A lot of lawyering, a lot of frustration
Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 11:29PM I arrived at the courthouse about a half hour early, early enough to breeze through security and go up to the 23rd floor. That afforded me ample time to have a good conversation with one of the senior reporters covering this story before others arrived. We talked about several issues related to the case, and one of the topics dealt with journalists and bloggers. There are a lot of crazy nuts out there, this person said, and because of where he and other media people work, be it a newspaper, network or local TV, cable or radio, there is a shield that protects them from harassment and stalking. Not so with bloggers. Bloggers are out in the open and ripe for attack, especially if they identify themselves like I have. In this, there’s no envy; instead, it’s more like a bit of empathy and compassion. Earlier this week, a letter was received by the court via U.S. Mail that attacked this blogger and the media folks were aware of it; some, but not all. It’s safe to say it went absolutely nowhere except the file that holds all correspondence related to this case, such as the letter from Joy Wray sent to Judge Stan Strickland before the nut jobs came out en masse. Fortunately, media people recognize when something is newsworthy, when it’s junk, and when to never give psychos their day in the sun. That letter came straight from a psycho; too cowardly to sign a name, let alone a real one, as if it would have mattered in the least. This is the type of correspondence that never makes its way to a judge. Instead, it collects dust in perpetuity.
Red Huber walked in and sat down in a chair. There are sofas and chairs outside the courtroom, more so on the 23rd floor, for people to relax before or after court proceedings. Sometimes, attorneys are interviewed there. I asked Red about cameras in the courtroom. He said he was the official photographer in the media pool, meaning that he is the only person who has a hand-held still camera. It’s quite a fancy one, I might add, but he is an incredible professional. I asked him about cell phones. He told me he caught an unnamed TV journalist holding up an iPhone (or something similar) while a hearing was in progress. He called on a deputy and the deputy warned the person that if something like that ever happened again, they would be barred from the courthouse. Red Huber is very proud of his work, and rightfully so. Imagine a low-res cell phone image plastered on a station’s Web site. That would have gotten the network affiliate in a bit of hot water because it’s not something Red would ever take credit for.
The media folks were called to file into the courtroom and as we did, the reporter said blogs are becoming more interesting and pertinent, and he makes it a point to read them, including mine. It’s part of the job now. That was encouraging.
We entered the courtroom before any of the attorneys, so when they meandered in, all at once, we said our hellos to both the prosecution and defense. I had a good feeling that Ann Finnell would make her debut and she did. I think it’s important to remember that the opposing sides seem to only be that way in the courtroom, not that they do an awful lot of socializing together outside, but I sensed a more relaxed attitude and an almost warmth that dissolved once the sides took to their stations and donned their battle gear, which was nothing more than notebooks and pens. Oh yes, this is the 21st century and I know Jose has an iPad. One of the first things I noticed was that video monitors all around the courtroom were turned on for a change. That was great because it afforded us a good view of the proceedings. In some of the video footage you got to view, you probably saw some of us looking up. That’s why. They were hung above us. We could actually see the faces for a change.
When Casey walked in, flanked by officers of the court, she was noticeably thinner. Her hair was pulled back tightly in a bun and she seemed to have a sad, blank stare, from what I could see before she sat down and faced forward.
Within a minute, George and Cindy shuffled in and took their seats in the second row. Their attorney, Mark Lippman, sat directly in front of me. Cindy wore a burgundy colored blouse that complemented George’s lavender colored shirt.
Chief Judge Belvin Perry, Jr. arrived on schedule, although I was a bit disappointed he was 4 minutes early. Oh well, my late Grandfather Landis was always punctual, and like him, sometimes early. God knows, I’d rather be early than late.
The judge wasted no time getting the hearing under way. The first order of business was the MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION. Jose stood and walked to the podium. This is a motion Casey’s defense has fought for more than once, and it’s been shot down each time. Today was no exception, but I sensed a little more desperation in Jose’s voice. It was either that or a combination of frustration and exasperation. Personally, I don’t care what Casey eats from the commissary. I don’t fret over her personal mail and phone records, but inquisitive minds want to know, and because it’s the law, there’s no bending it - or in this case, Bent, as in Bent v. Sun Sentinel. Jail records are under the control of the legislative branch, not judicial. This time, Jose spent the brunt of his argument on mail from family, friends and strangers. He cited the case of the city of Clearwater (City of Clearwater, 863 So. 2d at 154) where it was deemed that private e-mails stored on a government computer are not automatically public record. In other words, private documents are not necessarily public record by virtue of their placement on an agency-owned computer.
OK, fine, but there’s more to it. When the attorney for Orange County Corrections got up to speak, she stated that she was merely there looking for clarification; that the county had no real dog in the fight, but she saw a problem. Here is where I have seen the defense go in the past, and it’s one of the reasons why some of the motions are lost, in my opinion. The county objected to the mail issue because the motion didn’t request it.
The Orlando Sentinel attorney then took center stage. One of the questions I posed to Red Huber before the hearing began was about this motion. I asked him if this was pooled, too, so all media outlets would share in the costs of any and all proceedings. He said, no, this is solely the Sentinel’s job. The attorney reminded the Honorable Judge of his ORDER DENYING MOTION TO SEAL JAIL VISITATION LOG RECORDS, back on June 7. There, the judge wrote:
The Court agrees with the County that a criminal defendant’s desire to “maintain the confidentiality of visitors” in a high profile case does not qualify as a lawful exemption. As mentioned supra, the Defendant’s Motion does not provide any statutory exemption or legal authority for the Court to “seal” documents that constitute public records.
Instead, the counsel for the defense entreats the Court to judicially create an exemption in this case. The Court is unable to acquiesce. Any exemption from the Florida Public Records Act must originate in the legislature and not by judicial decision.
Friday, Judge Perry took the Bent decision into consideration, but he only denied the Motion for Reconsideration at this time, and those were his precise words, which leads me to think the door is not completely closed. There is no doubt the Bent issue will be argued for years to come, but he did settle the matter of audio recordings. He said he will treat Bent as if it is final. In other words, audio recordings will remain under wraps. All other jail correspondence will be accessible to the public. So it shall be written, so it shall be done.
§
The judge brought up the JAC motion and Ann Finnell stood up and walked over to the podium. She is a rather stately woman, but not statuesque by any means. In my opinion, she appeared to be a quintessential professional, and she was. She had a certain elegance and a homey warmth about her, if that makes any sense. She looked like she would be a wonderful mother, aunt and grandmother, although I know nothing about her personal life. Well, hardly anything.
It was during this back and forth the judge became most animated, although he didn’t direct it at Finnell, in particular. It was the entire defense, but that’s because the course of the conversation really opened up into other areas, such as TES, which had nothing to do with her. Jose and Cheney piped in and it seemed to frustrate her a little. She made it clear she was not involved at all in TES documents at one point, but prior to the confusion, Judge Perry asked her about the 384 hours the court approved for Jeanene Barrett. She said that at least a half to a third of those hours had been exhausted. She said she needed at least another 100 hours. The judge said he wants to first see how the hours had been utilized before giving her more.
He asked her about the 300 hours given for private investigators. This is when Jose responded. He said he needed an additional 300 hours. The judge said he realized some of those hours will remain under seal, but where did they go? Jose said that many TES searchers didn’t want to get involved. The judge was pretty clear about all those searchers. The defense is not to go on some sort of fishing expedition. “You’re not to go drilling for oil when there’s no sign of oil anywhere.”
The majority of searchers were nowhere near the remains. He said he had provided them a special master. They were given the right to read the records and take notes. Jose said the defense had made over 1,000 phone calls and talked to 150 who were in the area. The “area” was confusing because there was no clear definition of what constituted the Suburban Drive vicinity. Cheney Mason said a lot of searchers looked on their own; that they had uncovered people from leads and some people who did not report everything to TES. Even so, some TES records were not clear. He questioned whether Texas EquuSearch kept bad records or whether they hid info on purpose? Here is where the judge made his succinct statement du jour:
“I am not going to write an open check. I am just not.”
Ann may have been rightly frustrated because it was at this point she said her motion was not about TES. It was about mitigation, such as medical history and school records. The judge interjected. “Miss Finnell, I’ve done a few capital cases.”
He turned to Cheney and asked him if he was planning on sticking around for the penalty phase, if Casey’s convicted. Cheney nodded and said yes.
Throughout this exchange, I looked up at the monitor to see the looks on the attorneys faces and that of Casey. Quite clearly, she was shaken. This was, shall I say, a bit more vibrant and enlightening and here she was in the thick of it. Sticking around for the penalty phase. Oh my. She seemed distressed to a certain degree. We’re coming to the end of the year and May is on its way. Time is running out.
When the dust settled, the new attorney continued. She made more requests, and in the end, Judge Perry approved some things and denied others. Her travel expenses from Jacksonville will not be covered. If she wants to send an investigator to Ohio, try phone calls first. There are investigators in that state that will work at JAC rates and not have to fly from Orlando or anywhere else. For each request, he wants to know the reason why he needs to spend taxpayers’ money. He said he’d be happy to take ex parte material into consideration and under seal. (Ex parte is generally a judge meeting with one party and not the adversary.)
The JAC attorney got up and rebutted. He said that the penalty phase funds may be premature at this time, but the judge disagreed. In the matter of capital cases, the cart comes before the horse, he said. With regard to psychiatric evaluation, he awarded $2,500 at this time. He said the standard exam may not be enough at the JAC rate. He approved $500 for copies and an additional 60 hours, or$2,400, for a private investigator. Most of all, he said he remains open for more expenditures, but he needs to know where all the money is going now and where it’s been going.
In several instances, I noticed that the defense does not come prepared. The judge asked how much money was spent on public records, for instance, and Jose didn’t know. At some point, he said something that caused a stir in the gallery. Sitting on the other side, someone roared in laughter. Jose turned to look, but the person was quickly silent and lost in the crowd. In my opinion, this was very rude. This is a murder case and not a joke, no matter what that narcissistic person thought of him. No one should ever laugh in a courtroom unless the judge prompts it. The murder of a child is a very serious matter. To be honest, I felt a little for Baez. The day wasn’t going his way and he told the court of the endless, almost thankless, hours the entire defense has been working. It was their life, and he was emotional about it. It did lighten up, though, however brief.
Judge Perry granted Linda Kenney Baden’s request to withdraw from the case, but not before he asked if there were any objections.
“I liked working with her,” Jeff Ashton exclaimed.
“Pardon?” Judge Perry asked.
“I liked working with her,” Ashton repeated. That brought out a few light chuckles, but here it was a lighthearted statement and the laughter was not made out of ridicule.
“Mr. Baez, it sounds like Mr. Ashton has objected,” the judge retorted.
“Yes, it does,” Baez joked.
§
Linda Drane Burdick asked for and received a 30-day extension on depositions. Some of the witnesses are difficult to track down. The defense is having the same problem. One of the things I’ve noticed about Judge Perry is his flexibility. As stern as he is, he’s very giving and in some cases, willing to bend.
The judge then reminded Ann Finnell that the deadline for listing all penalty phase witnesses is November 30, a mere month away. All of the state’s experts have not been deposed yet and that deadline is November 19. A Frye hearing was brought up. Jeff Ashton said he wants to sit down with the defense and go over what is new and what is old science. A Frye hearing is used to determine if novel scientific evidence is reliable enough to be permitted in court. It can also apply to testimony from psychologists and psychiatrists, not just forensic experts.
There was a brief exchange between Cheney Mason and Linda Drane Burdick that became somewhat heated. It was over some of the TES records still being held by law enforcement. Burdick explained that the defense had ample opportunity to look it over when their experts were in town back in July. Of course, the defense said they had never received property forms or receipts and Burdick begged to differ. Oh, the frustration of it all! The judge gave the defense two weeks to settle the matter. He then asked the state if all evidence had been disclosed. If not, everything must be disclosed by January. This means that there will be no surprises weeks before the trial is underway. The defense should have everything in its hands by the first month of 2011.
Before the judge gave the attorneys a rather stark speech, I must say that this was the first hearing I’ve attended where Linda Drane Burdick came across loud and clear. It was my observation that she seemed more agitated and direct, and certainly, more animated than I had ever seen her before. With that, the judge stated that if the depositions are not done on time, the court will set dates and he will make sure they are not convenient for either side. He said he will start running the case at his pace, so everything had better be ready come January.
“All the posturing has been nice, but come January, it will be according to my schedule.” And that means the schedule could be at midnight. If there are people unwilling to be deposed, by golly, the court will make them comply. Judge Perry means business.
§
A somewhat odd thing occurred near the end. The gentleman next to me started to breathe deeply. When I glanced his way, he was sound asleep. To me, this had been an exciting day, one filled with many highs and lows. Just like in church, the judge gave a great sermon, but I guess there’s always a chance that someone will be napping in the crowd. The hearing lasted two hours, as I expected, but I’m used to them by now. He wasn’t, obviously.
As we got up to leave, an attorney was loudly castigating one of Orlando’s best known journalists about dumb questions. It wasn’t pretty. I gravitated toward Ann Finnell. I had a message for her from her niece or cousin, but darn if I didn’t write it down. Instead, I had a senior moment and I asked her if she would be attending the next hearing. She said she would, and I said I would remember next time. She asked me how I knew it was really a relative and I said because I know her real name and she told me you would recognize it. She was more than friendly and open. She’s every bit a class act and you could tell that she’s a very caring person. Who better to handle a penalty phase? If Casey is found guilty, she’s in good hands. Anyway, it’s her cousin, and I’m sorry. I’ll make sure I get it right next time, and that will be on November 29, at 1:30 PM. I’ll be there. I need to set the record straight.
Dave Knechel | tagged Bent v. Sun Sentinel, Red Huber | in Ann Finnell, Casey Anthony, Caylee Anthony, Cheney Mason, Chief Judge Belvin Perry, Cindy Anthony, Dave Knechel, David B. Knechel, David Knechel, Death Penalty, Human Interest, Jeanene Barrett, Jeff Ashton, Jose Baez, Judge Stan Strickland, Judicial Administrative Commission, Linda Drane Burdick, Linda Kenney Baden, Marinade Dave, Marinade Dave Knechel, Marinade Dave’s Caylee Anthony Posts, Mark Lippman, Orange County Corrections Department, Orlando Sentinel, Suburban Drive, marinadedave | Share Article 
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Reader Comments (90)
That's a great post, Dave. Honorable Perry is addressing and focusing on the nitty gritty. Casey's day of reckoning is approaching swifty and all hopes of derailing this case are fading for the defense. It shows heavily in her face...
Hi Dave,
Thanks for writing about your day in court. I'm still very annoyed about not getting court TV here in Canada. I'm glad I can count on you for a clear summary of the court action and more. It sounds like maybe Casey has lost her confidence about walking away a free woman.
Frankie, We get In Session but it has so many commercials that we miss a lot of the hearing. If the hearing does not start until 1:30, it goes off at 3:00. You are better off watching in online, you get the entire hearing.
Hi, Karen - Thank you. I do try to tell a good story. TV can never do justice. That's why I have so much respect for newspapers. They are more descriptive, but a blog can really go deeper if written correctly.
I don't recall seeing her ears waggle, but I did notice how tightly it was tied up in a bun. My guess is that Ann Finnell probably made sure she had that conservative look. I will admit that it wasn't the defense's finest day in the courtroom, but I'm just as sure it won't be their worst, either.
One of my finest posts, Peggy? Well, well, well, thank you very, very much! To be honest with you, the thought that Casey might crack crossed my mind, too, but she won't. If anything, she would admit it was an accident, but the state would still beg to differ with her.
You know, I enjoy being able to go to the hearings and write about them. The funny thing about that stupid letter? It made absolutely no impact at that courthouse. None. Nil. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Thank you, cereusle. Judge Perry is a real gem, isn't he? Nothing gets by him. Friday was not a good day for Casey. She did not want to be in that courtroom and it showed. I really saw it more in the photos that Red Huber snapped. Imagine what he must have been thinking. I'll try to ask him next time. He's an incredible photographer.
Hi, Frankie - I don't blame you for being annoyed about no longer getting Court or TruTV. As Peggy suggested, just watch it on your computer. The stations down here broadcast them live, but you have to watch and keep refreshing every 10 minutes or so in order to keep it from stopping due to inactivity. I guess that's to save bandwidth. Anyway, thank you. Hopefully, I can fill in some of the gaps.
As Casey sits in the courtroom listening to the attorneys who are fighting to spare her life, I wonder if she ever reflects on those hours or minutes that Caylee fought for her own life. I doubt it.
No, I don't think so. Nothing seems to touch her heart but her own vanity and life.
Dave and Peggy,
Thanks, I'm not sure how to get it on my computer. I have a dish and it is not much better than dial up so that may make it hard to watch. I can only try. Wouldn't you know we are not in a line of sight for a tower and the antique Bell Telephone equipment can not provide high speed. Maybe Bell will upgrade in my lifetime or not.
"Nothing touches her heart", oh Dave that is quite possibly the saddest thing to say about someone. To think that nothing touches Casey's heart, nothing. That her daughter's sweet smile, the love that she gave her mother, did not touch her heart. But then that has to be or Casey would have never done what she did. To live a life like that, what a cold heartless person she is.
The trial should be interesting. I am anxious to see Casey's reaction when we get to hear the States opening statement. I hope there will be at least one hearing a month if not more before May. How does that work Dave? Is there a certain number of hearings the Judge must have before the trial starts?
Frankie tell them this is 2010 and you do not live in a cave LOL.
Here is the link to where I watch the hearings:
Casey's Hearings
Dave~~it seems that the only thing that the defense can bank on now is saving Casey from the lethal injection. I think Ann Finnell will concentrate on Casey's mental health issues. I cannot see where else the defense can go to cast reasonable doubt in the guilt phase. I think blaming Roy Kronk has fizzled out. Roy's son backed out from being deposed.
I am certain that Judge Perry is well aware of Laura Buchanan postponing her dep and Mort Smith, alleged involvement in falsifying a TES record. We also have Jerry Lyons tampering with witnesses. I believe this is why Judge Perry mentioned the fishing expedition and did not make a hasty approval for more hours for the PI's. I thought I heard him tell Baez, 50 hrs. I guess this may have been for the PI's.
Dave, I defend you in other blogs and admire your fairness. If I lived near Orlando I would be proud to have a beer with you. Great article man! Remember me: formerly Die Casey Die? lol. You keep keepin' on brother.
Bruce ga
As usual Dave, you did a tremendous job in conveying to us what happened in the courtroom; it was also nice to hear that a member of the MSM gave you props for your blog. You have a wonderful blog and please do ignore the haters. It's unimaginable to me why anyone would say such horrible things about you.
You are doing a terrific job and please do keep up the wonderful work. The only question I have for you is who was the attorney castigating the reporter you alluded to at the end of the article? Perchance was it Mason? He berated a female reporter before by saying her questions were "stupid." Of course, her questions aren't stupid. He simply doesn't want to answer them.
Dave,
That episode with Judge Strickland introduced your work to me. I have been following for a while now. I look at Cindy in court and believe she is thinking"now my world is really over ". All the money is drying up fast, Caylee is gone right?, Casey who?, I may be in trouble later, and I am still stuck with Georgie. I miss the confident and arrogent Cindy puppetmaster. Casey please pray for forgivness and come Fushion clean. Only reading one other blog meter. Good Day Sir.
Peggy,
We might as well be in a cave. Our property is in a deep valley. Nice in some ways but not for internet. I would like to know how many homes are unable to get Bell high speed. We are likely 1 of 20 in all of Canada.LOL.
DAVE, I HAVE NEVER POSTED HERE, BUT I JUST WANTED TO SAY A COUPLE OF THINGS REGARDING COMMENTS FROM OTHERS. FIRST, LET ME THANK YOU FOR A GREAT WRITE UP.
Frankie - You may have a problem if your satellite signal is weak, but you should be able to go to wesh.com or wftv.com and watch the live feed. I will try to remember to post some links on the day of a hearing.
Peggy - Hearings are called whenever the need be. There's no rhyme or reason to them other than the once a month status hearings, and even then, the judge tends to throw some of the new motions into them, like he did on Friday. That was supposed to be just a status hearing.
Oh, Snoopy, I didn't read much into the hearing that pointed at any admission of defeat from this defense. There is always a chance that a jury will convict a person and the defense must be prepared for that sort of thing.
I do know that LDB told the court that she had been in touch with Buchanan's new attorney. The judge didn't hint that the defense is doing anything illegal. When he mentioned a fishing expedition, the message I got from it was that he won't let taxpayers pay for the defense to interview thousands of searchers, most of whom never set foot near those woods. The judge gave the defense 60 hours out of the 300 requested. He told the defense to come back for more when they need it, but be prepared to itemize.
Hi, eastwood34 - Thanks for defending me. I make it a point to be as fair as possible and I'm glad you see that. If you lived near Orlando, I'd have a beer with you, but only one. My drinking days are well behind me.
Hi, Yvette - Thank you. I try to take good notes and this time, I did. Not only that, I understood my chicken scratch! In answer to your question, I will only say your guess is right.
Hi, 1520 Sedgwick - Interesting name, you have. I'm certainly happy you like reading my blog, but it's too bad you found me because of my involvement with Judge Strickland. That was a big mistake the defense made, but it's over now. Judge Strickland did nothing wrong by speaking to me. As for Cindy's mind, I have no idea what goes through it. She still holds out hope that Caylee is alive.
Thank you for reading my blog. I will do my best to never let you down.
Thanks, Marcella. I appreciate that. Please come back and comment again. You are very welcome here.
Dave - I've only been reading 3 websites to stay tuned into Casey' s saga and yours is my favorite. I love that you attend court and then create such insightful recaps. I also admire the fairness that your posts show.
I think reality is hitting Casey and Cindy. IMO Baez and Cheney are in this for fun or some perverse pleasure of being a big name in a huge crime story. Why else would they come to court so unprepared and project images of themselves as buffoons time after time? I really think Baez led his mentally ill client down a primrose path because that's where she wanted to go. Instead of giving her stark reality and having her take a plea he fed into her fantasies. You can tell he was feeding her by the crap she wrote to Robyn (the other inmate). C & M don't care what happens to Casey. I think Andrea Lyon cared and now she's gone.
could you clarify......I'm confused as to whether or not Judge Perry gave the defense (Ms. Finnell) an investigator? He said he would not pay for both a mitigation specialist and investigator for the penalty phase, but he granted her 100 hours. Was that for Ms. Barrett and/or the PI she asked for?
Thank you, Patti O, that's very nice of you. I will do my best to attend as many hearings as I can, and then write about them. I'm glad you find me to be fair.
I think Baez takes this case very seriously, but it's a huge job and one that a truly experienced criminal attorney should be dealing with. Mason disappointed me when he said "this is going to be fun!"
Well, it's not fun, and it shows in his face. Both of them, actually. I would still like to know what his strategy was when he asked Judge Strickland to step down. So far, I have not seen one advantage. I know that the defense went to Casey with my articles the motion cited, and she looked them over. Her attorney then asked her if she felt she could get a fair trial with this judge after looking through them. She said, no, and that settled it. Was the judge biased against her? Absolutely not, and I have yet to see anything positive come out of the move.
Yes, I think Andrea Lyon did care, and still does, but Ann Finnell will more than fill her shoes, I'm sure.
Hi, Phyllis - Ann Finnell asked for an investigator and got nothing. The judge told her to try using the phone first and, in the case of Ohio, to try to find someone located in that state who will work for the JAC rate. At least, try those first. Baez and Mason wanted 300 more investigative hours and the judge gave them 60. I understand the confusion because both requests overlapped each other that day until Perry asked Finnell and she said her request had nothing to do with TES and the other investigator. I hope that makes sense.
Dear Dave, Enjoyed reading the post. Saw you on wftv and "waved" to you----said there's my friend!!!! I am always shocked because the Dream Team is never prepared. When you go to a bank for a loan you have to show them the details of how it will be spent and how much you need--at least act like you know what you're doing. They are soooo inept. I think maybe the Princess MIGHT be coming down off of her "I'm inocent" high. She can't be THAT stupid to see her defense sounding like Moe, Larry, and Curly Friday and not know what is happening. And there was Mom and Dad chewing their cuds. Didnt see any texting though but I only saw their faces. At one point Baezzzzzz was in a fog and looked like he was playing on his laptop snf grinning like some goofy kid. Maybe though getting emails from the parents so that Casey could glance over. I am hoping the trial will be televised because I have never had the chance to watch a trial straight through--like Peterson or the Juice--always had to work. Still working but maybe I'll get to see more of this one--hope so. I want to see the pros at work----LE and the prosecution. God Bless them and God Bless Judge Perry. I like him a lot and think he is doing a good job.
Thanks, Martha. I never really know when the camera is on me. At one hearing, I waved to Red Huber and had no idea I was on camera at that time. Yeah, the defense didn't look so hot on Friday, but recently, one of the defense attorneys told me that there are no e-mails or text messages between Casey, him, or her parents in the hearings. I tended to believe him because, let's face it, there's no interaction between Casey and her parents. No glances, no smiles, no nothing.
Thanks again for sharing your insights of the day in court with Casey & crew.
I had turned In Session on and also began watching while puttering around the room. My youngest son was here on the computer same room as the television. At one point the loud voices in the courtroom caught my attention and his. As I began to comment, up came his arm, his open hand signalling to me, "Not a word on this case".
So many people have become so sick of Casey Anthony and her crew that alone I believe will work against her.
Thanks again Dave.
Hi, Cali Patti, it's great to see you!
You know what I've found? People know I write about this case. A lot of them will tell me how sick of it they are, but oddly, they pause for a minute and proceed to ask me all sorts of questions about it. Invariably, they want to know if I think she's guilty or not. I try to sidestep that one by saying I do my best to remain as neutral as I can in my writing, but I see all the evidence against her and it's a tough sell for her attorneys.
Whether the staleness of the case will make a difference, I doubt it. To the jury, there will be nothing stale about it, but they may get sick from some of the evidence.
Thank you, Cali, it's always a pleasure seeing you.
I enjoy your insights from the courtroom and you are right about this one. It will be fresh information to the jurors. My dislike of Baez will not be their dislike and my uncompassionate feelings toward the Anthonys and Casey will not be theirs.
Nice to have seen you in court and better to have you reply, take care.
Dave
1520 Sedgwick Avenue is where I grew up in the Bronx. It itself is an historic landmark in New York as the birthplace of Hip Hop. My building!
Sorry non-rap fans. Don't hate me for it.
Can't wait for the doc dump. I disagree the dump is fruitless. Some have said that. There is something in it that gave chomp and skank the sad face. They don't crash and burn for no one. Something is up.
I don't hate you for liking Hip Hop, 1520 Sedgwick. Although I am not a fan, I have an open mind and it's a part of today's culture. I'm not as against it as I used to be because it's here to stay and I hear it. I hated Disco in the 70s, but today, I've softened because it was a part of my life back then. You couldn't escape it.
Yes, the doc dump might keep us busy enough for the day. Let's see. I'm not holding my breath because I don't think there's much of any importance. It would be nice if you are right, but if something important was breaking, someone would have leaked it by now.
Thanks for explaining the birthplace of Hip Hop. Do you think it will ever be as big as Lincoln's birthplace? Just kidding. It's all good.
Dear Dear Dave, Thank You so much for another very descriptive article. On Thursday my son came in from his job with a really high blood pressure,[his father and grandfather had a history of strokes] so I take him to Doctor,after medication I have to take him on Friday to hospital for tests,O.K. I'll be home by 1:30. Right ? At 2:30,I got my impatience in control and told myself Dave had it covered and I wouldn't miss a thing. As usual you have written the article so clearly that I feel as if I watched it all. I still have not had time to watch WFTV coverage.Thank you for being my eyes and ears on Friday.I, like some others have said, am too involved with this story, but little Caylee's face still pulls at my heart and I still want justice for her. I think Casey owes her that.
My dear Margaret, I know how upsetting it must have been to worry so much about your son. I hope and pray everything is OK now and he's on his way to good health. I am also glad that you are comfortable and confident enough to know I will cover the hearing. I'm very thankful I can do that for you. I am honored to be able to do that for you and others.
Just kick back and relax. You've been through a mess. I know how mothers fret and it's not a good thing. Hang in there. I should be here and we know Casey isn't going anywhere until next June.
All my best,
Dave
I personally dont care if Cindy, George, or Casey looks defeated...Cindy and George constantly disrespects the court by chomping on gum, and has since day one disrespected anyone who
wanted to find their grandchild. If I were there i'd spit in their faces, not kiss up to them as tho
they are victims. Caylee is a victim of THEIR dysfunction, and they should've been brought up on charges by now for obstruction. By refusing poly's and hiring lawyers sends a clear message to me and always has....My question is what is up with Florida authorities? Are they all on permanent vacations?
I am hoping the defense uses most of their funds to investigate more into George and Cindy, especially George as I feel he's been lying since day one to save his wife's arse, not his daughter's....Lets hope
they do what they should be doing. Looking within for the real killer...No doubt Casey knows however I feel she's the fall guy within that screwed up family....Just ask Cindy...MOO
In light of Judge Perry expressing to the JAC that "the cart needs to be put in front of the horse" in death penalty cases, I'd like to ask a couple of questions regarding mitigation if I might. Perhaps someone has insight or knowledge that might help me better understand.
KC has stated, numerous times, including in writing, that George and Lee sexually abused/assaulted her. In order to use this as a mitigating factor, would charges have to be brought forth, or a conviction have to be on record?
Would there have to be something other than simply allegations of abuse/assault?
Can someone just claim something, without documentation, then use it as a mitigating factor?
How does the jury decide the veracity of accusations without charges or conviction?
If the death penalty investigator, or attorney are interviewing people, aren't they only collecting subjective opinions? Is there any test of validity?
Thanx for tolerating my ignorance.
(ps, haven't had time to go to my email to get my login stuff, sorry)
regards to all
K