From the Court House...
Friday, October 21, 2011 at 1:30PM I attended the hearing yesterday — the one pertaining to the release of the video deposition of a tricked out defendant in camouflage that the Morgan & Morgan law firm took on October 8. She continuously invoked her 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination, so, in essence, no reliable information came out of the deposition. Morgan & Morgan represents Zenaida Gonzalez in the civil suit against the mother of Caylee Anthony, accused of her murder and acquitted on July 5 of all charges except lying to law enforcement. She has been in hiding since her release from the Orange County Jail on July 17, and for good reason. She is one of the most hated persons in the world.
John Morgan argued that the defendant has no special rights that should prevent the video from being released under Florida’s liberal open government in the sunshine law. For the defense, Andrew Chmelir argued that there was absolutely no reason for releasing the information, and that if it were to become public, it would open his client up to greater scrutiny and hinder her right to a fair trial. Circuit Judge Lisa T. Munyon is presiding over the civil case and, after listening to both sides, she said she has 10-days to decide and will issue an order within that time frame.
Initially, I was against the lawsuit for a number of reasons. One was that Zenaida is only one of a dozen or so people in the immediate area who share the same name as the fictitious nanny named back in July of 2008 as Caylee’s kidnapper. The Zenaida represented by Morgan is the only one suing for defamation. She cites that her good name was ruined and she has been unable to work ever since. Personally, I think it is time for her to move on with her life, but at the same time, I am in agreement with the plaintiff to a certain extent. John Morgan told her from the start that there would most likely be no money forthcoming if she wins the suit because the defendant would not make money off the death of her daughter. Of course, that was prior to the verdict, when most people, including Morgan, felt she would be spending the rest of her life behind bars or sentenced to death. Since her acquittal, she has yet to capitalize on her story, and rightfully so. Public outrage is so strong, for any media outlet to touch it would surely be toxic. Besides, as Judge Stan Strickland once said, the truth and Ms. Anthony are strangers. You can’t believe a word she says. Why would any entity pay for lies?
Today, I do think that Zenaida Gonzalez deserves to have her good name back, but is it necessary to win the lawsuit in order to achieve it? I don’t know, but it wouldn’t hurt. For sure, Ms. Anthony should have been more forthright about this particular Zenaida, so in that regard, especially since Jose Baez admitted in his opening statement that Caylee was dead all along, his client could have readily dispatched this particular Zenaida and no harm would have been done.
Which way am I leaning about the release of the deposition video? Although I do not think it will hurt Ms. Anthony, I’m not sure why it should be. For one thing, I disagree with her defense’s argument that it would impede her right to a fair trial, where the case would be litigated in a courtroom, not in front of the media and under public scrutiny. After all, she can’t receive any more damage than she’s already brought upon herself, right? But on the other hand, I’m not sure one of Morgan’s arguments is all that valid. Does a law firm’s video deposition fall under the same rule of discovery as the state? In my humble opinion, I don’t think so, so how will the judge rule? I don’t have a clue, but it will be very interesting to find out. How many of us really want to see her? Be honest.
§
Why did I decide to attend the hearing? Oh, I guess it was for old time’s sake. I expected to run into some of the same people I mingled with throughout the hearings and, of course, the trial. I felt it would be very good to let everyone know about my health, too, and I was right. There were days during the trial when I looked like death warmed over. One of the deputies told me, “And then you had to run home and write about the day, only to return in the morning.” He was right, and I told him it was more than just that. I had a very disciplined and demanding editor who yelled more than Great Caesar’s ghost! at some of the things I wrote. I will admit that the experience taught me a lot about writing, thanks to him.
It was a very good day to mingle and reminisce. It was also good to re-acquaint myself with John Morgan from years ago, and he was curious about me, meaning he certainly knew who I was. To be honest, he is a very friendly and approachable sort, and extremely polite. When his son, Matt, saw us talking, he made it a point to introduce himself, too. There was no huge ego. Obviously, his mother and father brought him up right, and no doubt, he’s got a tremendous future ahead and I wish him all the best.
Finally, allow me to put one rumor to bed. According to an extremely reliable source, who shall remain nameless, Judge Strickland is relinquishing his bench for exactly the reason he stated. After 16 years, he wants out. He wants to help his wife with her business. This has absolutely nothing to do with any sort of investigation into how he handled the issue with the “blogger” named Marinade Dave or his statements made after the trial on Nancy Grace. Yes, WFTV hinted that there may just be an investigation, but my source was quick to point out that Channel 9 is the first and biggest one to sensationalize the news. Anything for ratings.
Rest assured, there is no investigation and Judge Strickland had every right to say anything he wanted after the trial ended. Besides, he already knew by then that he was going to retire. The decision was something he gave much thought to. This is a judge who so richly deserves a huge round of applause from all of us. I am honored to know him.
I will be away from my computer for several hours today. If you get caught in moderation, I will let you out when I can - later today.
Dave Knechel | tagged Andrew Chmelir, Circuit Judge Lisa T. Munyon, John Morgan, Matt Morgan, Morgan & Morgan | in Casey Anthony, Caylee Anthony, Charles M. Greene, Dave Knechel, David B. Knechel, David Knechel, Florida’s Government in the Sunshine, Judge Stan Strickland, Marinade Dave, Marinade Dave Knechel, Marinade Dave’s Caylee Anthony Posts, Nancy Grace, Orange County Jail, Orlando Magazine, WFTV, Zenaida Gonzalez, marinadedave | Share Article 
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Reader Comments (28)
Dave, A first-class blog today. So pleased you decided to attend the hearing, and was delighted you felt well enough to attend. The felon appeared in camouflage, surprise, surprise! I suppose she wants to wait until she gets some blood money for her first appearance. Morgan and Morgan may not win this one, however I do hope they give the sociopath a run for her money. I was sad to see Judge Strickland retire. Orlando has lost a good and moral judge. It would be great to see him in the news giving his wisdom on other cases. You are fortunate to know him personally. It seems like yesterday, when the felon’s mafia defense team attacked him. Dave, I have never disliked anyone in the way that I do Casey Anthony, Baez, and one finger Mason. Three years of lies, cheating and laughing at the law, is too much. They say you should pray for someone you loathe, I know that is what I should do; yet I am unable to do so. Lord knows they could use some prayers.
Thanks, Rob. I'm glad I went. I'm going to try to attend more of the hearings, too. Even if Morgan loses, I can see someone like Tim Miller winning, since Ca Ca admitted Caylee was dead all along. The grand search was a complete waste of time, money, and resources that could have been available elsewhere. What a shame.
Dave~~thanks for making a trip to the courthouse. It was so good to see you in a familar setting. Just like old times eh?
Zenaida Gonzales is the only Zenaida that went to Sawgrass and filled out an application on June 18th. I believe this made her more of a 'nanny suspect' than all the other ones with a similar name as hers.
I commend John Morgan for standing up for this Zenaida. I doubt if Zenaida will end up with monetary compensation for this defamation if she wins the suit. But who knows, maybe she can cash in on any future monies that Casey and Baez are dreaming of making. Cindy Anthony is the one I would have gone after too. It was her big mouth before the media that did not clear Zenaida. She had the opportunity to do so but preferred to listen to Casey's lies about not being shown a picture of Zenaida.
Bon Voyage and drive safely, my friend. I hope you packed those delicious Kellogg's Bran Bud.. LOL
Dave: As always, a great write-up. I caught sight of you in a short video clip from WESH--I thought you looked wonderful considering everything you have been through lately. That part cheered me up a little bit. lol
Anyway, if I never see another picture of her long, narrow face as long as I live I'll only be too happy. It sickens my soul to see how everything always goes her way, but I've come to expect it now.
Regarding ZFG--people forget, I think, what that woman went through in first months of it being reported that Caylee was 'missing'. She was spit on by the public and both her children and herself were threatened in terrifying ways. Remember that it is not her fault that this has drug on for so long. The judges kept postponing it--for fear it would prejudice little Miss CaCa.
I think she has won in a way--people are very clear now that she had nothing to do with Caylee's disappearance and murder. I'm sorry for her unnecessary suffering--it doesn't seem right to me, but somehow all that is allowed to matter is CaCa. CaCa needs. CaCa rights. CaCa monetary future. {I sigh, swallow and gag}
I read and watch very little on her now--I was just drawn to comment here because I enjoy your blog.
Take care.
Dave I love your flair for telling a story. What I wonder is how long will someone pay for Casey to hide-out? I would think if I was her hide-out home or location I'd get a little tired of the world's biggest mooch sponging and whining off me.
I can not imagine what it's like to be Casey. To be in my mid-20s, daughter dead, family estranged, notoriously hated...I would have been utterly miserable. I wonder if Casey is at all or if her sociopathic mind copes just fine. I'd like the video to be released. I'd watch for entertainment's sake at this point.
Frankly, a lot of this Zenaida's problems finding employment may have to do with that huge honkin' pot leaf tattoo all over her exposed and ample chest! BUT I am more than happy to watch this unfold, to any present or future detriment or discomfort of the Baby Killing Skank. Go, and Godspeed Mr. Morgan! Glad to see this writeup....
Personaly I agree with Nan11 I have had enough of Casey Cindy George the entire Anthill Mob.Ihave no wish to see this depo tape..The only way I want to hear off them again is if an when they get there comeupanse. I wont hold my breathe though..B T W Mr an Mrs Baez where wined an dined an taken to a show last week by Barbra Wallters...She was probably angling for an exclusive interveiw with Casey.... M O O........ps Great Article Dave.
Rob - I can't seem to do much editing on my iPad, so I'll finish here. Judge Strickland is a fantastic person, and he's respected by everyone... Except Mason. Believe me, you are not alone in your dislike for Caylee's mother, but you may take solace in knowing that she will never rehabilitate herself in the public's eyes -not in this country, anyway. She'll always be a loner.
Hi, Snoopy -It was great to be back in that familiar setting. If future hearings are held in a hearing room instead of a courtroom, I probably won't go. I don't know for sure.
I think it will be a long time before she shows her complete face. She knows how easily she can be recognized. That would put her life in danger. I, for one, do not think people should take the law into their own hands.
Interestingly, Morgan's client is ZG, without the F, but I want more proof that there is a direct correlation between her, Ca Ca, and the Sawgrass Apartments. I have yet to see it confirmed, but because of the coincidence, LE had to follow up on it. Was she right to complain and file suit? In my opinion, yes and no. And I have no idea how it will play out in court. Texas EquuSearch, on the other hand... They have a case.
As for little miss Ca Ca, I hope she pays out every penny she makes.
Thanks for commenting. I figured I could kill a couple other birds with one stone, particularly the one about JS.
Thanks, nan11. I guess I looked OK, considering what I've been through lately. It was good to get out again, but I was worn out by the time I got home.
I kind of got your comment and Snoopy's confused on the iPad because I answered part of yours on hers. There's not much playing room between the comment and the iPad keyboard, so sorry about that.
I'm glad most of the world has moved on from Ca Ca, and I'm grateful you enjoy my blog. Thank you!
When I first starting following this case I read sooooo much information. I'm now at the point that I have information overload from a case where a mother murdered her child and got away with it, IMO. I thought it was proven that the Zenaida Gonzalez that is suing CaCa for defamation had ties to the same tattoo shop that Casey and Caylee hung around. God, what does that tell us? Casey Anthony hung around a tattoo parlour with her baby. Yikes!
Zenaida and her boyfriend were customers at the same tattoo parlour. I saw a pic of Zenaida's boyfriend there. I think it was called Cast Iron Tattoos. Who's to say that Zenaida or her boyfriend, or one of her kids weren't in the tattoo shop when CaCa was there getting her Beautiful Life tattoo? Then she saw them at Saw Grass Apartments. I think there is far more to the story then we are privy to and Morgan and Morgan are not tipping their hand at this point. The fact that Baby Caylee's dumping ground was at the property line of a Zenaida and Gonzalez is food for thought and may just show how very, very devious CaCa really is. I truly believe that CaCa is a very dangerous psycopath who will become more dangerous as time goes on. Wow! She got away with murdering her innocent child IMHO and will surely get rich because of it. Scary!
Dave~ ~With regard to the Honorable Judge Stan Strickland and a man I admire, why shouldn't he be able to retire with dignity? Judge Strickland was doing fine until Cheney Mason came on the scene. Mason wanted a judge that he could manipulate and Strickland was having no part of it. Mason suggested to Strickland that he could have him recused and then suggested they have a private meeting. How unethical is that? A defense attorney wanting to set up a private meeting with the sitting judge on the case he was defending.
Dave, they chose you to be the patsy. The judge did not do anything wrong by calling you up to the bench while the cameras were still rolling. When Strickland read at your blog, he was on the internet doing his homework as the defense had just filed a motion for a change of venue and cited comments made on certain blogs. All Stan was doing happened to be trying to verify if what the defense was alleging was authentic. The defense under the direction of good old Mason found a loop hole and the opportunity to get rid of Judge Strickland.
I see no reason that a judge cannot comment on a case if he is no longer presiding over that case. I did not like the last sentence that WFTV wrote in their article. They left the door open so some would think that the judge may be forced into retirement because there may be a complaint filed against him that we do not have privy to. It is all about sensationalism. I am beginning to think that Mason may be doing some freelance writing for WFTV. j/k.
I wish Judge Strickland the very best when he retires on Dec 31st. I just wish that I could entice him to come to Nova Scotia for some beer and lobster. He deserves the very best because, in my book, he is a true gentleman and a wonderful judge.
I wish Stan would write a book.... then maybe we can find out the truth. Did he have lunch with a blogger while he was courting him? Sorry....just had to throw than in, Dave.
I peronally believe that Cheney Mason wouldn't understand the meaning of the word ethical if it bit him in the ass!
Thank you, Patti O, and I really do enjoy telling a good story. I need to get back into my work, but more diverse than before.
I've wondered the same thing about mooching. How much longer can it last? Since we know nothing about her, who knows who she's spending her time with? God knows how many love letters and checks she got in jail, so anything is possible. Personally, I don't think she cares what people think of her or who she's alienated. She only cares for herself.
Personally, Karen, I think you're on to something. The main problem with this Zenaida is that she actually believes her life has been totally ruined. No matter what,that cannot be true. When is the right time to move on in your life? I don't think she wants to. I don't think she wants to work. Now, or ever again. Yes, and then there's those tattoos. I mean, what does it tke to get a job cleaning houses? Or a motel maid? Who's paying her room and board?
While she may have suffered and actually feels she was defamed, okay, fine, but for the rest of her life? Can she blame one person forever?
I caan certainly understand information overload, Terrytsk, and after the trial ended, it was months before I could even bring myself to writing anything more about it.
I had forgotten about the tattoo shop tie-in. You're right, but I don't know why Ca Ca would single out that particular Zenaida and not pick her out in a phot line-up. I guess we'll just have to wait until the trial to find the answers, but by then, who will care? One thing is certain, she has not been living a beautiful life at all and I hope it stays that way. I think the most important thing we can hope, wish and pray for is that she never have another child again.
Nice post Dave. I have to ask....did the murderess keep her camaflouge on throughout the hearing? Personally, I have no desire to see the wench. I do hope she has the ability to dream at night of the good things she once had in life waking only to emptiness and loneliness.....snark, snark.
Judge Strickland is one classy guy. I love that he's going to do what he's going to do and whatever is said about him is just said !
Snoopy, I think what you wrote about Judge Strickland is very eloquent. He did nothing wrong and neither did I. What Mason did was a sham and he did nothing to tarnish the judge's name or record. Everyone in that courthouse knows what kind of man he is and he leaves there with his integrity intact. I know why he's leaving and what he told Bob Kealing and Bill Sheaffer is the truth. I find it ironic that WFTV would question whether there's an investigation when their own legal analyst claims otherwise. Is that a news station or a gossip show? Anyway, you're right, and thank you for saying what you did.
Hi, Newbie! She didn't attend the hearing. She wore big glasses and, possibly a wig, during her videotaped deposition with the Morgan law firm. She wasn't in the courtroom, but she will be during the trial, I'm sure. I used the word camouflage loosely, but she was just trying to hide her identity, quite possibly to keep us from seeing how much she's changed her looks today, just in case the video is released later on. We should know by the end of next week.
I'm certain she has nightmares. Just from what Lazzaro said about waking up crying, she will probably be haunted for the rest of her life, and rightly so.
As for Judge Strickland, I know for a fact that you are 100% correct. He is one heck of a classy guy and they don't come better than him. In my opinion, it was atrocious for WFTV to even consider hinting that he might be under investigation. Talk about no class, this is what that station has always done - sensationalize, sensationalize, sensationalize! Too bad, because they've done some great reporting and they've got some great reporters.
Thank you for enjoying the post. It's good to know I can still write when I put my mind to it.
Hi Dave
I am so pleased you were well enough to attend the hearing. Thank you for writing about it so we can all share in the experience. Judge Strickland has excellent taste in writers, he has had an illustrious career and I'm sure he will enjoy supporting his wife in her venture too. Ha, I read your comment about your iPad, I need a license to drive one, it autocorrects with some very strange substitute words. You are way more cool than me Dave, I didn't even know what one was until this year.
Hi, Tiffany - HA! I don't know about being way cooler than you, but I seriously doubt it. I know what you mean by autocorrecting. I type in a lower case "i" in HTTP code and it changes it to upper case so the code won't work. Also, there isn't much room to see anything once the keypad kicks in. The laptop is much more convenient, but the iPad is great when traveling.
I am really honored to have met and gotten to know Judge Strickland. He's one of the best, Although I would rather he remain on the bench, I respect his decision and I know what a wonderful job he'll do working alongside his wife. I've never met her, but I understand she's a real hoot.
Thanks, Tiffany!
Hey Dave~ I am finally awake enough to read your new post. Excellent.
First imo ZFG should get something. I do not care if it is a dollar. When lying sl*t tossed a name out it became a household name. In fact Cindy searched for the nanny until 6 weeks before trial. So I believe that makes her responsible for the crap that came ZG's way. People threatened this woman's children. All because of a lying sl*t. Again this is just my opinion but yes Casey did lie and in a way this ZG got tied up in it.
Judge Stan is a good man. Just like everyone else he is entitled to his opinions even if Mason and Baez does not like it. I wish him well in his retirement and hopefully he will make time to comment with the rest of us. Oh Lord Snoopy will melt! :)
I am still on medications so if I made many mistakes I will need to blame it on them. I should get my results Tuesday, hopefully they are back by then. xxx
Thank you, Laura! Great to see you, too. I hope all went well and tomorrow brings you good news.
My guess is that if Zenaida wins the suit, she will be awarded more than a dollar, on the contingency that the amount is deducted from future income that Ca Ca claims. She certainly cannot work under the table for the rest of her life. As for Zenaida, either way, she needs to move on with her life. No matter what we think of the defendant, the plaintiff cannot use her as her personal scapegoat for the rest of her life. It's quite evident she is not ruined for the rest of her life.
I think it would be very interesting to read a book by Judge Strickland, but I doubt one is forthcoming. But you never know. Unfortunately for Snoopy, he's definitely not the type of man who would spend any time commenting on blogs, but then again, one never knows.
Please let me know your results when you get them. E-mail me if you wish. Thanks!
Y'all know the jury names were released today... but apparently not those of the alternates. Wonder how this is playing there in Orlando? Are folks generally hostile still or numb or sympathetic even...
There doesn't seem to be any stirring in Orlando, Karen. Nothing. The Sentinel is reporting that their reporters are knocking on doors, attempting to interview them, but nobody seems to be home -- or willing to answer.
I think Judge Perry was right in keeping the names locked up all this time. Public fervor has since died down. Most people are trying to forget Ca Ca and the entire mess, though I think some of it is still relevant. While I want to move on, there are lawsuits that I will probably cover, Other than that, I seldom bring up the case when I'm out and about, and questions regarding the case are becoming less frequent. People in Orlando weren't happy with the verdict, either.
Quickie correction- two of the Alternates had "outed" themselves already, and the other two's names were released today as well (but not listed on various websites).
I would've had vacation plans set for the next two weeks myself... like to Outer Mongolia.
You know, I did see their names, but I forgot them already. I'm glad, for their sake, things have cooled down.
Dave~ ~ the Pinellas County jurors get no sympathy from me. They were assigned to do a job and failed miserably. Things worked in Ca Ca's favor. Due to a tight budget, Judge Perry rushed things. More time should have been alloted for picking a jury. It is all water under the bridge now. I will tune in if some of these pending suits against Ca Ca every materialize but other than that, she is history!
One other thing.... having a change of venue for picking a jury should be abolished. Dr Conrad Murray's case is doing just fine with a non sequestered jury. BTW, Judge Michael Pastor is doing one terrific job on the bench in the Murray trial.
I can understand why the jury would get no sympathy, Snoopy. Interestingly, you are correct in your assessment that everything seemed to work in Ca Ca's favor, but just like OJ, the civil suits may bite her very hard. The one that I am full support of is TES. Since she knew her daughter was no longer living, why waste all that money on worthless searches?
Personally, I felt she could have gotten a fair trial from an Orange County jury, but the judge begged to differ. I wouldn't compare her to Murray, though. People took this one a lot more personally than the death of MJ. This was an innocent, doe-eyed, child. Jackson was... well, different. Not that he deserved to die or anything, but Caylee was easy to fall in love with.