color commentary!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
The Case Against Casey Anthony, An Editorial by ritanita
Update!
Beth Karas has informed T&T that there was a communication error at In Sessions. Lee Anthony was not present at the hearing on December 11th. Thank you Beth. Sprocket
Please, A Little Respect for the Dead
I think that many readers here have been in a situation where a relative has died. There is a respectful funeral and polite reception. Then, the grieving relatives hurry over to the house of the deceased and, like a pack of vultures, pick the place clean of items of "sentimental" value.
That's how I feel about this time in the Casey Anthony case. It's a terrible time. The remains of a small child have been found a mere forty second drive from the Anthony residence on Hope Springs Drive. Those of us who have followed the case and have become emotionally involved in sweet Caylee's disappearance are waiting for a positive identification of the remains. We feel such mixed emotions about the discovery. We hope it is not Caylee and that somehow she is alive and well. We know realistically that it probably is Caylee. We hope that is her so that she will finally have a proper burial. We want to see the prosecution up the ante in their case against her mother.
This has been such a bizarre case and the press has been all over it from the beginning. Casey's parents, George and Cindy, have done their best to support their daughter by splashing themselves all over the news proclaiming Caylee to be alive and that their "investigators" are busy all over the country hunting down supposed "Caylee sightings."
George and Cindy Anthony have up until today taken their new attorney's advice and avoided the media. However, they and Kid Finders have announced a press conference for tonight at 7:30 PM.
The media, on the other hand, has descended on the house and reporters wait in front to interview whoever approaches. They are camped at the crime scene around the corner watching as the OCSD and FBI painstakingly sift through the entire scene for the tiniest bone, the smallest clue.
On one hand, I wish the press would decamp and let law enforcement do it's job in peace. On the other, it is comforting to me to know what is happening.
What bothers me the most right now is the new defense "Dream Team" and their current shenanigans. In the emergency court hearing on Friday, Judge Stan Strickland supported the prosecution's arguments that new Team Casey forensic pathologist, Dr. Werner Spitz not be allowed to attend the autopsy since the remains have not been positively identified. In an interview, Dr. Spitz proclaimed that this is the first time he has not been allowed to observe an autopsy. Sorry, Dr. Spitz, the judge was only following the law.
Last night, the entire team showed up at the crime scene and stood around for a few hours doing interviews and whining about not being allowed inside the tape to observe the processing of the site. Again, this team wants to get to the evidence before it is completely processed to insure that it is done correctly. They obviously think that the OCSD and the FBI don't know what they are doing.
The fact is, it is entirely normal and proper for law enforcement to process a crime scene and then turn it over to the defense. Dr. Henry Lee felt that he couldn't do a proper investigation because the scene will not be the same as when the remains were discovered.
Sorry, Dr. Lee! Don't you remember the Phil Spector case? You were able to go into the crime scene only after it was processed by law enforcement. You found some evidence and somehow lost it.
Of course, that was an indoor crime scene. In this case, the crime scene is a formerly flooded wetland area. To do a thorough job, the investigators have to sift through every inch of the scene to locate the tiniest of bones, the smallest clue. That is the nature of crime scene investigation. I am sure that, if the investigators were not to do the most thorough job possible, the defense would appear at trial and blast the OCSD and FBI for not doing a proper job! The defense team is making this all a lose-lose situation!
This is the point where I compare "Team Casey" to a pack of vultures. In my opinion, they are standing at the scene, the last relatives to get to the scene and have lost the "best pickings."
Please, "Team Casey," stay away until the work by law enforcement is done. Have respect for the little child whose body was unceremoniously dumped there in a garbage bag and duct tape over her face. That area is sacred ground. It is a place which should be treated with respect for the dead child.
Videos:
Jose Baez and his forensics team
Baez Looking For Answers
Linda Kenny Baden, Jose Baez
News Links:
CNN Find Caylee Blog
Fox35
Beth Karas has informed T&T that there was a communication error at In Sessions. Lee Anthony was not present at the hearing on December 11th. Thank you Beth. Sprocket
Please, A Little Respect for the Dead
I think that many readers here have been in a situation where a relative has died. There is a respectful funeral and polite reception. Then, the grieving relatives hurry over to the house of the deceased and, like a pack of vultures, pick the place clean of items of "sentimental" value.
That's how I feel about this time in the Casey Anthony case. It's a terrible time. The remains of a small child have been found a mere forty second drive from the Anthony residence on Hope Springs Drive. Those of us who have followed the case and have become emotionally involved in sweet Caylee's disappearance are waiting for a positive identification of the remains. We feel such mixed emotions about the discovery. We hope it is not Caylee and that somehow she is alive and well. We know realistically that it probably is Caylee. We hope that is her so that she will finally have a proper burial. We want to see the prosecution up the ante in their case against her mother.
This has been such a bizarre case and the press has been all over it from the beginning. Casey's parents, George and Cindy, have done their best to support their daughter by splashing themselves all over the news proclaiming Caylee to be alive and that their "investigators" are busy all over the country hunting down supposed "Caylee sightings."
George and Cindy Anthony have up until today taken their new attorney's advice and avoided the media. However, they and Kid Finders have announced a press conference for tonight at 7:30 PM.
The media, on the other hand, has descended on the house and reporters wait in front to interview whoever approaches. They are camped at the crime scene around the corner watching as the OCSD and FBI painstakingly sift through the entire scene for the tiniest bone, the smallest clue.
On one hand, I wish the press would decamp and let law enforcement do it's job in peace. On the other, it is comforting to me to know what is happening.
What bothers me the most right now is the new defense "Dream Team" and their current shenanigans. In the emergency court hearing on Friday, Judge Stan Strickland supported the prosecution's arguments that new Team Casey forensic pathologist, Dr. Werner Spitz not be allowed to attend the autopsy since the remains have not been positively identified. In an interview, Dr. Spitz proclaimed that this is the first time he has not been allowed to observe an autopsy. Sorry, Dr. Spitz, the judge was only following the law.
Last night, the entire team showed up at the crime scene and stood around for a few hours doing interviews and whining about not being allowed inside the tape to observe the processing of the site. Again, this team wants to get to the evidence before it is completely processed to insure that it is done correctly. They obviously think that the OCSD and the FBI don't know what they are doing.
The fact is, it is entirely normal and proper for law enforcement to process a crime scene and then turn it over to the defense. Dr. Henry Lee felt that he couldn't do a proper investigation because the scene will not be the same as when the remains were discovered.
Sorry, Dr. Lee! Don't you remember the Phil Spector case? You were able to go into the crime scene only after it was processed by law enforcement. You found some evidence and somehow lost it.
Of course, that was an indoor crime scene. In this case, the crime scene is a formerly flooded wetland area. To do a thorough job, the investigators have to sift through every inch of the scene to locate the tiniest of bones, the smallest clue. That is the nature of crime scene investigation. I am sure that, if the investigators were not to do the most thorough job possible, the defense would appear at trial and blast the OCSD and FBI for not doing a proper job! The defense team is making this all a lose-lose situation!
This is the point where I compare "Team Casey" to a pack of vultures. In my opinion, they are standing at the scene, the last relatives to get to the scene and have lost the "best pickings."
Please, "Team Casey," stay away until the work by law enforcement is done. Have respect for the little child whose body was unceremoniously dumped there in a garbage bag and duct tape over her face. That area is sacred ground. It is a place which should be treated with respect for the dead child.
Videos:
Jose Baez and his forensics team
Baez Looking For Answers
Linda Kenny Baden, Jose Baez
News Links:
CNN Find Caylee Blog
Fox35
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