Thursday, May 26, 2011

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)

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