When Jeff Ashton questioned George Anthony, here's what came up:
JA: When you were giving the statement on Juky 24, 2008.. Did you ever tell the police that you thought your daughter had murdered your granddaughter?
GA: I didn't believe that at that time.. No.
It seems clear what George Anthony is saying. In essence, he didn't think so before but he now thinks his daughter Casey is a murderer, and that she murdered his granddaughter.
Each day that passes, the defense's theories about Georgr being a child molestor, about George covering up an accidental death .. seem more and more ridiculous.
June 30, 2011
George Anthony Raised From the "Dead" Like Lazarus
Today, or rather, yesterday, June 29, 2011, George Anthony really seemed genuine. And I go back to my original opinion of him. He's a good guy. Listening him say to Baez, "No matter how you want to spin it."
Hearing him talk about his desire to be with Caylee, and about his suicide attempt, was heart-wrenching ..
And watching Casey Anthony look at him stone-faced, is chilling.
He obviously isn't perfect but George Anthony is a decent guy- his wife too. I still say Casey Anthony, an antisocial personality if ever there was one- narcissistic personality too-- was born at least as much as she was made. Nature v. Nurture -- I think this one has a lot more "nature" to it.
Hearing him talk about his desire to be with Caylee, and about his suicide attempt, was heart-wrenching ..
And watching Casey Anthony look at him stone-faced, is chilling.
He obviously isn't perfect but George Anthony is a decent guy- his wife too. I still say Casey Anthony, an antisocial personality if ever there was one- narcissistic personality too-- was born at least as much as she was made. Nature v. Nurture -- I think this one has a lot more "nature" to it.
June 28, 2011
Anthony Family Starts to Unravel: Cindy & Lee Tell Very Different Stories
George, Cindy and Lee Anthony were all to the stand by the defense today, Tuesday June 28, 2011.
George was asked if he knew Krystal Holloway (aka River Cruz), and whether he had had an affair with her. He stated, Yes, he did know her as she volunteered to help with search for Caylee. As for an affair, he denied it, but the wording he used was adversarial and bizarre. He responded, "No, I did not have an affair with Krystal Holloway.." Then he looked down with a slight smirk adding, "I find that very funny." If he'd been asked that question in any other context, I could understand his mocking her. But is anything really "very funny" at all today, at his daughter's first degree murder trial?
He was asked if he'd gone to her home. He agreed he had, two or three times. He explained that Krystal had told him she had a brain tumor and had asked him for emotional support. Because, he said, he wanted to be a "good guy", he had visited at her home to offer her said support. In this small piece of testimony there was something disturbing about the man. He seemed unnecessarily hostile and for the first time I noticed an arrogance about him that gave me pause. Is the mask starting to slip?
Jose Baez asked Cindy Anthony if she had a conversation or argument with son Lee about sending
Dominic Casey and/or Jim Hoover to look for Caylee with a video camera. Cindy denied sending them on any search and denied having any conversation or argument with Lee about such a search. She further denied having any knowledge of such a search until after Caylee's remains were found in December 2008. "I had no knowledge of a (November 08) search in that area so I would not have had an argument regarding that. My first knowledge of that search was after Caylee's remains are found."
Baez continues: "And you never had a discussion where he confronted you saying, "Why are you looking for a dead kid?"
Prosecution: Objection, Asked and answered. Judge: Sustained. Cindy is excused with no cross examination.
Lee Anthony is called to the stand. Jose Baez asks Lee, "Good Morning Mr. Anthony. Did you ever havd an argument or discussion with your mother about sending Dominic Casey to look for Caylee with a video camera off Suburban Drive?"
Lee responds, "Yes I did," for the first time completely contradicting his mother. Jose Baez asks him to tell the court what happened. "Yes sir. I was over at my mother's house and we.. " Objection, Narrative. Judge asks Baez to rephrase.
Baez: "Did you go to your parents' home?"
Lee: "Yes I did."
Baez: "When you got there did your mother tell you anything about Suburban Drive?"
Lee: "Yes"
Baez: "What did she tell you?"
Lee: "She sent Dominic into the woods off Suburban because she got a psychic tip she wanted to follow up on." He then recalls this conversation took place in about October. He says he was very angry that his family was looking for or acknowledging a "deceased Caylee."
Lee said he went back to work in part because his parents decided to look for Caylee's dead body at all, and also was upset that his parents hadn't discussed this with him.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Notably this is the second time Lee is very upset that he is left out of family decisions or issues. The first was when Lee spoke of being upset at being left out of Casey's pregnancy and the birth of Caylee. Lee apparently considered it a betrayal by Mom and Dad that they would even consider that Casey had fabricated the story about Casey. He seems bitterly hurt and angry with parents, not unlike the way Casey appears to feel.
I find myself beginning to fear what else I'll find out. I feel compelled to watch yet horrified. George's sarcastic comment that he finds it "funny" being asked about an affair with Krystal keeps echoing in my head. I no longer trust my original perception of George Anthony. I hope I am wrong.
George was asked if he knew Krystal Holloway (aka River Cruz), and whether he had had an affair with her. He stated, Yes, he did know her as she volunteered to help with search for Caylee. As for an affair, he denied it, but the wording he used was adversarial and bizarre. He responded, "No, I did not have an affair with Krystal Holloway.." Then he looked down with a slight smirk adding, "I find that very funny." If he'd been asked that question in any other context, I could understand his mocking her. But is anything really "very funny" at all today, at his daughter's first degree murder trial?
He was asked if he'd gone to her home. He agreed he had, two or three times. He explained that Krystal had told him she had a brain tumor and had asked him for emotional support. Because, he said, he wanted to be a "good guy", he had visited at her home to offer her said support. In this small piece of testimony there was something disturbing about the man. He seemed unnecessarily hostile and for the first time I noticed an arrogance about him that gave me pause. Is the mask starting to slip?
Jose Baez asked Cindy Anthony if she had a conversation or argument with son Lee about sending
Dominic Casey and/or Jim Hoover to look for Caylee with a video camera. Cindy denied sending them on any search and denied having any conversation or argument with Lee about such a search. She further denied having any knowledge of such a search until after Caylee's remains were found in December 2008. "I had no knowledge of a (November 08) search in that area so I would not have had an argument regarding that. My first knowledge of that search was after Caylee's remains are found."
Baez continues: "And you never had a discussion where he confronted you saying, "Why are you looking for a dead kid?"
Prosecution: Objection, Asked and answered. Judge: Sustained. Cindy is excused with no cross examination.
Lee Anthony is called to the stand. Jose Baez asks Lee, "Good Morning Mr. Anthony. Did you ever havd an argument or discussion with your mother about sending Dominic Casey to look for Caylee with a video camera off Suburban Drive?"
Lee responds, "Yes I did," for the first time completely contradicting his mother. Jose Baez asks him to tell the court what happened. "Yes sir. I was over at my mother's house and we.. " Objection, Narrative. Judge asks Baez to rephrase.
Baez: "Did you go to your parents' home?"
Lee: "Yes I did."
Baez: "When you got there did your mother tell you anything about Suburban Drive?"
Lee: "Yes"
Baez: "What did she tell you?"
Lee: "She sent Dominic into the woods off Suburban because she got a psychic tip she wanted to follow up on." He then recalls this conversation took place in about October. He says he was very angry that his family was looking for or acknowledging a "deceased Caylee."
Lee said he went back to work in part because his parents decided to look for Caylee's dead body at all, and also was upset that his parents hadn't discussed this with him.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Notably this is the second time Lee is very upset that he is left out of family decisions or issues. The first was when Lee spoke of being upset at being left out of Casey's pregnancy and the birth of Caylee. Lee apparently considered it a betrayal by Mom and Dad that they would even consider that Casey had fabricated the story about Casey. He seems bitterly hurt and angry with parents, not unlike the way Casey appears to feel.
I find myself beginning to fear what else I'll find out. I feel compelled to watch yet horrified. George's sarcastic comment that he finds it "funny" being asked about an affair with Krystal keeps echoing in my head. I no longer trust my original perception of George Anthony. I hope I am wrong.
June 23, 2011
The Shock, Horror and Tragedy That Holds Us in Thrall
I have corresponded with more strangers about the Casey Anthony trial in the past few weeks than about any other ten topics combined. Mostly on Twitter. There are the few disturbing voices: Like Bizarro Guy who thinks Casey is "hot." Like the Lynch Mob: Say one harsh word about the prosecution (their case, not the wrongness of their position!!) and you shall be accused of following Satan. But many more, if not most, are educated, smart, funny and, well, smart --
I feel a bond with these fellow Casey Anthony trial watchers I can't fully explain. NO one is kinda watching it. You're either waking at 6 or 7 because you live on the Left Coast, tweetikg 20 to 30 times a day about it, and in between Googlimg Florida's statutes, its new federal death penalty ruling or Judge Perry's appellate record-- OR you're just barely aware the trial is happening and you have no idea what has people so riveted!!
I think I know. This trial is Biblical. There's the temptress. A pregnancy. A baby girl and young Grandms and Grsndps Good folks . A nurse and a cop for God's sake!
There's a word for killing your Mom (matricide), your Dad, and your sibling, but no word for killing your child. One can understand why. And who is this enigmatic sulky stone-faced thing sitting at the defense table. I have this feeling Cindy and George suddenly see how evil she is. And it must be unbearable. Biblical. Archetypal.
So cruelly unfair that soon they go home, these two, without the granddaughter they loved, and with knowledge that they once sheltered a monster: their daughter. They go home, too, accused of heinous things. Accused of defending a monster (they did not), of pedophilia (doubtful) adultery (unlikely). And finally -- accused of somehow being to blame. Of being so foolish and blind, so in denial that they could not see.
I'm just not sure thst anyone really could have seem more than that their daughter was disappointingly selfish, narcissistic and vacant. I know therapists are supposed to blame the parents. But it doesn't always work that way. Besides, it's not a matter of blame, but of understanding. Yet here -- in the midst of a family that seems pretty normal in its dysfunction -- I do not thus far see anything, not in Cindy or in George, that accounts for creating a monster. Their sins-- and we all have them-- not mortal merely venial. In the nature or nurture debate, this time around, Nature most definitely wins.
I understand that to those not engrossed, it may seem that we're all voyeurs. But I beg to differ. The Casey Anthony trial is making its mark on our collective psyche. It will change us separately and as a whole. Yet until it is done I'm not sure we'll really know how for quite some time. --Claudia Miles
I feel a bond with these fellow Casey Anthony trial watchers I can't fully explain. NO one is kinda watching it. You're either waking at 6 or 7 because you live on the Left Coast, tweetikg 20 to 30 times a day about it, and in between Googlimg Florida's statutes, its new federal death penalty ruling or Judge Perry's appellate record-- OR you're just barely aware the trial is happening and you have no idea what has people so riveted!!
I think I know. This trial is Biblical. There's the temptress. A pregnancy. A baby girl and young Grandms and Grsndps Good folks . A nurse and a cop for God's sake!
There's a word for killing your Mom (matricide), your Dad, and your sibling, but no word for killing your child. One can understand why. And who is this enigmatic sulky stone-faced thing sitting at the defense table. I have this feeling Cindy and George suddenly see how evil she is. And it must be unbearable. Biblical. Archetypal.
So cruelly unfair that soon they go home, these two, without the granddaughter they loved, and with knowledge that they once sheltered a monster: their daughter. They go home, too, accused of heinous things. Accused of defending a monster (they did not), of pedophilia (doubtful) adultery (unlikely). And finally -- accused of somehow being to blame. Of being so foolish and blind, so in denial that they could not see.
I'm just not sure thst anyone really could have seem more than that their daughter was disappointingly selfish, narcissistic and vacant. I know therapists are supposed to blame the parents. But it doesn't always work that way. Besides, it's not a matter of blame, but of understanding. Yet here -- in the midst of a family that seems pretty normal in its dysfunction -- I do not thus far see anything, not in Cindy or in George, that accounts for creating a monster. Their sins-- and we all have them-- not mortal merely venial. In the nature or nurture debate, this time around, Nature most definitely wins.
I understand that to those not engrossed, it may seem that we're all voyeurs. But I beg to differ. The Casey Anthony trial is making its mark on our collective psyche. It will change us separately and as a whole. Yet until it is done I'm not sure we'll really know how for quite some time. --Claudia Miles
June 14, 2011
Casey Anthony: Borderline Personality or Narcissistic Sociopath?
As a psychotherapist with 15 years experience, I find myself strongly disagreeing with Psychotherapist Fran Sherman's assessment of Casey Anthony's mental state and the possibility of sexual abuse by George. First, I don't agree with borderline personality disorder as the primary diagnosis. In my experience, BPD's have much more extreme emotionality. I do see her as having a blend of personality disorders, including antisocial and narcissistic personality disorder. She seems far more calculating and in control than most BPDs. Also, I understand that Ms. Sherman feels trauma was involved in Casey's early childhood. I do not. Many personality disorders and certainly antisocial personalities seem to derive from abandonment, real or imagined. And all their behavior subsequent to feeling abandoned is designed to relieve that sense of abandonment and prevent it. Jeffrey Dahmer, for example, was left alone a lot, and literally abandoned by his parents when they divorced. All his crimes were a way to stop the pain of feeling alone or abandoned. I find Casey far more sociopathic and far less vulnerable than your typical borderline. Further, I don't believe the claims of sexual abuse. George and Cindy Anthony seem very bonded- in the way mature adults become in a long term marriage or partnership. To imagine him as a man who would molest an 8-yr-old, one has to assume he is a pedophile, behavior which does not come and go. Pedophiles do not tend to maintain the kind of adult bond the Anthonys appear to have. Further, Casey seems to take any opportunity to get attention, especially sympathy. Why tell her "boyfriend" that Lee attempted to molest her, if she has a far more chilling story. I don't imagine she'd suffer in silence. I feel that Casey was born damaged. I believe there are some people who have a physiological predisposition to sociopathy- at least, there are some killers who do not appear to have a history of
abuse at all, yet who present with antisocial personality disorder. I believe Casey killed Caylee out of narcissistic rage. She felt emotionally abandoned by her parents and could not bear seeing Caylee receive the nurturance and unconditional love from them that she so badly wanted.
abuse at all, yet who present with antisocial personality disorder. I believe Casey killed Caylee out of narcissistic rage. She felt emotionally abandoned by her parents and could not bear seeing Caylee receive the nurturance and unconditional love from them that she so badly wanted.
June 10, 2011
The Casey Anthony Trial: an American Tragedy
As I watch the Casey Anthony trial each day, i'm reminded of American Psycho, a film about a greedy violent man who fools everyone into thinking he's as human as they are because he looks the part. No one notices the vacant stare, lack of empathy. No one paid attention. So how did Casey Anthony walk among us so long? Her parents are good people, and one can even understand their denial. It's heartbreaking to see it melt away and watch them grieve their granddaughter, meanwhile having no choice but to give testimony that will lead to their daughter being executed. This is truly an American Tragedy.
June 7, 2011
Casey Anthony Trial: Jose Biaz Takes Off the Gloves on Cross, 06/06/2011
Today is the third week of the Casey Anthony trial, and the third week of the state's case against Casey Anthony (Florida v. Casey Anthony 2011). Like most murder trials, this is a circumstantial case. In other words, no witnesses, no murder weapon, and no cause of death by the M.E., other than "manner, homicide", as Caylee's body had been in the elements for quite some time. When manner of death is known, and it generally is in a murder (i.e., blunt force trauma? drugs? Gunshot wound?) the police investigation will focus on finding either the murder weapon itself or even a link to the type of weapon. They might not find the poison or the baseball bat, but was she seen buying the ingredients for the poison, was she known to possess a baseball bat which has mysteriously disappeared?
Manner of death also allows the prosecution to offer a theory of the crime that within the timeline or opportunity. Without any of that the prosecution has to find a way to link Casey Anthony to daughter Caylee's deceased body. Their evidence consists of, the smell in the trunk of Casey's Sunfire identified by several witnesses as the smell of human decomposition, and a single hair probably belonging to Caylee, that has the appearance of a hair from a decomposing body (specifically a dark band or discoloration near the root of the hair.) However even the expert witness, from the FBI forensic lab, cannot say with total certainty that the hair did come from Caylee's decomposing body. There could be other explanations.
So that leaves the smell in the trunk. There were five witnesses who testified that the car smelled of decomp, four of whom have experience detecting this highly unique smell. Wanting more definitive evidence of a decomposing body in Casey's car, the state called Dr. Arpad Vass of the Oak Ridge Research Lab in Tennessee to testify that there was scientific proof that this odor was in fact decomposition. Using an entirely new methodology which he invented, Dr. Vass collected air samples from the trunk and tested those samples using this methodology, and thus "proving" that the odor in Casey's car was in fact from human remains and not, say, garbage.
Because this science had never before been used at trial, and because Dr. Vass is the only expert to use this science, the defense has no opportunity to challenge it. So Jose Baez objected strenuously to Dr. Vass's testimony, or specifically, the science itself. He did not want evidence presented as scientific that may not truly meet that standard. I think it was crucial for Jose Baez to challenge this new science, strenuously, that he did. Most of Monday consisted of Mr. Baez objecting to Dr. Vass' direct testimony in which he explained his technique and stated that according to this method, he could be scientifically certain that a dead body was in Casey' car.
In Jose Baez's cross examination, he made clear that Dr. Vass was neither a chemist or physicist, and also that Dr. Vass would profit financially -- and perhaps by reputation, if his science was used successfully in a criminal trial.
Personally, I thought a briefer and more dismissive cross examination-- something along the lines of, 1) So this science has never been used?; 2) you aren't a chemist; 3) You can't prove a link to a specific body (like that of Caylee Anthony, and a few more questions of that nature and stop -- I think Jose may have lent more credence to this "proof" of decomposition than he needed to, since it wasn't a direct link to Caylee, and since the car was out of Casey's possession for several days so others has access to that trunk and car.
All that aside, what I can't get out of my mind is Jose Baez's opening in which he claims that Caylee drowned on June 16, 2008, in the family pool, that George Anthony, a retired police officer, held Caylee's lifeless body in his arms, and that he himself covered up the crime and disposed of the body. It seems so clear that George Anthony was desperate to find his granddaughter during the period of time the defense has said he had to have known she was dead. In addition, he clearly seems to be a man who would not allow his daughter to take the rap for him, certainly not be executed, nor a man who would allow his wife to suffer unnecessarily, for months, agonizing over where her granddaughter's body was.
l
Most of it was spent trying to introduce a new kind of science, developed at Oak Ridge Laboratories by Dr. Vass. that would be able to
Manner of death also allows the prosecution to offer a theory of the crime that within the timeline or opportunity. Without any of that the prosecution has to find a way to link Casey Anthony to daughter Caylee's deceased body. Their evidence consists of, the smell in the trunk of Casey's Sunfire identified by several witnesses as the smell of human decomposition, and a single hair probably belonging to Caylee, that has the appearance of a hair from a decomposing body (specifically a dark band or discoloration near the root of the hair.) However even the expert witness, from the FBI forensic lab, cannot say with total certainty that the hair did come from Caylee's decomposing body. There could be other explanations.
So that leaves the smell in the trunk. There were five witnesses who testified that the car smelled of decomp, four of whom have experience detecting this highly unique smell. Wanting more definitive evidence of a decomposing body in Casey's car, the state called Dr. Arpad Vass of the Oak Ridge Research Lab in Tennessee to testify that there was scientific proof that this odor was in fact decomposition. Using an entirely new methodology which he invented, Dr. Vass collected air samples from the trunk and tested those samples using this methodology, and thus "proving" that the odor in Casey's car was in fact from human remains and not, say, garbage.
Because this science had never before been used at trial, and because Dr. Vass is the only expert to use this science, the defense has no opportunity to challenge it. So Jose Baez objected strenuously to Dr. Vass's testimony, or specifically, the science itself. He did not want evidence presented as scientific that may not truly meet that standard. I think it was crucial for Jose Baez to challenge this new science, strenuously, that he did. Most of Monday consisted of Mr. Baez objecting to Dr. Vass' direct testimony in which he explained his technique and stated that according to this method, he could be scientifically certain that a dead body was in Casey' car.
In Jose Baez's cross examination, he made clear that Dr. Vass was neither a chemist or physicist, and also that Dr. Vass would profit financially -- and perhaps by reputation, if his science was used successfully in a criminal trial.
Personally, I thought a briefer and more dismissive cross examination-- something along the lines of, 1) So this science has never been used?; 2) you aren't a chemist; 3) You can't prove a link to a specific body (like that of Caylee Anthony, and a few more questions of that nature and stop -- I think Jose may have lent more credence to this "proof" of decomposition than he needed to, since it wasn't a direct link to Caylee, and since the car was out of Casey's possession for several days so others has access to that trunk and car.
All that aside, what I can't get out of my mind is Jose Baez's opening in which he claims that Caylee drowned on June 16, 2008, in the family pool, that George Anthony, a retired police officer, held Caylee's lifeless body in his arms, and that he himself covered up the crime and disposed of the body. It seems so clear that George Anthony was desperate to find his granddaughter during the period of time the defense has said he had to have known she was dead. In addition, he clearly seems to be a man who would not allow his daughter to take the rap for him, certainly not be executed, nor a man who would allow his wife to suffer unnecessarily, for months, agonizing over where her granddaughter's body was.
l
Most of it was spent trying to introduce a new kind of science, developed at Oak Ridge Laboratories by Dr. Vass. that would be able to
June 3, 2011
The "Accident that was Covered Up" Defense is Coming Apart
During the trial--and in-between on In Session--we've been watching the videotaped jail house conversations between Casey and her parents, Casey and just Mom, and Casey and just Dad. These tapes make it pretty impossible to believe that a) there was an accident that was covered up by either parent; and b) equally impossible to believe that either parent KNEW Caylee was dead.. Both parents are asking, pestering, cajoling, and even manipulating Casey, to get her to talk, to say what they know. George is highly believable talking about wanting to see Caylee, wanting to hear her say "Jo Jo.. Jo Jo swim, Jo Jo walk..Jo Jo, take a ride in the wagon. . I'm going to do everything I can [to enjoy and have fun with Caylee], more than I ever did before."
To think he would refer to he and his granddaughter swimming if he was covering up a drowning. That he would reminisce in the way he is here, and express hope of seeing her again soon, if he knew she was dead.
In fact, Casey's father suggested that she could talk to someone in law enforcement and tell him what she knows. Even, he said, without your lawyer, if you want. Why would he encourage a meeting with law enforcement if he was dovering up a death, even accidental?
Both parents are very high profile here with the media, connecting with organizations who look for missing children, raising reward for info money, going on Nancy Grace, going on TV, speaking to People magazine. This is hardly the behavior of people covering up an accidental death of a child.
George Anthony may come off as less likable when he testifies during the trial, but I think it's pretty tough to have to get on the stand after your daughter's defense accuses you of molesting here from age 8 on. And yet, it's also tough to testify at your daughter's death penalty trial. No matter how feels about what she's done, it's agonizing to be in the position of sending his daughter to her death, and same goes, of course, for her mom and brother.
However, George Anthony was a police officer. There is simply NO REASON that he would not call the PD in an accident. Not if it really was an accident. Maybe if it was a murder that he was trying to cover up. But if it were an accident, he would trust that the forensics would show it were an accident.
As for the molestation charges, I noticed that when George Anthony is asked, Did you molest your daughter, Casey is listening and shaking her head during that question-- as if to say, no no no, he didn't do it. Stunning.
Motive -- Understanding Casey Anthony 6/3
As to motive, I believe it's clear- and evident in the testimony and evidence. Casey was jealous not of her mother, but of Caylee. She had been her parents' only daughter- their "little girl." She never really "individuated" from mom and dad and remained dependent on their approval. As she grew up, Cindy's controlling nature and intrusiveness kept Casey flipping back & forth between wanting to please Mom and wanting to get away from her.
She missed being "taken care of" by Mom without adult responsibilities and wanted the kind of unconditional love given to Caylee; it was unbearable that Caylee had stolen the spotlight from her.. Mom even denied her credit for bringing Caylee to the family (a perfect or great mistake but a mistake.)
Clearly, La Bella Vita was not the motive - the Anthonys wanted custody as it was. But she wanted to be her folks' little girl, and not seen as someone who abandoned her baby.
In fact, Cindy Anthony said on the
stand that she saw a therapist several months before Casey left with Caylee. Cindy discussed with the therapist that Casey was an unfit mother (partying while they cared for Caylee, et al.) The therapist said Cindy and George should kick Casey out and file for custody. How is this not the motive? In this case, since this was mentioned on the stand, can't the therapist be subpoenaed or her records? Can't doctor - patient privilege be bypassed in this case?
She missed being "taken care of" by Mom without adult responsibilities and wanted the kind of unconditional love given to Caylee; it was unbearable that Caylee had stolen the spotlight from her.. Mom even denied her credit for bringing Caylee to the family (a perfect or great mistake but a mistake.)
Clearly, La Bella Vita was not the motive - the Anthonys wanted custody as it was. But she wanted to be her folks' little girl, and not seen as someone who abandoned her baby.
In fact, Cindy Anthony said on the
stand that she saw a therapist several months before Casey left with Caylee. Cindy discussed with the therapist that Casey was an unfit mother (partying while they cared for Caylee, et al.) The therapist said Cindy and George should kick Casey out and file for custody. How is this not the motive? In this case, since this was mentioned on the stand, can't the therapist be subpoenaed or her records? Can't doctor - patient privilege be bypassed in this case?
Day 9-Casey Anthony Trial: Recorded Jail House Visits with Parents
It becomes increasingly clear that Casey Anthony is mentally ill. I agree with Beth Karas that it is odd that Jose Baez didn't try to present diminished capacity as a defense and go for some kind of plea bargain. He certainly is going out of his way to emphasize these aspects at trial, possibly as grounds for appeal. Or jury nullification in regard to the death penalty.
Watching the jail house visit between Casey and her dad, one cannot imagine Casey having been molested by him. As a therapist, I consider myself able to spot a pedophile, especially one guilty of molesting his daughter, and I feel confident that such a thing never happened.
Interestingly, Casey keeps referring to her daughter, not as "Caylee," but as 'that little girl." I find that strange. Casey will say, "That little girl was the best part of us.." OR, "I love that little girl." But each time her dad focuses on finding Caylee, and bringing Caylee home, Casey keeps responding with, "I know.. I just want to be home with you guys, as a family. Just know how much I love you guys. How much I miss you. (And how much I miss, Caylee- almost as an aside..). We should be home together as a family. As we should be." Dad: "Yeah, because I miss her so much." Casey is clearly trying to flatter him, compliment him (you are the best dad, always have been, and the best grandpa) in order to manipulate him to get her out of jail. He has explained of course that they have tapped every resource and don't have the amount of bail they need to get.
It's as if Casey believes that if she keeps flattering him and making it seem as if bringing Casey home will significantly help in the search for Caylee, that somehow George Anthony will be able to do something further to get her out of jail. Her concern is to be home. She does not want to be in jail, and her primary focus is to convince as many people as she can that she must get out, and have every possible thing down to bring this about.
Watching the jail house visit between Casey and her dad, one cannot imagine Casey having been molested by him. As a therapist, I consider myself able to spot a pedophile, especially one guilty of molesting his daughter, and I feel confident that such a thing never happened.
Interestingly, Casey keeps referring to her daughter, not as "Caylee," but as 'that little girl." I find that strange. Casey will say, "That little girl was the best part of us.." OR, "I love that little girl." But each time her dad focuses on finding Caylee, and bringing Caylee home, Casey keeps responding with, "I know.. I just want to be home with you guys, as a family. Just know how much I love you guys. How much I miss you. (And how much I miss, Caylee- almost as an aside..). We should be home together as a family. As we should be." Dad: "Yeah, because I miss her so much." Casey is clearly trying to flatter him, compliment him (you are the best dad, always have been, and the best grandpa) in order to manipulate him to get her out of jail. He has explained of course that they have tapped every resource and don't have the amount of bail they need to get.
It's as if Casey believes that if she keeps flattering him and making it seem as if bringing Casey home will significantly help in the search for Caylee, that somehow George Anthony will be able to do something further to get her out of jail. Her concern is to be home. She does not want to be in jail, and her primary focus is to convince as many people as she can that she must get out, and have every possible thing down to bring this about.
June 1, 2011
Casey Anthony Trial 6/1/2011 Her brother Lee testifies
Probably there were two key things Lee Anthony did for the prosecution were, first, he confirmed the smell of human decomposition in Casey's car, and he testified as to two inflammatory and sarcastic responses made by Casey.
He had asked her, What is up? Why won't you let us see Casey?- And she said to him, according to Lee, "Because maybe I'm a spiteful bitch."
He also testified that Casey had said to him, "Mom keeps saying to me over ans over, that I'm an unfit mother. Well, Maybe I am."
He had asked her, What is up? Why won't you let us see Casey?- And she said to him, according to Lee, "Because maybe I'm a spiteful bitch."
He also testified that Casey had said to him, "Mom keeps saying to me over ans over, that I'm an unfit mother. Well, Maybe I am."
Casey's Brother Lee Anthony, 28, Testifies Today 6/1/2011
Lee Anthony is called by the prosecution today to testify about his knowledge of events. He was at the family home at his Mother's request when Cindy Anthony brought home Casey at the end of the 31 day period, made the final 911 call, and before and after detectives arrived. He stated that his mother told him that she had asked Casey, "Why won't you let us see Caylee?" and that his mother told him that Casey's response was, which he was about to repeat. (An objection was initially made about this testimony citing the "hearsay" rule, followed by a sidebar. The judge overruled the objection since Lee had reported this conversation with his mother, as he recalled it, to Det. Edwards, and it was part of an official police report. The question about Casey's response to her Mother's question was then rephrased. Lee was asked specifically, "What did you tell Det. Edwards that Casey replied to your Mother's question? He replied that his mother told him Casey said, in response to being asked, why won't you let us see Casey, "Maybe because I'm a spiteful bitch."
Lee is then asked by the prosecution, Do you recall what your sister told you when you asked her, "What's going on?" He couldn't recall the exact words so was shown his 2008 statements to police. The prosecution asked again, Now that you've seen [your statement], do you recall what your sister told you? Lee replied, "She told me that my mother had, numerous times, thrown it in my sister's face that she- that Casey- was an unfit mother for Caylee. And she added, "Maybe I am." Lee states that he went on to say that his mother also had said that "Caylee was a mistake, but a great mistake or the best mistake Casey's ever made."
Prosecutor also asks Lee if he recalls getting frustrated with his sister at this point. "Very," Lee replies. When asked why he said, "Because nothing was making sense to me. Why couldn't we go get Caylee? There's no reason to fight with mom at this point.
Lee says he asked Casey, What is the last place you remember seeing Caylee? And that she replied, The Sawgrass Apartments. She also told her brother that she was trying to find Caylee herself and that was why she hadn't called the police.
It appears that Casey tends to remember the lies she tells and repeat the same lies to all parties who ask her the same questions.
Lee is then asked by the prosecution, Do you recall what your sister told you when you asked her, "What's going on?" He couldn't recall the exact words so was shown his 2008 statements to police. The prosecution asked again, Now that you've seen [your statement], do you recall what your sister told you? Lee replied, "She told me that my mother had, numerous times, thrown it in my sister's face that she- that Casey- was an unfit mother for Caylee. And she added, "Maybe I am." Lee states that he went on to say that his mother also had said that "Caylee was a mistake, but a great mistake or the best mistake Casey's ever made."
Prosecutor also asks Lee if he recalls getting frustrated with his sister at this point. "Very," Lee replies. When asked why he said, "Because nothing was making sense to me. Why couldn't we go get Caylee? There's no reason to fight with mom at this point.
Lee says he asked Casey, What is the last place you remember seeing Caylee? And that she replied, The Sawgrass Apartments. She also told her brother that she was trying to find Caylee herself and that was why she hadn't called the police.
It appears that Casey tends to remember the lies she tells and repeat the same lies to all parties who ask her the same questions.
Bystanders Run to Get in Line to Attend Casey Anthony Trial 06/01/11
People are riveted to this trial. "In Session" aired footage of a horde of people running to be first in line to watch the trial in the limited spots available. One of the "runners" was even wearing a cervical collar. Some of the attendees have driven or flown from out-of-state to watch the trial. Reports are that the trial is airing in workplaces throughout the country, people are so riveted to this case. As In Session correspondents point out, the case has multiple scandalous and dramatic elements -- a young mother, an admitted pathological liar, accused of murdering her 2 1/2 year old daughter (Casey was actually two months from her 3rd birthday when she died); allegations of sexual abuse by a father who is also a retired police officer and a brother; alleged jealousy on the part of Casey about her parents' devotion to Caylee, who in her mind, allegedly displaced her in her Mother's affection.
Casey Anthony Trial 5/27/2011
Narcissistic and sociopathic personalities are by definition charming, and easily able to convince others they are sincere and normal. Casey Anthony appears to fall right into that category, and apparently has convinced her defense team that she's just a poor innocent young woman who was sexually abused by her father, a fact that hasn't been proved, and seems merely a ploy to get sympathy by Casey.
On TruTV, several of the correspondents seem to say that Casey seems to have "loved" her daughter Caylee, based purely on behavior she displayed in front of others. Her former friends, mostly male, state that her daughter appeared "well fed," that Casey did not yell at her or hit her, that Casey has a backpack with her with various DVDs and toys, that Casey played with Caylee and appeared to be having fun, and Caylee seemed to enjoy it. When the defense asked if it appeared she was a "good mother," several said "Yes", based on the above facts.
The defense (Attorney Jose Biaz) keeps asking questions like this: "Did you ever see Caylee malnourished?" and "Did you ever see Casey strike or torture or harm Caylee?" Well, first of all, Casey and Caylee lived with Casey's parents for quite some time, and they made sure Caylee was fed, clean, well dressed, and had DVDS, toys, learning tools. Certainly Casey hadn't worked in two years so she wouldn't have had her money to buy these things.
But more relevant here is this: What is the definition of a good mother? Feeding and clothing and not "torturing" your child only suggests a lack of neglect and overt abuse. They certainly do NOT indicate, alone, that a mother loves a child. In my view, a good mother is someone who is mature enough to love her child enough that her well being is more important than you "having fun. A good mother does not leave her 2-year-old unsupervised while she has sex with her boyfriend of one month in the other room. One witness, Maria K., testified that when she came to Tony/s (the boyfriend's) apartment, little Caylee answered the door while Casey was nowhere to be seen. Maria then noted that Casey was in her boyfriend's bedroom at the time.
Casey Anthony seems to have some similarities to Susan Smith, who killed her two children because her boyfriend did not want to be with her because she had kids and he did not want the responsibility. Prior to the incident where Smith's children were drowned, no one said or noticed that Susan Smith was either a bad mother or abusive to her children. But the fact is, she loved herself more than she loved them. As soon as they became an impediment to what she wanted, she got rid of them.
As for Casey Anthony's father George, several of the In Session correspondents, including Beth Karas and Casey Jordan, defended George's behavior on the stand, and felt that defense attorney Jose Biaz was badgering him. Jose Biaz was questioning George about two gas cans that were stolen from him and the police report that George then made. He questioned whether George had he told the police that his daughter may have been the one who took them since she'd taken his gas cans in the past. The point of the questioning was to show that George may have been lying about the gas cans being stolen (a key piece of evidence) and may have in fact reported them stolen in order to lay groundwork for a later defense.
There was much discussion about whether Jose Biaz was badgering George Anthony or whether George Anthony was simply a controlling angry man. The fact is, Jose Biaz was nervous and tripped over his words quite a bit during that cross examination. He would ask a question about July and then say, Oh, I mean June. He asked other questions that were leading, and others that were simply unintelligible. George Anthony had to say he did not understand the question, or challenge the question, a number of times. I myself found Jose Biaz confusing and unclear, and don't think George Anthony was doing anything other than trying to be certain that what he said On the Record, was true.
In addition, Jose Biaz had accused George in opening statements of sexually abusing his daughter beginning when she was 8 as well as knowing about and covering up his granddaughter's disappearance. It certainly is understandale, if these things are untrue, which I believe they are, that George would be angry, and humiliated after hearing these statements (which he was called by the state to deny)
Most of the In Session correspondents (Beth Karas, Casey Jordan, their law enforcement expert) felt that George Anthony was believable on the stand, appeared genuine, and wasn't any angrier than anyone else would be in the same situation. I tend to agree.
The only emotion Casey shows is when her ex-boyfriend testifies, someone she either loved or was extremely attached to, and when Tony says that Caylee was a wonderful little girl, Casey mouths the word, yes, while holding back tears. However those tears were turned on and then off. I think she wanted appear to be touched by hearing about her daughter in the presence of this man she loved or wanted. No such emotion appeared at any other mention of her daughter thus far in the trial.
They have Casey dressed quite conservatively of course. On Thursday, however, she was wearing a white shirt with poofy sleeves, and a ponytail with the top teased up in such way that she looked like one of those Mormon wives living on the Texas compound that were in the news.
The prosecution is painting a pretty ugly picture of Casey, pretty effectively. The defense is going to have a lot of "splaining" to do.
On TruTV, several of the correspondents seem to say that Casey seems to have "loved" her daughter Caylee, based purely on behavior she displayed in front of others. Her former friends, mostly male, state that her daughter appeared "well fed," that Casey did not yell at her or hit her, that Casey has a backpack with her with various DVDs and toys, that Casey played with Caylee and appeared to be having fun, and Caylee seemed to enjoy it. When the defense asked if it appeared she was a "good mother," several said "Yes", based on the above facts.
The defense (Attorney Jose Biaz) keeps asking questions like this: "Did you ever see Caylee malnourished?" and "Did you ever see Casey strike or torture or harm Caylee?" Well, first of all, Casey and Caylee lived with Casey's parents for quite some time, and they made sure Caylee was fed, clean, well dressed, and had DVDS, toys, learning tools. Certainly Casey hadn't worked in two years so she wouldn't have had her money to buy these things.
But more relevant here is this: What is the definition of a good mother? Feeding and clothing and not "torturing" your child only suggests a lack of neglect and overt abuse. They certainly do NOT indicate, alone, that a mother loves a child. In my view, a good mother is someone who is mature enough to love her child enough that her well being is more important than you "having fun. A good mother does not leave her 2-year-old unsupervised while she has sex with her boyfriend of one month in the other room. One witness, Maria K., testified that when she came to Tony/s (the boyfriend's) apartment, little Caylee answered the door while Casey was nowhere to be seen. Maria then noted that Casey was in her boyfriend's bedroom at the time.
Casey Anthony seems to have some similarities to Susan Smith, who killed her two children because her boyfriend did not want to be with her because she had kids and he did not want the responsibility. Prior to the incident where Smith's children were drowned, no one said or noticed that Susan Smith was either a bad mother or abusive to her children. But the fact is, she loved herself more than she loved them. As soon as they became an impediment to what she wanted, she got rid of them.
As for Casey Anthony's father George, several of the In Session correspondents, including Beth Karas and Casey Jordan, defended George's behavior on the stand, and felt that defense attorney Jose Biaz was badgering him. Jose Biaz was questioning George about two gas cans that were stolen from him and the police report that George then made. He questioned whether George had he told the police that his daughter may have been the one who took them since she'd taken his gas cans in the past. The point of the questioning was to show that George may have been lying about the gas cans being stolen (a key piece of evidence) and may have in fact reported them stolen in order to lay groundwork for a later defense.
There was much discussion about whether Jose Biaz was badgering George Anthony or whether George Anthony was simply a controlling angry man. The fact is, Jose Biaz was nervous and tripped over his words quite a bit during that cross examination. He would ask a question about July and then say, Oh, I mean June. He asked other questions that were leading, and others that were simply unintelligible. George Anthony had to say he did not understand the question, or challenge the question, a number of times. I myself found Jose Biaz confusing and unclear, and don't think George Anthony was doing anything other than trying to be certain that what he said On the Record, was true.
In addition, Jose Biaz had accused George in opening statements of sexually abusing his daughter beginning when she was 8 as well as knowing about and covering up his granddaughter's disappearance. It certainly is understandale, if these things are untrue, which I believe they are, that George would be angry, and humiliated after hearing these statements (which he was called by the state to deny)
Most of the In Session correspondents (Beth Karas, Casey Jordan, their law enforcement expert) felt that George Anthony was believable on the stand, appeared genuine, and wasn't any angrier than anyone else would be in the same situation. I tend to agree.
The only emotion Casey shows is when her ex-boyfriend testifies, someone she either loved or was extremely attached to, and when Tony says that Caylee was a wonderful little girl, Casey mouths the word, yes, while holding back tears. However those tears were turned on and then off. I think she wanted appear to be touched by hearing about her daughter in the presence of this man she loved or wanted. No such emotion appeared at any other mention of her daughter thus far in the trial.
They have Casey dressed quite conservatively of course. On Thursday, however, she was wearing a white shirt with poofy sleeves, and a ponytail with the top teased up in such way that she looked like one of those Mormon wives living on the Texas compound that were in the news.
The prosecution is painting a pretty ugly picture of Casey, pretty effectively. The defense is going to have a lot of "splaining" to do.
Casey Anthony on Trial for Murder -- An Overview of Case
Casey Anthony, 25, is on trial in Florida for murdering her two-year-old daughter Kaylie. The trial began three days ago on May 24, 2011, and will probably be one of the most infamous trials of the decade. The state is pursuing the death penalty against Casey, which, even if I weren't against the death penalty, seems a mistake here as it gives unnecessary sympathy to Casey. If anyone does not deserve sympathy it is Casey Anthony, who, in my view, is both excessively narcissistic and scarily sociopathic.
After claiming her child was missing, kidnapped, possibly still alive, and that she had no idea where her daughter was for an entire year, after which time the child's remains were finally found, Casey's defense in this trial entirely contradicts her original story. Casey and her mother Cindy and father George, a retired police officer, continued saying publicly that they did not know where Kaylie was and hoped and believed she was still alive. Casey's mother made a frantic 911 call on July 17, 2008 saying that she'd just learned Kaylie had been missing for a month.
Casey's defense now says that the child drowned in the family pool on June 16 and Casey and her parents covered it up. In addition, Casey's bizarre behavior and seeming lack of any
emotion about the loss of her daughter is being explained as the result of Casey having been molested by her father.
As you may recall, Casey moved out of her parents home where she and Kaylie were living on June 16, 2008. On July 17, 2008, Casey's Mom Cindy was frantic because she had not seen her granddaughter for a month. Casey told her mom the two year old had been "kidnapped" a month
earlier by the "nanny." And her story was, she was looking for Kaylie by herself and was too scared to call the police or her parents. (Right.). Cindy, Kaylie's grandmother, immediately phoned the police to say Kaylie was missing. And had not been seen for a month. The police investigated and discovered that not only was the child NOT kidnapped by the babysitter, the babysitter did not exist.
During the month that Kaylie had not been seen, mom Casey, who purported to be looking for her daughter, was pretending to be working for Universal Studios leaving for work every day and returning to her boyfriend's apartment pretending she'd been at work. She was seen and photographed partying at night clubs, entering a "hot body" contest at Fusian night club, and described as happy and upbeat, just as she'd been prior to June 16, the last day Kaylie was seen.
The defense is attempting to paint Casey as blocking out the trauma of her daughter's death because she had been traumatized by her the alleged molestation by her father.
Even if one is to believe this happened (never talked of before tbe trial), Casey's behavior does not appear to me, a psychotherapist of 16 years, to be representative in any way of an incest survivor. Perhaps she was, although I doubt it. But her narcissism and lack of concern and lack of grief about her daughter's death, and her stone cold stare appear crystal clear. If she became sociopathic as a result of her Father's abuse, then he should be punished. But should the state prove its case against Casey Anthony, and they're doing an excellent job (whereas the defense is fumbling badly)she needs to go to prison for life. At this point I feel convinced she is guilty. And that she is as evil as they come. I'll keep an open mind though. And let's see how the trial proceeds. It's being aired on Tru TV 9am to 3pm daily starting May 24, 2011. In future posts I will comment on the trial itself and witness examination and cross and the overall job I feel the attorneys are doing.
After claiming her child was missing, kidnapped, possibly still alive, and that she had no idea where her daughter was for an entire year, after which time the child's remains were finally found, Casey's defense in this trial entirely contradicts her original story. Casey and her mother Cindy and father George, a retired police officer, continued saying publicly that they did not know where Kaylie was and hoped and believed she was still alive. Casey's mother made a frantic 911 call on July 17, 2008 saying that she'd just learned Kaylie had been missing for a month.
Casey's defense now says that the child drowned in the family pool on June 16 and Casey and her parents covered it up. In addition, Casey's bizarre behavior and seeming lack of any
emotion about the loss of her daughter is being explained as the result of Casey having been molested by her father.
As you may recall, Casey moved out of her parents home where she and Kaylie were living on June 16, 2008. On July 17, 2008, Casey's Mom Cindy was frantic because she had not seen her granddaughter for a month. Casey told her mom the two year old had been "kidnapped" a month
earlier by the "nanny." And her story was, she was looking for Kaylie by herself and was too scared to call the police or her parents. (Right.). Cindy, Kaylie's grandmother, immediately phoned the police to say Kaylie was missing. And had not been seen for a month. The police investigated and discovered that not only was the child NOT kidnapped by the babysitter, the babysitter did not exist.
During the month that Kaylie had not been seen, mom Casey, who purported to be looking for her daughter, was pretending to be working for Universal Studios leaving for work every day and returning to her boyfriend's apartment pretending she'd been at work. She was seen and photographed partying at night clubs, entering a "hot body" contest at Fusian night club, and described as happy and upbeat, just as she'd been prior to June 16, the last day Kaylie was seen.
The defense is attempting to paint Casey as blocking out the trauma of her daughter's death because she had been traumatized by her the alleged molestation by her father.
Even if one is to believe this happened (never talked of before tbe trial), Casey's behavior does not appear to me, a psychotherapist of 16 years, to be representative in any way of an incest survivor. Perhaps she was, although I doubt it. But her narcissism and lack of concern and lack of grief about her daughter's death, and her stone cold stare appear crystal clear. If she became sociopathic as a result of her Father's abuse, then he should be punished. But should the state prove its case against Casey Anthony, and they're doing an excellent job (whereas the defense is fumbling badly)she needs to go to prison for life. At this point I feel convinced she is guilty. And that she is as evil as they come. I'll keep an open mind though. And let's see how the trial proceeds. It's being aired on Tru TV 9am to 3pm daily starting May 24, 2011. In future posts I will comment on the trial itself and witness examination and cross and the overall job I feel the attorneys are doing.
Cindy Anthony Testifies About Learning That Her Granddaughter was Missing
Watching Cindy Anthony testify about discovering that her granddaughter Caylee had been missing for 31 days before she found out, is powerful. Cindy is sobbing and breaking down uncontrollably. The prosecution played the 911 calls Cindy made to the police at that time. Cindy is hysterical. The 911 operator asks to talk to Casey, and she speaks in practically a monotone. Casey clearly knew that her daughter was missing, which is at odds with the defense claim that she had blocked it all out.
Casey Anthony Trial 5/31/11
Something quite unusual in the Casey Anthony murder trial in Orlando, Florida, is the judge's ruling that Casey's father, mother and brother may attend the trial, despite the fact that all three are witnesses. Generally witnesses are sequestered so what they hear in the trial does not taint their testimony.
Since Ms. Anthony's defense alleges that both Casey's brother and father molested her, and as a result, she became a chronic liar, making her appear more guilty than she is, I think his ruling could be grounds for an appeal. It would seem that by making these exceptions, especially in the case of her father and brother, the judge is implying that he does not believe her allegations. I myself find the allegations that she was abused sexually incredibly self-serving, if not obviously untrue. She wrote one letter from jail while she was being held on child neglect charges, before Caylee's body had been found, stating that her brother attempted on one occasion to molest her, and she "thinks" that "maybe" her father had done so as well.
As for being a chronic pathological liar, her mother's testimony today gives one some idea
where she developed that particular tendency. Cindy Anthony has taken the stand and is
clearly lying. The prosecution asks her about a statement she posted on My Space, and also said directly to her daughter, "Caylee is missing and I don't know why." It is clear she was trying to get answers from her daughter about tbe whereabouts of her grandchild. Her "explanation" of that remark while on the stand today was, "That was a figure of speech. I meant she was missing in my heart." One might say this is understandable; she is trying to save her daughter. However this fabricated and convoluted explanation along with attempts to retract her original statement that it "smelled like something died in here" (referring to Casey's car trunk) will likely be transparent to jurors.
Again, I think the death penalty is a mistake in this case, given the need for cooperation from her parents and family members and the fact that if even one juror believes that this was an accident, which it may well have been, even though I don't believe the accident story that
the defense has put forth.
As Cindy Anthony continues to testify it becomes clear though that Cindy and George Anthony, Casey's parents, may not be conspiring in Casey's defense. She appears to be acknowledging that she spoke with her daughter on about July 15 and demanded to know where Caylee was. She also acknowledges that she told her daughter to either tell her where Caylee was OR she would call 911... So - apparently, they aren't going along with the defense strategy-
One TV journalist/defense attorney said that she found Casey Anthony to be one of "the most fascinating criminals she's seen in 25 years.
She pointed out how far Casey took a lie. She told her mom she would take her to see Caylee at the (nonexistent) nanny's, and they drove around a while with Casey saying to "go this way" or "go that," finally saying, I don't think it's a good idea you see Caylee.
With the police, Casey told them she was "looking for Caylee around Universal Studios where she worked," and led them around the studio lot. Then, when they attempted to pin her down on where her actual office was, she eventually admitted she hadn't worked there for two years.
This is clearly bizarre behavior and indicates some kind of delusional mind- Today she sat slightly scowling, but stone faced, unmoving- it's hard to know what makes her tick.
Is she a calculating killer? Is she a sociopath. She seems clearly to be a pathological liar, and also to suffer from both narcissistic and borderline personality disorder, with sociopathic tendencies. I wonder if we'll catch a glimpse of who she really is -- and is not -- when she testifies-- which she will have to do in order to put forth her particular defense.
Since Ms. Anthony's defense alleges that both Casey's brother and father molested her, and as a result, she became a chronic liar, making her appear more guilty than she is, I think his ruling could be grounds for an appeal. It would seem that by making these exceptions, especially in the case of her father and brother, the judge is implying that he does not believe her allegations. I myself find the allegations that she was abused sexually incredibly self-serving, if not obviously untrue. She wrote one letter from jail while she was being held on child neglect charges, before Caylee's body had been found, stating that her brother attempted on one occasion to molest her, and she "thinks" that "maybe" her father had done so as well.
As for being a chronic pathological liar, her mother's testimony today gives one some idea
where she developed that particular tendency. Cindy Anthony has taken the stand and is
clearly lying. The prosecution asks her about a statement she posted on My Space, and also said directly to her daughter, "Caylee is missing and I don't know why." It is clear she was trying to get answers from her daughter about tbe whereabouts of her grandchild. Her "explanation" of that remark while on the stand today was, "That was a figure of speech. I meant she was missing in my heart." One might say this is understandable; she is trying to save her daughter. However this fabricated and convoluted explanation along with attempts to retract her original statement that it "smelled like something died in here" (referring to Casey's car trunk) will likely be transparent to jurors.
Again, I think the death penalty is a mistake in this case, given the need for cooperation from her parents and family members and the fact that if even one juror believes that this was an accident, which it may well have been, even though I don't believe the accident story that
the defense has put forth.
As Cindy Anthony continues to testify it becomes clear though that Cindy and George Anthony, Casey's parents, may not be conspiring in Casey's defense. She appears to be acknowledging that she spoke with her daughter on about July 15 and demanded to know where Caylee was. She also acknowledges that she told her daughter to either tell her where Caylee was OR she would call 911... So - apparently, they aren't going along with the defense strategy-
One TV journalist/defense attorney said that she found Casey Anthony to be one of "the most fascinating criminals she's seen in 25 years.
She pointed out how far Casey took a lie. She told her mom she would take her to see Caylee at the (nonexistent) nanny's, and they drove around a while with Casey saying to "go this way" or "go that," finally saying, I don't think it's a good idea you see Caylee.
With the police, Casey told them she was "looking for Caylee around Universal Studios where she worked," and led them around the studio lot. Then, when they attempted to pin her down on where her actual office was, she eventually admitted she hadn't worked there for two years.
This is clearly bizarre behavior and indicates some kind of delusional mind- Today she sat slightly scowling, but stone faced, unmoving- it's hard to know what makes her tick.
Is she a calculating killer? Is she a sociopath. She seems clearly to be a pathological liar, and also to suffer from both narcissistic and borderline personality disorder, with sociopathic tendencies. I wonder if we'll catch a glimpse of who she really is -- and is not -- when she testifies-- which she will have to do in order to put forth her particular defense.
Casey Anthony's Defense and Explanation
Casey Anthony's defense is that she was sexually abused by her father starting as young as age 8, and forcing her to live a lie from that day forward. This trauma, says the defense, groomed her from a young age to become a pathological liar. In addition to being a liar, her lawyer stated that during the 31 days after Caylee died and during which time Casey was seen out partying frequently, Casey blocked out the fact that her daughter was dead completely; it was due to the early trauma of sexual abuse that she was able to dissociate in this fashion.
Part two of the defense, at least as presented in the opening statement, is that Caylee drowned in the Anthony family pool and covered up by Casey Anthony and her father. He not only has denied both these charges, his denials seem quite believable. Casey's lawyer suggested that he would corroborate the truth of those sexual abuse charges.
Several facts seem to make the sexual abuse charges highly improbable.
One, before Caylee was missing, Casey Anthony told her boyfriend Tony Lazzario that her brother Lee once "tried to feel her up but was unsuccessful." Tony testified to this when he took the stand. As for what he knew about her relationship with her father, he stated that
Casey had described her father as a strict disciplinarian. He added that, while he could not recall whether Casey had said there was any physical abuse, he is certain she never said anything about SEXUAL abuse by her father.
Two, it was uncovered that Cindy Anthony, Casey's mother, spoke with a therapist several months before Caylee's disappearance about Casey not being a fit mother. The therapist suggested that Cindy Anthony ask Casey to move out and that Cindy and George file for custody of their granddaughter. Cindy and George were seriously considering this option, and if George had molested his daughter, it seems highly unlikely that he, a retired police officer, would risk that fact coming out.
Three, Casey wrote a letter while being held in jail to a friend stating again that her brother Lee had attempted to molest her and added
that she "thought" her father "may have done the same."
Bottom line: it is appearing extremely unlikely that George Anthony sexually abused his daughter, and equally unlikely that Casey did in fact block out Caylee's death. Rather, Casey acts in such a way that suggests everything is "all about her," even complaining during the search for Caylee that "all anyone cares about is Caylee and not me."
According to legal experts, the accident defense being put forth means that Casey Anthony will have to take the stand and testify in her own defense.
Part two of the defense, at least as presented in the opening statement, is that Caylee drowned in the Anthony family pool and covered up by Casey Anthony and her father. He not only has denied both these charges, his denials seem quite believable. Casey's lawyer suggested that he would corroborate the truth of those sexual abuse charges.
Several facts seem to make the sexual abuse charges highly improbable.
One, before Caylee was missing, Casey Anthony told her boyfriend Tony Lazzario that her brother Lee once "tried to feel her up but was unsuccessful." Tony testified to this when he took the stand. As for what he knew about her relationship with her father, he stated that
Casey had described her father as a strict disciplinarian. He added that, while he could not recall whether Casey had said there was any physical abuse, he is certain she never said anything about SEXUAL abuse by her father.
Two, it was uncovered that Cindy Anthony, Casey's mother, spoke with a therapist several months before Caylee's disappearance about Casey not being a fit mother. The therapist suggested that Cindy Anthony ask Casey to move out and that Cindy and George file for custody of their granddaughter. Cindy and George were seriously considering this option, and if George had molested his daughter, it seems highly unlikely that he, a retired police officer, would risk that fact coming out.
Three, Casey wrote a letter while being held in jail to a friend stating again that her brother Lee had attempted to molest her and added
that she "thought" her father "may have done the same."
Bottom line: it is appearing extremely unlikely that George Anthony sexually abused his daughter, and equally unlikely that Casey did in fact block out Caylee's death. Rather, Casey acts in such a way that suggests everything is "all about her," even complaining during the search for Caylee that "all anyone cares about is Caylee and not me."
According to legal experts, the accident defense being put forth means that Casey Anthony will have to take the stand and testify in her own defense.
Casey Anthony trial: 5/23/11
Narcissistic and sociopathic personalities are by definition charming, and easily able to convince others they are sincere and normal. Casey Anthony appears to fall right into that category, and apparently has convinced her defense team that she's just a poor innocent young woman who was sexually abused by her father, a fact that hasn't been proved, and seems merely a ploy to get sympathy by Casey.
On TruTV, several of the correspondents seem to say that Casey seems to have "loved" her daughter Caylee, based purely on behavior she displayed in front of others. Her former friends, mostly male, state that her daughter appeared "well fed," that Casey did not yell at her or hit her, that Casey has a backpack with her with various DVDs and toys, that Casey played with Caylee and appeared to be having fun, and Caylee seemed to enjoy it. When the defense asked if it appeared she was a "good mother," several said "Yes", based on the above facts.
The defense (Attorney Jose Biaz) keeps asking questions like this: "Did you ever see Caylee malnourished?" and "Did you ever see Casey strike or torture or harm Caylee?" Well, first of all, Casey and Caylee lived with Casey's parents for quite some time, and they made sure Caylee was fed, clean, well dressed, and had DVDS, toys, learning tools. Certainly Casey hadn't worked in two years so she wouldn't have had her money to buy these things.
But more relevant here is this: What is the definition of a good mother? Feeding and clothing and not "torturing" your child only suggests a lack of neglect and overt abuse. They certainly do NOT indicate, alone, that a mother loves a child. In my view, a good mother is someone who is mature enough to love her child enough that her well being is more important than you "having fun. A good mother does not leave her 2-year-old unsupervised while she has sex with her boyfriend of one month in the other room. One witness, Maria K., testified that when she came to Tony/s (the boyfriend's) apartment, little Caylee answered the door while Casey was nowhere to be seen. Maria then noted that Casey was in her boyfriend's bedroom at the time.
Casey Anthony seems to have some similarities to Susan Smith, who killed her two children because her boyfriend did not want to be with her because she had kids and he did not want the responsibility. Prior to the incident where Smith's children were drowned, no one said or noticed that Susan Smith was either a bad mother or abusive to her children. But the fact is, she loved herself more than she loved them. As soon as they became an impediment to what she wanted, she got rid of them.
As for Casey Anthony's father George, several of the In Session correspondents, including Beth Karas and Casey Jordan, defended George's behavior on the stand, and felt that defense attorney Jose Biaz was badgering him. Jose Biaz was questioning George about two gas cans that were stolen from him and the police report that George then made. He questioned whether George had he told the police that his daughter may have been the one who took them since she'd taken his gas cans in the past. The point of the questioning was to show that George may have been lying about the gas cans being stolen (a key piece of evidence) and may have in fact reported them stolen in order to lay groundwork for a later defense.
There was much discussion about whether Jose Biaz was badgering George Anthony or whether George Anthony was simply a controlling angry man. The fact is, Jose Biaz was nervous and tripped over his words quite a bit during that cross examination. He would ask a question about July and then say, Oh, I mean June. He asked other questions that were leading, and others that were simply unintelligible. George Anthony had to say he did not understand the question, or challenge the question, a number of times. I myself found Jose Biaz confusing and unclear, and don't think George Anthony was doing anything other than trying to be certain that what he said On the Record, was true.
In addition, Jose Biaz had accused George in opening statements of sexually abusing his daughter beginning when she was 8 as well as knowing about and covering up his granddaughter's disappearance. It certainly is understandale, if these things are untrue, which I believe they are, that George would be angry, and humiliated after hearing these statements (which he was called by the state to deny)
Most of the In Session correspondents (Beth Karas, Casey Jordan, their law enforcement expert) felt that George Anthony was believable on the stand, appeared genuine, and wasn't any angrier than anyone else would be in the same situation. I tend to agree.
The only emotion Casey shows is when her ex-boyfriend testifies, someone she either loved or was extremely attached to, and when Tony says that Caylee was a wonderful little girl, Casey mouths the word, yes, while holding back tears. However those tears were turned on and then off. I think she wanted appear to be touched by hearing about her daughter in the presence of this man she loved or wanted. No such emotion appeared at any other mention of her daughter thus far in the trial.
They have Casey dressed quite conservatively of course. On Thursday, however, she was wearing a white shirt with poofy sleeves, and a ponytail with the top teased up in such way that she looked like one of those Mormon wives living on the Texas compound that were in the news.
The prosecution is painting a pretty ugly picture of Casey, pretty effectively. The defense is going to have a lot of "splaining" to do.
On TruTV, several of the correspondents seem to say that Casey seems to have "loved" her daughter Caylee, based purely on behavior she displayed in front of others. Her former friends, mostly male, state that her daughter appeared "well fed," that Casey did not yell at her or hit her, that Casey has a backpack with her with various DVDs and toys, that Casey played with Caylee and appeared to be having fun, and Caylee seemed to enjoy it. When the defense asked if it appeared she was a "good mother," several said "Yes", based on the above facts.
The defense (Attorney Jose Biaz) keeps asking questions like this: "Did you ever see Caylee malnourished?" and "Did you ever see Casey strike or torture or harm Caylee?" Well, first of all, Casey and Caylee lived with Casey's parents for quite some time, and they made sure Caylee was fed, clean, well dressed, and had DVDS, toys, learning tools. Certainly Casey hadn't worked in two years so she wouldn't have had her money to buy these things.
But more relevant here is this: What is the definition of a good mother? Feeding and clothing and not "torturing" your child only suggests a lack of neglect and overt abuse. They certainly do NOT indicate, alone, that a mother loves a child. In my view, a good mother is someone who is mature enough to love her child enough that her well being is more important than you "having fun. A good mother does not leave her 2-year-old unsupervised while she has sex with her boyfriend of one month in the other room. One witness, Maria K., testified that when she came to Tony/s (the boyfriend's) apartment, little Caylee answered the door while Casey was nowhere to be seen. Maria then noted that Casey was in her boyfriend's bedroom at the time.
Casey Anthony seems to have some similarities to Susan Smith, who killed her two children because her boyfriend did not want to be with her because she had kids and he did not want the responsibility. Prior to the incident where Smith's children were drowned, no one said or noticed that Susan Smith was either a bad mother or abusive to her children. But the fact is, she loved herself more than she loved them. As soon as they became an impediment to what she wanted, she got rid of them.
As for Casey Anthony's father George, several of the In Session correspondents, including Beth Karas and Casey Jordan, defended George's behavior on the stand, and felt that defense attorney Jose Biaz was badgering him. Jose Biaz was questioning George about two gas cans that were stolen from him and the police report that George then made. He questioned whether George had he told the police that his daughter may have been the one who took them since she'd taken his gas cans in the past. The point of the questioning was to show that George may have been lying about the gas cans being stolen (a key piece of evidence) and may have in fact reported them stolen in order to lay groundwork for a later defense.
There was much discussion about whether Jose Biaz was badgering George Anthony or whether George Anthony was simply a controlling angry man. The fact is, Jose Biaz was nervous and tripped over his words quite a bit during that cross examination. He would ask a question about July and then say, Oh, I mean June. He asked other questions that were leading, and others that were simply unintelligible. George Anthony had to say he did not understand the question, or challenge the question, a number of times. I myself found Jose Biaz confusing and unclear, and don't think George Anthony was doing anything other than trying to be certain that what he said On the Record, was true.
In addition, Jose Biaz had accused George in opening statements of sexually abusing his daughter beginning when she was 8 as well as knowing about and covering up his granddaughter's disappearance. It certainly is understandale, if these things are untrue, which I believe they are, that George would be angry, and humiliated after hearing these statements (which he was called by the state to deny)
Most of the In Session correspondents (Beth Karas, Casey Jordan, their law enforcement expert) felt that George Anthony was believable on the stand, appeared genuine, and wasn't any angrier than anyone else would be in the same situation. I tend to agree.
The only emotion Casey shows is when her ex-boyfriend testifies, someone she either loved or was extremely attached to, and when Tony says that Caylee was a wonderful little girl, Casey mouths the word, yes, while holding back tears. However those tears were turned on and then off. I think she wanted appear to be touched by hearing about her daughter in the presence of this man she loved or wanted. No such emotion appeared at any other mention of her daughter thus far in the trial.
They have Casey dressed quite conservatively of course. On Thursday, however, she was wearing a white shirt with poofy sleeves, and a ponytail with the top teased up in such way that she looked like one of those Mormon wives living on the Texas compound that were in the news.
The prosecution is painting a pretty ugly picture of Casey, pretty effectively. The defense is going to have a lot of "splaining" to do.
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