Cindy Anthony testimony continues

The fingers may not be pointed just at Casey Marie Anthony for her daughter's anymore, but at Caylee's grandmother, Cindy M. Anthony, as well.

In the case of the State vs. Casey Anthony, things may be unfolding that could actually save Casey from having to face the death penalty.

Cindy's testimony continued in an Orange County courtroom Tuesday morning and during cross-examination by Defense Attorney Jose Baez, evidence may be rising to back up their claims that Caylee Marie Anthony actually died from drowning on June 16, 2008, and not first-degree murder by her mother, Casey.

Cindy admits that that on June 16, 2008, she told co-workers that someone was swimming in her pool that day. "I found a ladder on the pool and the gate opened," said Cindy. "It wasn't one of us so I thought it could be someone else. I told my supervisor that someone was swimming in my pool."

Cindy says she recalls taking the ladder down the day prior when she and Caylee Anthony were done swimming.

Baez also questioned Cindy if she had any contact with Casey Anthony the day of the 16th, and it was in evidence the several unanswered phone calls Casey made to her mother that day.

Aphrodite Jones, host of the television show "True Crime" on the Discovery Channel, says that the story may be starting to unravel as being the truth.

"The fact that she says to her co-workers that on the day Caylee allegedly died ... that's the day that she suspected someone was swimming in her pool ... You have Casey desperately trying to get in touch with her mom and she can't," said Jones.

Jones says that, "Maybe what defense put out there was real," that "Casey was living in a dream world," because Cindy said on the stand that she never asked to meet Caylee's father or any of the babysitters Casey said she left the 2-year-old with. Cindy also said she allowed her 25-year-old daughter to live at home completely rent-free.

"It strikes me as partially odd," added Jones.

More details and evidence will be provided to the jury as court proceedings carry on. The court will be back from recess on Wednesday at 8 a.m.

(Photography by Red Huber, Orlando Sentinel)

Casey Anthony may have to testify to win jury

The State vs. Casey Anthony trial has been in effect for a week and people are still asking: Where is the evidence that Caylee Marie Anthony did not actually die from first-degree murder by her mother?

Following a graphic and detailed opening statement by Prosecutor Linda Drane Burdick on May 24, defense attorney Jose Baez, in the defense's opening statement, said, "Caylee was never missing. Caylee Anthony died on June 16, 2008 when she drowned in her family's swimming pool," and was found by her grandfather, George A. Anthony and minutes later, her mother Casey Anthony walked into the scene.

Baez explained to the people of the jury that Casey Anthony, 25, was sexually abused her father, and claimed that because keeping those traumatic experiences a secret, "Casey was raised to lie," therefore lied for an entire month that the 2-year-old was even alive.

Caylee Anthony's remains were found near the Anthony family home on Dec. 11, 2008, several months after the toddler was reported missing on July 15, 2008. The little girl's air paths were forced shut by three pieces of duct tape over her mouth, and a piece covering her nose.

Casey Anthony's vehicle was provided to Orange County law enforcement officers for investigation and a high concentration of the compound chloroform was found in her trunk.

Legal Analyst Bill Sheaffer says because there is no evidence to make the defense's story plausible, Casey Anthony may just have to withhold her right to remain silent, and take the stand to testify, which Scheaffer says can actually hurt the defense.

"It was a nice dramatic opening," said Scheaffer, "but as far as credibility and having legs to sustain that opening statement, no, the evidence is just not there to support it ... Casey just comes to the witness stand with too much baggage. I don't think that the defense would be wise in calling her and I think that they'll do everything possible not to call her to the witness stand."

Beth Karas, senior reporter for truTV, agrees; Casey Anthony needs to prove these claims to win over the jury, because the defense is now in a "hurdle."

"The defense said it was an accident, not murder, now they have to show that," said Karas. "You can't just make that claim. Now they have to put on some evidence of it. And there were three people present ... George denies it. Caylee's dead. So the only way we can we hear the story is if Casey takes the stand so the defense is basically obligated themselves to put her on the stand, so let's see how believable she is. Problem is the jury knows about so many lies that she's told, why should they believe her on the stand?"

Karas also says that because this is a mother who allegedly murdered her daughter, the mother in question may actually have psychological problems, which could potentially save her from capital punishment.

"If in fact she has some psychological problems, if it gets to a penalty phase, there will be evidence of that," Karas said. "The defense will put on experts and that might save her life ... She has to be convicted of first-degree murder first, but if she is and they start to put on evidence in a penalty phase, it's possible that the jury would find it would mitigate ... Then they would give her a break and give her life."

If the defendant is not acqiutted, but in fact found guilty of murder in the first-degree of her daughter Caylee Anthony, Casey Anthony's life is on the line. The trial is expected to last up to eight weeks.

(Photography by Red Huber, Orlando Sentinel)

Cindy Anthony Testifies; Mother of accused baby-killer speaks of Casey's lies

"Oh, my God, I'm such a good liar," said Casey Marie Anthony to witness Melissa England in July 2008.

England is not the only one to testify about the defendant and her lies.

Cynthia M. Anthony, mother of accused child-killer, and grandmother to victim Caylee Anthony, speaks at trial about Casey's lies, in an Orange County courtroom Saturday.

The defendant's mother recalls Casey claiming she was going to work or out of town, meanwhile other witnesses say on those days, Casey was really partying with them.

Cynthia said she believed Casey was still working as an event coordinator at Universal Studios because she has seen emails, photographs with co-workers, along with a lanyard with Casey's identification on it, which she would leave the house with in uniform.

"Most of the time, she was dressed as if she was going to work," Cynthia Anthony said.

That's not all Casey seemed to have lied about. Cynthia Anthony said in her testimony that in June 2008, around the time of Caylee's disappearance, Casey said she and Caylee spent much of their time with the nanny named Zanny, and had several meetings during the week of June 16.

According to Cynthia Anthony, during that time, she repeatedly asked Casey to see or speak with Caylee, but there was always some sort of interference, and any plan didn't end up happen.

"There was always a reason Casey wasn't with Caylee," Cynthia Anthony recalls. Reasons including a trip to Tampa with Zanny, who ended up in an automobile accident and sent to the emergency room.

"Casey said she was at the hospital," Cynthia said. "Someone had taken Caylee to walk around."

When Casey got back into town on June 27, she old her mother she was called into work for a children's event, therefore bringing Caylee with her.

By July 3, not having seen her daughter or granddaughter since June 15, Cynthia said she made an effort to see Casey at her job to resolves money issues and to see her granddaughter, too.

Cynthia did not inform her daughter she was going to Universal Studios to speak with her, and when she got there, she called Casey, who had a surprise of her own.

"She told me she wasn't there," Cynthia said. "She told me she was actually in Jacksonville, which came as a complete shock to me."

This was not long before she realized her granddaughter was not actually with her mother, but in fact missing, and later found dead, leading the state to believe Casey was involved in her daughter's death.

Following day three of court, Cynthia and George Anthony's would not comment, but their attorney, Mark Lippman, says the allegations of George's abuse and involvement in Caylee's death are inaccurate and calls them ridiculous. "We don't know who to trust," said Lippman. "We want to know the truth, as well."

If convicted of first-degree murder, Casey will have to face the death penalty. The trial is expected to last up to eight weeks ago. Court proceedings will continue Tuesday morning.

(Photography by Red Huber, Orlando Sentinel)

Witnesses in Casey Anthony trial describe human decomposition odor from Casey's car

Two of the witnesses in the State vs. Casey Anthony trial testify on Friday discussing an odor from Casey Anthony's car that smelled of human decomposition June 2008.

Simon Birch worked as the operations sales manager at Johnson's Wrecker Towing Company in Orlando during that time and received Casey Anthony's Pontiac at his workplace on June 30 after district manager of Amscot Financial Services found the vehicle abandoned June 27.

Catherine Sanchez of Amscot said she saw the vehicle unattended for four days before she called the non-emergency police line to inquire if the car was reported stolen. She was informed it was not, then she called the towing company.

In her testimony, Sanchez said she did smell an odor, "but it was right next to the dumpster, so it was a normal smell for that area."

Sanchez wasn't the only one who refers to an odor. Birch said he recalls an odor coming from the car but was not that was not that of garbage.

"On the third or fourth day, I started paying a little more attention to it," recalls Birch in his testimony. He said he checked to see if the doors were locked and then placed his hands on a window to shield the light and that's when a smell struck him. "I did notice a fairly strong odor emanating from vehicle."

Birch said he has been exposed to the smell before, at least eight times, and is able to clearly distinguish that versus another type of odor. "It is a very, very unique odor," Birch described. "It was odor consistent to what I have smelled in the past of decomposition."

Birch also stated, from where he could see, there was nothing in the car that could cause the odor. He then left the vehicle to "fulfill its course."

George and Cindy Anthony, parents to the defendant, retrieved the car about two weeks later on July 15. Birch described them as "unruly customers" when they arrived very upset about the towing. George Anthony walked with Birch to the car, continuously apologizing for their behavior, explaining they were under pressure due to Casey Anthony not allowing them to see Caylee.

George Anthony opens the door to get inside. "As the door was opened, it came out very intently," Birch said. "It was as if it was released in the air. It was potent. In the back of my head, I thought it was the smell of decomposition. It's a smell you can't forget. I haven't smelled anything similar to it."

When Prosecutor Linda Drane Burdick asked Birch why he did not inform George Anthony, he explained that George seemed irritated and did not want to place a burden on him. But George Anthony said in his testimony that he acknowledged the stench, as well.

Birch suggested opening trunk, a moment George Anthony said he prayed his daughter and granddaughter were not stored in there. The trunk released flies and the odor, said Birch, was much stronger than the original. No bodies were found, but a white garbage bag filled with paper and a pizza box. George also recalls a stain on the spare tire cover.

George Anthony also said he has smelled the odor of human decay before and like Birch, is able to distinguish that with anything else.

"That particular smell," George said, "once you smell it, you never forget it. It's very distinctive."

These are just some of the many testimonies and much evidence for the jury in this trial to use to come to the conclusion of whether or not Casey Marie Anthony is guilty of murder in the first degree of her two-year-old daughter Caylee Marie Anthony.

(Photography by Red Huber, Orlando Sentinel)

Things stir-up at Casey Anthony trial

The courtroom heats up at the State vs. Casey Anthony trial on Thursday as the case falls into its third day of proceedings.

The 25-year-old Casey Anthony is on trial for allegedly murdering her daughter and disposing of the body in a wooded area near the Anthony family home.

Her father testified once again and George A. Anthony has a dispute with the defense attorney, Jose Baez.

"You are badgering me. You are trying to make me upset," George A. Anthony said to Baez. "Treat me with a little respect and I will give respect."

But it did not end there. Further into cross-examination, Judge Belvin Perry, Jr. cut off a question by Baez and demanded, "Do not go there."

Another witness took the stand for the third time. Casey Anthony's boyfriend at the time Caylee Anthony went missing, Anthony Lazzaro, was called back in at the end of the trial - with no jury present - to testify about secrets Casey Anthony confided in him.

"Was the secret had shared with you that she had been sexually abused by her father?" asked Baez.

"No," replied Lazzaro.

"What was the secret that she had shared with you?" Baez questioned.

"Lee Anthony tried to sexually abuse her," Lazzaro said. According to the witness, the defendant's brother tried "feel her up" on her chest area, but never actually did. "She said it didn't happen."

He also stated that Casey Anthony made claims of physical abuse by her father. "[Casey was] being disciplined by her father," said Lazzaro. "Definitely not sexual abuse."

George A. denies any claims towards him.

The serious allegations of sexual abuse, physical abuse and the defense's claim of how Caylee died could lead to Casey Anthony having to take the stand, according to people familiar with the matter.

If convicted for the murder of her two-year-old, Casey Anthony may have to face the death penalty.

(Photography by Red Huber, Orlando Sentinel)

Friends of Casey Describe her as Good Mother

More witnesses take the stand Wednesday as the case against Casey Marie Anthony continues its fight in Orlando.

People surrounding the then 22-year-old Anthony in 2008, said that throughout the month of June when Caylee was allegedly missing, Casey seemed happy as always, and as if nothing was wrong, allowing them to believe nothing was.

Ex-boyfriend, former roommates and women she has worked all testified, stating in each of their testimonies that the 25-year-old accused of murder in the first degree was nothing but a good mother and caring person.

Anthony was dating Tony Lazzaro throughout the time the two-year-old, Caylee Marie Anthony, was missing. In his direct examination by prosecutor Frank George, Lazzaro, 24, stated that on June 16, 2008, the day the defense says Caylee drowned, nothing seemed to be upsetting Anthony.

“[Casey] was the way she was everyday, happy, happy to see me,” said Lazzaro. “Nothing but a good old time.”

Seven of the eight witnesses who testified, stated there was no change in Anthony’s behavior throughout the duration of time they spent with her in those months.

In fact, Jamie Realander, who Anthony has formally worked with, claimed that on July 15, 2008, Anthony invited her to Caylee’s birthday party the following month.

Although, there was one witness who noticed some peculiar behavior – a neighbor living in close proximity to the Anthony family home. Brian Burner said he recalls an incident with Anthony on the day of June 18, 2008.

Burner, a truck driver and father of three, said on the stand that on that particular day, in the afternoon, Casey approached him as he was doing yard work.

“She said she wanted to borrow a shovel to dig up a bamboo root,” Burner said. “She had knocked on my door about an hour after I gave her the shovel.”

Burner also stated that on the prior day, he noticed Casey’s car was backed into the driveway. “I can see the front edge of the garage from my window,” said Burner. He says it was the first time he has seen the automobile parked in that manner.

The state attorneys claim Casey stored her daughter's dead body in the trunk of her car, which could be reason for why Casey backed her car in her garage.

If found guilty of the first-degree of her daughter Caylee, Casey Marie Anthony will face the death penalty.

Court proceedings will resume on Thursday.

(Photography by Red Huber, Orlando Sentinel)

Casey Anthony Trial in Effect; Defense claims Caylee died by drowning

The trial for Casey Marie Anthony opened in Orlando on Tuesday. The 25-year-old is accused of murder in the first degree on her daughter, Caylee Marie Anthony.

Opening statements were made to jurors by the state and defense, beginning with Prosecutor Linda Drane Burdick.

“Casey Anthony, Caylee’s mother, appeared to all outward observers to be what her parents thought she was; a loving mother working hard to provide support to her daughter,” said Burdick. ‘But as the evidence in this case and the investigation in the background of Casey Anthony will show, that was an illusion.”

Burdick recapped each of the 31 days prior to two-year-old Caylee Marie Anthony being reported missing, saying Casey was on each day she was either shopping, partying or hanging out with her boyfriend, facts that she lied to her parents about when asked where Caylee Marie was.

“No one knows where Caylee is and Casey Anthony is gallivanting around Orlando,” Burdick said. “It is difficult to understand why a mother would kill her child. There’s no other conclusion that can be drawn … At the end of this case, you will have no trouble concluding that Caylee Anthony was murdered by her mother.”

But the defense had new evidence maintaining Casey did not kill her daughter, however, Casey’s father, George A. Anthony, may have more knowledge on the little girl’s death than he claims.

Jose Baez, defense attorney, stated that Caylee was never actually missing, but in fact, on June 16, 2008, died of an accidental drowning in the Anthony family’s pool and was said to have been found by George.

“We will not say George Anthony killed his granddaughter,” said Baez. “It was an accident. An accident that snowballed out of control.”

George was the first witness to take the stand and denies the allegations against him. “When I heard that today, it hurt really bad,” declaring he would have done everything “humanly possible to save” his granddaughter.

George also denies the presumptions made by Casey of any sexual abuse inflicted on her.

“Casey should have called 911. That’s what she’s guilty of, not murder,” Baez concluded.

Following the court proceedings, Jose Baez did not comment.

The continuation of the State vs. Casey Anthony trial will take place on Wednesday.

(Photography by Red Huber, Orlando Sentinel)