A wealth of misconduct
Friday, January 14, 2011 at 9:02AM Time and a Word by Yes
In the morning when you rise,
Do you open up your eyes, see what I see?
Do you see the same things ev’ry day?
Do you think of a way to start the day
Getting things in proportion?
Spread the news and help the world go ‘round.
Have you heard of a time that will help us get it together again?
Have you heard of the word that will stop us going wrong?
Well, the time is near and the word you’ll hear
When you get things in perspective.
Spread the news and help the word go round.There’s a time and the time is now and it’s right for me,
It’s right for me, and the time is now.- Jon Anderson & David Foster
To be quite honest, I had no idea my brain would smash into a brick wall, causing my writing skills to atrophy. My word! Or lack thereof. To say my life was a bit topsy turvy the past two weeks is an understatement. Generally, when I sit down to write, I like to do it with nothing in my way. I like my mind free from clutter. My mind has been anything but that lately. Even today, I can’t sit still. Too many responsibilities. I anticipate this post will take hours to write - hours to focus, too. To give you an idea, here’s how I began my post last week before sickness and death took it all away:
When I arrived on the 23rd floor on Monday, a handful of people were milling about. Sure, there are always journalists waiting for the courtroom doors to open, but I’m more intrigued by the new faces I see each time I attend a hearing. Among them this time were two of the friendliest people I had the privilege to meet, Suzie Jane and Roger, who came all the way from the great home state of our 16th, 18th and 44th presidents, Illinois. We had a very nice chat before the doors opened for us to enter. They sat to my immediate right. We glanced around the room before the judge entered at 1:30 sharp. Meanwhile, I had time to boot up my old laptop computer and crack open my old-fashioned notebook - no, not the electronic kind - it’s a simple and powerless device consisting of two covers, front and back, with lined paper inside. The only thing digital about it is the hand-held digits, also known as fingers, I use to grasp the necessary recording utensil that must accompany the notebook in order to work; a pen.
Suzie Jane quietly wondered where Cindy and her friend were. I whispered back that she is sometimes late, but she should definitely show up.
When…
And that’s where it ended. My father was in the hospital, my mother got quite ill with a bad flu virus, and my aunt passed away. I had a medical procedure done and I’m a little sore from that. Can I pick up where I left off? I guess so, but what’s the point? The motions are old and somewhat stale now, old in the sense that they’ve been discussed in the news and on blogs. Instead, I’ll look into another brewing storm, unrelated to the Anthony case, or maybe it is. I guess it depends on the way the cards are falling. You’ll see.
§
In May of last year, I published a post about James Hataway, the young man sitting in the Seminole County Jail accused of strangling a woman. Fortunately, she lived. Hataway is also the prime and only suspect in the disappearance of Tracy Ocasio. They left a west side bar together on the night of May 26-27, 2009, and she was never seen again. I mentioned that I knew who he was because of a bar I used to frequent way back when, before I gave up my Bacardi & Coke days. Nights, actually. I never was one for drinking during the day. By golly, I have my scruples.
Daniel SaylorMcGuintty’s has been closed at least three years now, possibly four. He and several other skinhead types used to hang out there but I never socialized with them. No, my skinhead came naturally, and I never looked at myself as any sort of tough-guy punk like they did. One night, I was standing at the bar chatting with some of the other regulars. It was a slow night. Sitting nearby was a guy who eventually joined in on our conversation. I don’t recall what we were discussing, but we really seemed to hit it off. It turns out, he was the police chief of Windermere, a small town southwest of Orlando. He even showed me his gold-plated badge. I wondered why he would have been drinking so far away from where he worked, but he told me he didn’t live in Windermere. He commuted from Seminole County, where I live. Windermere is the wealthiest little town in central Florida, or, at least its residents are. You may remember the town because Chief Daniel Saylor’s police department initially investigated Tiger Woods’ accident. The department was criticized for not asking Woods to take a breath test when he was pulled from his wrecked SUV. Florida Highway Patrol eventually took over the case because all vehicular accidents are run through that agency. Tiger was later cited for careless driving.
I used to travel to Windermere all the time. That’s where one of my ex’s mother lives - inside Isleworth, the exclusive gated community where the mishap took place. The reason why I brought this up has nothing to do with Tiger, but it does have to do with police chief Dan Saylor, or should I say ex-police chief? You see, he was arrested on Wednesday and charged with giving unlawful compensation for official behavior, a second-degree felony, and official misconduct, a third-degree felony. I haven’t traveled there in years, but the town of Windermere had a reputation for writing tickets for going 1 mph over the posted 25 mph speed limit. It’s not a joke that the town hired hand-me-down cops, too. The word on the street has pretty much been that officers sworn to uphold the law had problems doing it elsewhere. Some were fired from prior positions, in other words. As it turns out, the police chief held no sterling record, either. According to the WESH Web site, records “show reprimands from the Melbourne Police Department dating back to 1991. He was suspended for lying to Melbourne police supervisors in 1994. The next year, he was given an unsatisfactory review for professional behavior. Then, three months later, he was suspended for 160 hours without pay and put on probation for a year for not being truthful during an internal investigation. Higher-ups noted that they considered firing him but gave him ‘one last chance.; During that one year suspension, Orlando police accused Saylor of soliciting a prostitute. Police pulled him over on Parramore Avenue. According to the incident report: Saylor first claimed to be giving the woman a ride, then admitted he had been at a strip club and employees told him where he could go to pay for sex. Windermere’s town manager, Cecilia Bernier, says the town knew about the investigation but decided Saylor was ‘good material for our chief.’ No charges were ever filed in the prostitution case.”
Scott BushIt’s very interesting, too, that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office had an ongoing investigation into him and the police department he ran. Just what were those charges related to? I mean, what do unlawful compensation for official behavior and official misconduct mean? Here’s where it starts to get ugly, and I mean UGLY! He’s good friends with a guy by the name of Scott Frederick Bush. Bush was arrested on Wednesday, too, and held without bond, charged with sexual battery and lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under 12 years of age. This took place over a three year period, between 2000 and 2003. Here, we have a police chief allegedly granting several of his own officers time-off with pay and other incentives to stonewall the criminal investigation of an alleged sexual deviant who raped a child. Officer Irving Murr was handling the case. He was offered money, a promotion and a day shift to cover it up. According to Saylor’s arrest warrant, he destroyed notes related to the investigation and offered bribes to lie to FDLE. The FDLE special agent in charge, Joyce Dawley, said, “Chief Saylor used his position to hinder our investigation.”
Saylor was suspended from his job without pay and released on bond Thursday, but with one stipulation: He had to agree to turn all of his personal weapons over to authorities. The locks on the doors of the police station were changed and an OCSO captain was named the interim chief. More heads are expected to roll. Meanwhile, Saylor’s career is ruined, and rightfully so if he’s actually guilty. One thing cops can’t stand is a crooked cop. It gives them all a bad name. What’s worse is the fact that he shut down the investigation into his friend who is now charged with raping a child. Of all crimes, who in their right mind would do something like that, let alone a police chief or anyone else related to law enforcement, for that matter? It’s disgusting. Child molesters are the lowest of the low.
Bear with me for a moment, please. I’m veering off course. Do we recall the time, early on, when a lot of people had gut feelings that George and Cindy knew what Casey was up to? Why didn’t they act before it was too late? How could they not see what their daughter was capable of doing? Remember, I’m not talking about after the fact, this is before the crime. Today, the Tuscon murderer’s parents could be compared to George and Cindy in the same light. How could the parents of Jared Lee Loughner not know? Again, I’m not talking about after the fact. How many people never see something coming? Especially parents? In George and Cindy’s case, Mark Nejame was their first attorney. Then, he got fed up, left, and was practically deified. He could do no harm. Next came Brad Conway. Today, it’s Mark Lippman, and he seems to be keeping the family in check. After Conway dumped George and Cindy, his reputation in the public went up a few notches. In the case of the Windermere police department, it’s quite evident the political powers in charge are now in the same boat as George and Cindy. Why didn’t they see what was going on? Town leaders knew when they interviewed Saylor that he came with lots of baggage, yet they hired him anyway. That was back in 2002.
Remember, everyone is entitled to legal counsel, and that includes Casey. Who would ever want to come to her defense and why would anyone want to, for that matter? These have been some of the recurring questions made by many, and Jose Baez and the rest of her defense team have been vilified over and over and over because of it. They are evil incarnate! Yesterday, Daniel Saylor’s attorney was able to secure bond. What attorney in their right mind would be interested in defending an alleged crooked cop who squashed an investigation into the rape of a child? That’s downright disgusting, right? Well, his attorney downplayed the state’s case against his new client and urged the public to remember Saylor has only been accused - not convicted - of crimes. Sure, we’ve heard it all before. At the bond hearing, this attorney told the judge that Saylor should be released because he didn’t belong in jail. “He should be released and he should not be here. This is a travesty that’s occurred and continues to occur.”
Who is this attorney? Just who would want to represent a police chief that used his power to cover up a rape investigation against a friend? Who would it be? Why, none other than everyone’s favorite, Mark Nejame!
§
I want to thank everyone who stood by me during my family’s recent setbacks. I got some lovely, caring comments. Also, I received quite a few e-mails and submissions through this blog. I have not forgotten you, I just haven’t had much time to respond. I will. As the dust settles, I will get back into writing about the Casey Anthony case, too. There’s plenty to discuss, including lots of motions and the sanction against Jose Baez. I had a good conversation with a very nice gentleman at the last hearing. I want to say hello to Jim Barthiaume who was visiting from Michigan. It was a pleasure meeting you. Today, I will not be traveling down to the courthouse.
Thank you for your patience.
Dave Knechel | tagged Daniel Saylor, Isleworth, Jared Lee Loughner, Scott Bush, Windermere | in Brad Conway, Casey Anthony, Caylee Anthony, Cheney Mason, Cindy Anthony, Dave Knechel, David B. Knechel, David Knechel, FDLE, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, George Anthony, Human Interest, James Hataway, Marinade Dave, Marinade Dave Knechel, Marinade Dave’s Caylee Anthony Posts, Mark Lippman, Mark NeJame, Morality, OCSO, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, WESH, marinadedave | Share Article 
LEGAL NOTICE
©David B. Knechel. All Rights Reserved. No portion of this site can be reproduced in it's entirety or in part without expressed written permission by the owner/administrator of this site in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Section 512(c)(3) of the U.S. Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. §512(c)(3). The charges against defendants are mere accusations and the subjects are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.
Reader Comments (63)
Good to see you back here, Dave, and what a thought-provoking piece. It's hard to know why some folks seem hell-bent on their own crash-and-burn, and go about it so deliberately. Eager to see what you come up with next. When you can, and how your folks are doing....
It's good to be back, Karen. I felt this would be thought-provoking. It's a sad story and as I've said all along, criminal defense attorneys are called that for a reason. Nejame is no different and he never should have been placed on a pedestal to begin with. It's wrong to think that everyone who is anti-Anthony is pure and chaste. There is no such thing as innocence by disassociation.
Thanks for wondering about my folks. They are improving, but I'm still doing all of the shopping and driving.
Dave--It's so nice to hear from you again. It takes a lot longer to rejoin the world of the "living" than any of us would like to admit, doesn't it. I hope you give yourself lots of time.
Your post was, as always, a great read. I found it to be a most interesting comparison between the various cases. And very thought provoking.
High powered attorneys like Mr. Nejame have a very important job to do and they do it well. In the Anthony case, it's the reprehensible actions of the players themselves that stir up such strong emotions--but, that's just my opinion.
I hope you take good care of yourself. Maybe put your feet up and watch the hearing with the rest of us. A "front" view will be a good change for you.
Hi, nan11 - I agree that reprehensible actions do stir up very strong emotions. That's why I was careful in describing the Anthonys, the Loughners and the Windermere city leaders BEFORE a crime was committed. Why didn't they see it coming? As for after, well, the actions of the Anthonys speak volumes, but again, that's after the fact.
Actually, my point was all about putting people on pedestals and why they do. In the case of the Anthonys, by disassociating himself with the family, Nejame became a hero; someone who saw the light. OK, fine, but it shouldn't make him god-like to anyone, or above anyone else. This new story puts him in a proper light. He's a criminal defense attorney and his newest client is facing some serious charges. This is what he does best.
Thanks for the encouraging words. Yes, it takes some time to rejoin the living. It seems I will be doing most of the shopping and driving these days, and that's what I'm here for. What it means, though, is less time to write.
Dear Dave,
You take care of yourself, along with Mom and Dad. We can get updates from TV and other crazy websites (not like yours). Believe me, I know how it feels to take care of our parents, but it is a calm within ourselves to give back. Please, remember we are here for you, always.
P.S. Another Casey Anthony hearing this afternoon. How many more before trial - getting quite annoying. The two clowns will be spewing nonsense again. What else is new! The Monster should have admitted to the truth years ago. The time and money could have been averted to another well-deserved case, not to this selfish human, if that's what I want to call her. We will wait for you, whenever you are ready. Sending lots of X&O's to you and your family!
Thank you, simba. I'm slowly getting back to normal, if there is such a thing. The new year was off to a rough start, but I don't anticipate any mroe sicknesses or deaths. God knows, I hope not!
I will try to watch the hearing today. It should only be a status update. No motions are expected to be heard. I'm also working on a Web site design for a client in California. That's going to keep me a little preoccupied.
Thanks for the X&Os to me and my family. It's reciprocal!
Dave: With the Anthony's and the Loughner's, what they both saw was a deeply troubled, maybe even to the point of being mentally ill, child. Both families simply had to see it. They had to. (I won't touch on the Windermere city leaders.)
Why did they ignore it? Well, I believe Mr. Anthony said something to the effect that he and his wife could never have created such a child who would do something so terrible. And, also, he felt that that had lost one, and they weren't going to lose another.
I saw the Loughner's reduced to tears.
I think most families see it, but choose to ignore it. No one wants to admit that there is something seriously wrong with their child. And I can't say that I would be any different. I just hope I would.
Have we put Mr. NeJame on a pedestal? Maybe, but I think it's because he defends Tim Miller and Texas EquuSearch.
Thank you for your above response. And for your wonderful post to ponder.
I wonder if people actually see it, nan11. Look at some married couples. They spend years and years together. They think they know each other so well, they are practically joined at the hip. Then, one of them is caught cheating. They are the last ones to know. Why? Is it that they never really knew each other as well as they thought? Were they just blind to it? Or is it something they just refuse to see?
Those poor people, the Loughners. What were they thinking all along? Was it just a generational difference and a silly phase their son was going through? I don't know, but in many cases, the families are the last ones to know. No one would ever want to think of their child as some sort of murderer, but it happens all the time, usually with the same outcome; parents who didn't have a clue.
As for Nejame, my intent, of course, was not to denigrate him one bit. It was to humanize him. He defends criminals, not just the likes of good guys such as Tim Miller. Nejame is not John Wayne riding a big white horse. He's just another lawyer who takes on complex cases and his clients are not always innocent.
The problem I see with Windermere's leaders is that they knew what they were getting into when they hired Saylor. Sometimes, they don't see the forest through the trees, either. Do I blame them for this? No, of course not. If Saylor is guilty, he did it to himself, but the city did give him the position that created the monster.
By the way, I like to respond when I have the time. Thank you again. I enjoy writing posts to ponder.
Dave: No response necessary--I don't want to bother you. But I just heard that Casey is expected to be at the hearing this afternoon. Someone said they heard it on TruTV, (which I can't get in my area).
But, I just wanted to let you know.
Dave, great post! It is very thought provoking. I liked the way that you tied these people all together. I wonder if most people didn't think more of Mr. NeJame becaue he realized that the Anthony's weren't doing as he asked of them and he had the guts to quit on them? I know that I thought more of him for doing that and also for what he is doing to help Tim Miller with TES. I wouldn't say that I put him on a pedestal, but was glad to see that someone would do what was right. I understand that as an defense attorney that it is their job to represent their clients to the fullest. I have a hard time with some of them representing some of the people that they do. I know I could never do it and that is probably why I am not a defense attorney. LOL. I hope that things will start to get better with your parents and things will quiet down. Your posts are missed, but we understand that you have much more important things going on in your life that should take priority. Make sure and take care of yourself too, so that you are stronger for your parents.
Hello Dave,
So nice to read your world is doing better.
My Mom turned 100 yrs old a few weeks ago and though her thoughts often wander
her sense of humor has remained intack.
I do not comment often however I do read your posts and enjoy your thoughts.
warm thoughts from California
You're the BEST Dave! Your writing always keeps me reading because there is always a message that invites us to THINK! Great reading here!
I am a parent, and I can tell you that in many instances our children's behavior can bring a thought which we don't see because the reality of such a thought has not shown itself in any harmful way. What I as a parent did was take that thought and not accuse my child but HOPE and PRAY it was just my thought. Fortunately they were, and they usually came after reading of another persons criminal behavior, "OMG, would my child be capable of doing such a thing"? Would I? Whenever we wonder about the acts of another we should also wonder about our own behavior, how it appears and what message we may be conveying. I'm sure there are people who have wondered because of something about my personality or LOOKS that they question. In all fairness we may all look like or behave like we could be criminals to that other person but have yet to have anyone say or do anything about what may seem suspicious to them. Gee Dave, I wish I could easily put into words what I want to say like you do. Anyway, I am blessed, no child of mine is a criminal, nor my grandchildren, but who knows where, down the line anyone of us may, have one in our own family. That's why I do not condemn Cindy and George, Until this all happened, I bet they seemed like any other normal family in the neighborhood. Maybe even more so. If I keep going here Dave my comment is going to get longer than your post, but not so interesting. Keep up the great writing. I couldn't put this one down. Thanks
Dear Dave, Glad you are back--praying for your family. This looks to be a very good article--am reading it again--takes a while for stuff to sink in with me at times.
I noticed from reading wftv to see if the hearing was on yet today, that our dear Mr Cheney is defending another child killer--the boyfriend who killed little Faith Jackson--4 years old. Mother was not supposed to be at home and left her innocent child in his hands---sooooo sad.
Will be reading and posting later.
I've got family errands to run that may keep me away from my computer for several hours, but I will be back.
Good to see you back
Marsha from ny
Hi Dave, it's good to know that you can still pick up the quill for your humble servants.
I have never put Mark NeJames on a pedestal. I think his performance inside the courtroom showed class and integrity. His motions were well prepared, brief and to the point. He could write in one page what it took Lyon and/or Baez, a dozen pages of beating around the bush and still not getting their points across.
I also believe that he tried his best to keep things under control regarding Cindy and George. For anyone to even attempt to advise Cindy to keep a low profile, that person has to have true grit. Unfortunately, the Anthony's did not heed NeJame's expertise and he bowed out gracefully. It seems that NeJames did not want to go along with all the bs about an 'alive Caylee.' I think this is when the 'man' replaced the 'lawyer' and , in his heart of hearts, he was not able to continue with the charade.
NeJames offered his services to Tim Miller, pro bono. I think it showed benevolence and not doing this for the notoriety. He is already well-known so we can't accuse him of just wanting to remain in the limelight.
Now, if what I said above is putting a person on a pedestal or just giving them their just due, you can form your own opinion.
There are rotten apples in every profession, from doctors to lawyers, judges and probably even your local milkman. They think that just because they hold an official position, they are above the law. I am glad to see some of these SOB's weeded out and I hope they end up being made a public spectacle of.
It is sad to see corruption when it comes to someone in our justice system. You kind of lose faith and wonder who in the world you can trust even if they are sporting a big shiny brass badge. It is not just in the justice system, no professions are spared the imposters who infiltate and use them to cover up their own vices.
Numero Uno....glad you are back. Thank you kindly.
Snoopy you made an excellent comment. May I add, it is sad to see corruption in our system. and in our everyday acts. Many never hold a title or wear a big shiny brass badge therefore often are excused as just an average person that does not know any better or just made a mistake but in my opinion I, we, us, them, should be as responsible as any other rotten apple, professional or not in the overall use of our justice system. I don't know how the Canadian law is respected, but I have the highest respect for our principles of law here in America. Thank God the worst of us can have a fair trial. Human behavior, error or deliberate act belongs to all of us. Yes, Dave, in his fair appreciation for all sides, is Number One in my heart too.
As I was just writing, I heard said on TV. "If I can't help make right, what is wrong in the world, then I can't complain". I like what I heard. Hope there is no harm in sharing it here.
New Puppy~~Canada is not spared. We have rotten apples here as well, political scandals, the whole bit. I believe it goes on in most countries. When it is not the greed for money and/or prestige, it is for some perverted pleasure. The reason that we do not hear about all of the corruption in certain professions is because so much is covered up to save face. I wont name a certain profession, for obvious reasons, but scandals were covered up. The perpetrators were given a scolding and transferred to a different parish or whatever where they were free to still commit their crimes. In Dave's article, it is all about the abettors being as guilty as the ones who do the crime. How can anyone put their trust in some of these officials who are supposed to uphold justice or teach our children etc? This is why you hear, more often now, people taking the law into their own hands.
I love that quote, New Puppy!
Dave, great writing again-you had me on the edge of my seat wondering how you would tie the story together. I was guessing you were going to tell me that one of the investigators in the Caylee case was now at the Windmere LE helm...I also had the thought that Rusciano could work for that LE department if he still wanted to be a cop. I wonder what he is doing these days?
So glad to hear your mom and dad are doing better! You're such a good son~
Oh! Many thanks for setting up the Relay Station for us so we can get email updates. I would use the RSS feed but I forget that I have that feature, lol!
Snoopy, I wrote a little more, it disappeared but only a few words were necessary. I do agree.
Dave! Oh my, it's so good to have you back! We sure missed you - I missed reading your posts.
Incredibly disgusting story about this fellow Saylor, but I loved the insight you have into the story. And, boy, I hadn't realized that NeJame is representing him. My oh my! Well, if anyone needs a good lawyer, he does!
Terrific story telling, Dave. Just terrific.
Welcome back!
The statewide child-protection agency, DCF, does not have authority to order police to investigate complaints of child abuse. Also, there is another girl who has come forward, That makes two.
I'll be back to say hello.
Welcome back Dave. Your article was interesting. I looked for you on today's courtroom video and at one point I think even Baez looked back to see if you were there. lol...place looked empty without Dave!
Corruption and money go hand in hand sometimes. You hear about small towns in the U.S. that are speed traps and where the cops are iffy at best but you rarely see them taken into account like this police chief was. Thank heavens for a back up system of checks and balances. Someone somewhere decided to look into this guy and man did they find something! Looking back is always 20/20, but seeing it while it's going on isn't so clear. I imagine those cops involved did wonder about reporting it and decided their jobs/money/a better job were worth sacrificing what this little innocent girl was going through! I mean it's one thing to wonder what's going on between the man and the little one but to actually be investigating it then accepting a bribe to "overlook" or lose some things is downright disgusting!
Since I had 2 girls after my divorce I was extremely careful about who I brought home. I allowed this one platonic friend to visit and he became like a brother to me and my children. One day after they were grown one called to tell me she saw his face on the news. He had been molesting his innocent 10 year old all her life!! All her life!! We had babysat, taken care of her for him at times and didn't even have a hint of any impropriety just like Cindy and George, or Loughner's parents. There at times was an "uncomfortable feeling" especially at the time of his arrest but nothing before. The difference in us, the Loughners and the Anthonys are that we allowed the possibility of his guilt and accepted his responsibility. Cindy especially isn't doing that. She's in lala land still. I think George with all his problems is a bit more rational where Casey is concerned and that's why we rarely see him at these hearings.
Welcome back Dave. I know there are times when you start an article and your mind just blanks out, or you just don't want to be bothered because there is way too many things more important to your own life going on. I'm glad you took the time off - it had to have been a help. Take care of yourself.
My disgust with George and Cynthia Anthony has nothing to do with what they did or did not see as they raised Casey and Lee, in doesn't lie with their lack of parental control, it has nothing to do with any values learned or not learned in home. My only issue with Mr and Mrs George Anthony is due to their actions and words after Caylee Anthony was brutally murdered. My vision of them is clearly disgust filled because they have lied, taken, and pointed their fingers at innocent people in an attempt to take eyes off their daughter.
Everyone speaks of "parental love" of "unconditional love" and I guess to me unconditional love is what I have for my sons. I love them when they shine, I love them when they hurt, I love them when they do good, and I will continue to love them should they do bad. But I will not lie for them, I will not cover up their wrongs or attempt to keep the3m from facing the consequences of their actions. I will not deliberately lie about innocent people to save my sons. I will stand by them. I will unconditionally love them while at the same time encouraging them to face the music for the tune they've created.
My issues with George and Cynthisa Anthony are not biased, are not cruel, and are not hateful. I just d not have any respect or compassion for their actions. I do have compassion for the loss of their granddaughter and I certainly have compassion for the fact that all signs point to their daughter as being the killer. Yes, that I have compassion for but I will not give them a pass on their words and actions. I am sorry their daughter destroyed their world because she and she alone has brought this upon them with her actions toward Caylee but our disgust with their lies and their attempts to tamper with justice? that falls soley on their own shoulders. Compassion for the murder of their grandchild does not erase disgust over their obstructing justice. In my world those to feelings toward the Anthonys can survive side by side. Repect is earned, neither Anthony parent has attempted to earn it as of yet.
We missed you, Dave, but am so glad that your parents are feeling better!
I hope that you are taking good care of yourself, while being the caretaker!
I am sure that your folks truly appreciate your being there for them the way you are.
And you will always be glad that you did all that you could to help them too!
Your loyal fan base will be here patiently awaiting your full return to writing and
are glad for any posts and updates on how things are going for you and your loved ones.
Great and interesting post here, in fact! I enjoyed the way you wove it together in that special
way you have of doing so! Thank you!
~~~ Marshmallow: excellent points in your comment!
I get what you're saying Marshmallow. You can and do love your child unconditionally but that doesn't mean you have to love their actions. I always told my kids that I do love them no strings attached but if they ever do something that lands them in jail they'll sit there until they can figure their own way out, because that's not my problem, it's theirs. Cindy in particular needs to wake up once and for all.
Dave so glad you ae back and everyone is feeling better, I pray they continue to get stronger each day. The Caylee documentary is on I.D. right now, you can really see the toll it has taken on Cindy and George. Jesse loved that baby. Baez and Biden are talking about how the State has botched this case. Boy oh boy a lot of water has gone under the bridge since then and now it is coming back to wash away Baez case. Haven't had time to read your article, I know it will be good . Be back later for that.
Dear Dave,
There comes a time to rest body, mind, and soul. It is good to see you back but please don't push yourself. Your friends will all be here when you are ready.
Thankyou for the thought provokeing article Dave..Sorry to hear about your loss an Family personal ill health....Snoops all I know about Canadian Law enforcement is that the Mounties all ways get there man.Dont know what there sucess rate with women is though?
Good Morning All,
Very good article Dave, as usual. I don't know how you found time to write it with all that you have on your plate.
ecossie possie,
Very funny. Don't you know our mounties always get their women, but not in the way that you think. LOL.
Dave; great article. I am simply writing a sentence to see if I am on the subscription list. As you know I have had problems but I think Snoopy and you fixed it. Will let you know. Thanks
IT WORKED!!!!!
YAY! I'm glad it works now, Weezie!
All I can say at this point, and I'd bet my last CANADIAN dollar on it,
the Anthony's probably wish, that they HAD
Nejame representing 'Inmate Anthony' instead of Baez, right about now.
As much as they, WOULD NOT take his advice, all this hindsight and 20/20
talk has me thinking, and I'm almost pretty sure, that they must be now
thinking that he WOULD HAVE been the better attorney to have, if not for
themselves, then for 'IA'.
I know they disagreed on 'IA's situation and circumstances -
He strongly felt that she should plead out, and they would hear none of it.
Of course, at that point in time, he was representing THEM, not 'IA', and
little Caylee had yet to be discovered.
Given the opportunity - After the discovery of the body, and with 'IA' already being
formally charged; if the Anthony's could have had they're choice of lawyer for their daughter,
one can bet their scrawny bottom, they would NOT have chosen Jose Baez for the job.
And now, looking back -
After the more recents events involving Nejame, and what he
has thus far accomplished for his client...
I'm thinking they probably wish it was him going up to bat for 'IA'!
Anyways - that's just what I'm thinking...
Good to see you back, Dave!
Please know, that you are NOT under obligation to us, to hurry back.
Take the time you need - When you need, and know that we'll be here,
patiently waiting, sending good thoughts and prayers your way.
Grieving has its 'ups' and 'downs' - Literally!
And every day brings on different thoughts and feelings (Stages).
I'm sure I don't have to tell you that you have lots of supporting folks here,
and I know you have your closer "friends" whom you can talk to on a more
personal and intimate basis...
I hope you use these supports whenever need be -
Time, and being able to voice one's feelings about our losses, and everyday
stresses, is about the only way to heal.
We do recover, one way or another, eventually -
Somtimes unscathed, sometimes with a few war wounds or battle bruises.
Whatever the case, and either way, we learn, we learn, we learn....
I am glad to see you have all of these kind folks on your side.
And I'm happy be part, albeit small, of this collection of fine people -
Thanks for having me here!
With that, I wish you all a great day, eh!
I'm off to do some digging around...
Warmest regards,
CptKD
As I recall, if Caysey had taken a plea in the beginning, she would have received 8 years.
Knock Knock
Helen, that is what I remember hearing too.
Oh Boy, if that is true s-o-m-e-b-o-d-y imo really messed up on her behalf, unless, of course the prosecution does not have enough to convict her. I suppose in the beginning she thought she had gotten away with everything. I do wonder if she still feels that confident. Getting close to finding out.
I believe they offered that to Casey before Caylee's body was found.
The death penalty was taken off the table Dec 05/08. Caylee's remains were found Dec 11/08. The death penalty was put back on the table April/09. When the grand jury brought down the indictment of Murder One, the death penalty and LWOP are automatically on the table. Baez should have tried to have his client offer a plea before the grand jury came down with its decision. The state may have taken the DP off the table and Casey could have pled guilty with the options of LWOP or Aggrevated Manslaugher. She could have thrown herself on the mercy of the judge.
Now it is possible that Baez tried to get Casey to plea and she refused. It is debatable if Baez was gambling with Casey's life for his own gain or Casey was doing the gambling. It certainly doesn't look too good for Casey at the moment.
Any possable feeler put out regarding a plea to Casey before the remains of Caylee were discovered would have been conditional...8years would have been offered if the death was acidential due to negligence ect....She would have to tell them where Caylees body was located if possable....She would have to be truthfull....Casey would not have been able to fufill any of the conditions to earn herself a reduced sentance plea...She couldnt tell the truth.The death wasnt acidentiall..Locateing Caylees Remains would have nullified any deal as the duct tape points to murder........
Ecossie, I am going to throw this out to you....you are very smart and up on the laws.
Okay, let's say that the state took the DP off the table and Casey pled guilty to killing Caylee accidently, prior to the grand jury meeting on Oct 14th. Let's just say that Casey told the judge that she put the body in an alligator infested lake.
The judge sentences her to 8 years in prison. Now the remains are discovered in Dec and there is duct tape around the skull. This proves that Casey lied. Can she be tried twice for the same crime??
Snoopy: Great question! Woulld love to know the answer to that one. I'm inclined to say no if a
decision was made prior to finding the body.
No Snoops Double Jepordy apllies wether you get found not guilty or a light sentance .You cant be charged an face court for the same offences again...They could apeal the desision at a higher court an try an have the originall sentance/ conviction thrown out on a technicaliy or point of law.If sucessfull then the originall sentance is null an void,Then they could start over as double jeapordy would not apply.Remember Karla Homeka only got a light sentance for her part in sevral murders in Canada.Later on when they found the video tapes proveing she was just as guilty as Paul Bernado.There was nothing they could do to increase her sentance..
Hope everyone is well. Not shouting but I have asked this several times over the past few months--here and on other blogs but no response. WILL THE TRIAL BE TELEVISED OR JUST NEW BLURBS AT NIGHT OF WHAT HAPPENED? I know our dear friend Dave will keep us posted to the max but would love to watch this one on television on a "blow by blow" basis. I know Judge Perry can certainly handle it as well as the prosecution and who cares about the Duhfense. Thanks for response on this particular thing, it is has been on my mind for a while.
Hi, Martha - I don't know for certain, but I asked several media people in Orlando and they are of the opinion that, yes, the trial will be televised. If we are allowed to watch the hearings, why not the trial?
Due to the Sunshine Law in the state of Florida, I am sure the trial will be televised. I am hoping to watch it on the internet since we lost our Court tv here in Canada.
Now back to being tried twice... Casey would have pled guilty and was sentenced before she was charged with Murder one. The charges then were child neglect, Obstructing a police investigating and a couple more. Once the discovery of the remain in Dec/08, and if a grand jury convened, new charges of Murder One would have surfaced. I feel that she could be tried on those new charges and it would not be considered double jeopardy. This is just my own opinion so I am open to be proven wrong.
Casey would be charged and have to go to trial on a different charge, the second time around. A whole new ball game.
Ecossie??? Now what do you think?
Prosecution Gets Chance To Grill New Casey Witnesses
Witnesses Will Be Questioned By Prosecutors This Week Under Oath
There is also a short video clip at this link. It seems that the defense is gung ho on who put the remains in the woods more so than who murdered Caylee.
WESH
I sure hope we can see it way up here in the northland. Anyone know if we will get it too? Snoopy? Yes, it's about time we get this thing started. Thanks Dave. Looks like when I come here I have my information here. I'll let you know if I get other postings.