Cheney Mason Jars the Truth, By George!
Sunday, July 6, 2014 at 12:18PM It’s hard to believe that Casey Anthony was found not guilty of first-degree murder three years ago, but she was. My coverage of the case began in November of 2008 and continued in earnest until the verdict. That’s when it ended. Many people wanted me to resume writing about her — the lawsuits and bankruptcy — but my job was finished. Those news stories were of little relevancy to me, so I never wrote about her again. Until now. Something (or someone) has piqued my interest. Most assuredly, it must be of major importance to stir me from my restful, peaceful, crime-free, post-Zimmerman Rip Van Winklish sleep, right? Yes, and it’s Cheney Mason. Just as the Casey Anthony saga began with a flurry of horrible lies, the nest of iniquity continues.
Certainly, I have reasons to seek vengeance on those who took down the presiding judge at my expense, but I’m not a begrudging type, and the years have softened my stance to some extent. Jose Baez apologized years ago. It was nothing personal against me, he said, but he didn’t feel Casey could get a fair trial, especially in light of the check fraud pleas. That’s a different story and I understand more about the incident after years of study and reflection; however, I firmly believe the idea was the brainchild of a vindictive Cheney Mason. Mason had it in for Judge Stan Strickland and you are just going to have to trust me on it with no further explanation at this time. Asking the judge to recuse himself from this case is not the reason why I decided to pick up my pen. It’s to set the record straight over what I consider to be a persistent and perpetuating lie perpetrated by Mason — that poor, little Casey is innocent of any and all wrongdoing, and that the media and prosecution are guilty of everything.
In his book, Presumed Guilty | Casey Anthony: The Inside Story, Baez wrote:
Casey and I had discussed her sexual abuse, and I felt it was only a matter of time before she would tell me the truth about what happened to Caylee.
This was immediately followed by:
The day I had a major breakthrough with Casey came in the early months of 2009 […]
He continues to explain what Casey told him about the drowning and her father’s involvement:
“Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone. I’m taking care of it. Don’t say a word of this to anyone, especially your mother,” and he walked away.
Believe what you want. My point is that for over two years, until the onset of the trial in downtown Orlando, her defense team maintained an oblivious facade about the cause of Caylee’s death, and the public and many facets of the media were eschewing whatever Baez, et al, spit out. If she was so innocent, why not come forward much sooner than the trial? To be Nancy Grace-like, it would have been a BOMBSHELL and it would have sent the prosecution reeling into a downward, spiraling tizzy… momentarily, at least, until it had a chance to regroup. Instead, the young woman sat in jail from October 14, 2008 to July 17, 2011.
(I think it’s important to remind you, before I go on, that Baez was not death penalty qualified, so Mason was hired, pro-bono, in March of 2010, a year before Casey opened her mouth about the death of her daughter, as cited above. Mason had collaborated with Baez prior to officially joining the defense, too, so he was aware of his new client’s alibi and the accusation of sexual abuse. Unfortunately for George Anthony, he was going to be the defense scapegoat and he didn’t have a clue. If I was a minor target, George was huge.)
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Presently, I know precisely what Mason is spewing. It’s called marketing propaganda and he’s doing it to promote his new book, Justice in America: How the Media and Prosecutors Stack the Deck Against the Accused due out soon. I think it’s important and fair to first note that Mason does come with credentials. He’s a highly regarded veteran of criminal defense trials, as CNN’s Jean Casarez just pointed out in her interview with him, What life is like for Casey Anthony, updated July 4:
A former president of the Florida Association of Criminal Lawyers, Mason, who just that year had been selected by Florida Monthly magazine as one of Florida’s top lawyers, was disgusted with the local media coverage about the relatively inexperienced Baez.
That’s great. What a hero. Definitely, Baez was treated with contempt by the public and press, but it came with the territory of representing the most reviled woman in America and Baez knew that. What he needed was help forming a strong and capable defense, not a pompous ass press secretary/superhero. For now, though, let’s continue with the version Casarez wrote and elicited from Mason:
Shortly before jury selection was to begin, Mason got word that Anthony’s handwritten letters describing sexual abuse at the hands of her father were going to be made public under Florida’s open records law.
He believed it was only right that Anthony’s parents, George and Cindy, were warned. He called them to his office late on a Friday afternoon.
“We had them one at a time come into my personal office and made the announcement: ‘Monday’s going to be a bad day for you George. I felt man to man I would tell you in advance.”“
Mason said George Anthony’s reaction was “basically none.” “He looked at me … I turned sideways a little bit, he clapped his hands down on his thighs — let out a big sigh but didn’t say anything,” Mason said.
“He never admitted doing anything,” Mason said. “All we had were the letters and (separately) the statements Casey had made to the psychiatrist.”
According to Mason, he then called Cindy in to inform her.
Next it was Cindy Anthony’s turn. “We called Mom in, Cindy, and told her and she immediately welled up with emotion, cried, was very upset,” Mason said.
This is not what I recall from my experience with the case. Please note that Mason said George and Cindy Anthony went to his personal office after he got word, yet in his book, Baez wrote something contrary to Mason’s revelation.
Two psychiatrists evaluated Casey for the defense, Drs. Jeffrey Danziger and William Weitz. Danziger was initially appointed by the court in 2008 following her arrest. For the defense, he met with her four times in November and December of 2010. Weitz conducted two interviews in February and March of 2011. According to Baez:
After the prosecution took the depositions of the two psychiatrists, both sides agreed they should be sealed because they contained medical information as it related to Casey’s mental health, and there were issues of sexual abuse by George and Lee, which was protected under state law. Perry immediately sealed them, saying that he wanted to review them before deciding whether they should remain sealed.
Baez continued:
A couple of days later, Cindy called me to say she and George had an appointment the next day at the state attorney general’s office to discuss the depositions of the shrinks.
I lost it. I smelled the skullduggery of Ashton and immediately contacted Perry, telling him that the state was planning to meet with the Anthonys to discuss the information that he had sealed.
Perry had a clear response: “Sealed means sealed.” Despite this clear message from the judge, the prosecution went ahead and had its meeting anyway. That was the arrogance of Ashton, whose attitude was, “I can do anything I want because I can get away with it.”
And get away with it he did.
In fact, according to Baez, the prosecution didn’t show the Anthonys the depositions, it showed them the notes they took during the depositions:
[…] The benefit to the prosecution by making sure the Anthonys found out what was in the shrinks’ depositions, of course, was that when the Anthonys found out that Casey was revealing George’s sexual abuse, they would turn on Casey, no longer support her, and became [sic] state-friendly witnesses.
I thought Cheney was going to have a heart attack. […]
This is proof that Mason did not individually call George and Cindy into his office to “warn” them. Instead, Baez warned Mason about what the Anthonys learned from prosecutors. But wait! There’s more…
Before Presumed Guilty was released, then assistant state attorney Jeff Ashton published his book, Imperfect Justice | Prosecuting Casey Anthony. He had something to say about this matter, too, and it offers a third view, far removed from Cheney Mason’s. Beginning on page 215:
Even though the witnesses had been withdrawn [Danziger and Weitz], Linda [Drane Burdick], Frank [George] and I wondered how much of this George and Cindy knew. Just because the defense had dropped the witnesses didn’t mean they were abandoning the argument completely. There was still a chance that George could be dragged into this.
One evening around the time that all this was happening, Mark Lippman, the attorney who by then was representing George and Cindy, filed a strange press release. It said something to the effect that George Anthony had nothing to do with the disappearance of Caylee.
Ashton contacted Lippman, assuming that Baez had spilled the beans:
Mark told me that a few days earlier, Baez had asked for a meeting with just Cindy. When she arrived at his office, Baez, Dorothy Sims, and Ann Finnell via the phone were waiting for her with important news. Baez proceeded to tell Cindy that Casey had authorized him to say that Caylee had died at the house and that her death had been an accident. Baez also told Cindy that the state was investigating George’s involvement with Caylee’s death. Baez claimed that the authorities had information from a witness who said that George’s phone records held valuable clues.
I was speechless. Poor Mark only knew the tip of the iceberg. It was the cruelest thing I have ever seen an attorney do. […] To tell this grieving woman…
To say that Ashton was outraged would be an understatement. This is what pushed him to tell the Anthonys the whole story — to warn them.
I told Mark we weren’t investigating George, although sadly, there was more bad news. But I had to get back to him about it. Linda and I discussed the best way to handle the therapists’ reports and we decided to invite Mark, Cindy, and George to our office. I gave Mark a call.
“Are they saying that George disposed of the body?” He responded by telling Lippman it was worse than that.
When Baez found out that Cindy was coming to our office to see what the doctors had said, he immediately shot off an e-mail to Judge Perry, essentially accusing us of violating Perry’s order.
Linda said that Judge Perry’s order indicated only that the transcripts would not be made public documents; it never restricted our ability to investigate the story, and there was no way we were going to let Jose’s lies go unchallenged. Baez would later attack us on this point, but the judge agreed with us.
The prosecutors decided to discuss their notes and recollections with the Anthonys since the depositions were, in fact, sealed. Caylee’s grandparents needed to know the truth about what was actually going on, despite the inherent risk of possible witness tampering accusations.
George and Cindy were visibly upset when they arrived at the state attorneys office, Ashton pointed out.
Before the meeting, we’d told Mark that we would speak to him privately and share what we knew with him. Then it would be up to him to decide what to tell the Anthonys. We put George and Cindy in the conference room and took Mark into the office with us.
Lippman heard the entire story…
Mark left and went to the conference room to talk to the Anthonys for what seemed like twenty to thirty minutes. Linda and I were in a nearby conference room when Mark came to find us. Cindy and George had questions, and we accompanied him back to the conference room. Cindy was sitting at the table just looking down. George was next to her, his face bright red. Cindy looked angry. George looked like he had been crying, like someone had just killed Caylee all over again. He was just devastated.
“I just want you to know that none of this is true,” George said to us.
Cindy patted him on the hand and said, “It’s okay, George. Nobody believes this.”
His words would catch in his throat as he assured us one more time, “I just want you to know that everything I told you is the truth and I am not changing any of it.”
I remember Cindy saying something like, “I don’t know what’s wrong with her,” referring to Casey. At least she was finally willing to admit that there was something not right about Casey. How it would affect her testimony at trial, though, was anyone’s guess.
There you have it. The rest is history. But is Cheney Mason rewriting the history books to glorify himself? To give himself most of the credit for saving poor, innocent, child-like Casey? Sometimes, certainly in this case, when someone keeps telling himself the same thing over and over and over again, he begins to believe it. Mason is, after all, one of Florida’s BEST attorneys, as I’m sure he would quickly remind us and his mirror. And if Washington chopped down the cherry tree, he chopped down the giant Ashton tree. And didn’t tell a lie. Yes, man-to-man, he gently pulled George into his office to softly break the news. What a kind and compassionate father figure. Only, I wouldn’t buy a used lemon from the man.
The amazon.com Website promo intro of Mason’s book says, “He shares never before revealed media bias, and enough case secrets to make readers re-examine their conscience and the quick path to judgment and personal conviction of Anthony.”
I am deeply concerned about the honesty of those “case secrets,” especially coming from a man with so much documented bias against the media. Until he needs to use us.
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I think it’s important to mention something more enlightening about the defense psychiatrists, Drs. Danziger and Weitz. They were most likely removed as witnesses out of fear that the judge would have granted the state their own psychiatrist, who would have interviewed their client. That would have been problematic for Casey and the entire defense. It’s also necessary to say that Danziger was highly uncomfortable with being a mouthpiece for these “very, very serious allegations against someone in a situation where there is no other evidence he actually did anything.” (Imperfect Justice, Page 210.)
Dave Knechel | in Ann Finnell, Casey Anthony, Caylee Anthony, Cheney Mason, Chief Judge Belvin Perry, Cindy Anthony, Dave Knechel, David B. Knechel, David Knechel, Death Penalty, Dorothy Clay Sims, Dr. Jeffrey Danziger, Dr. William Weitz, Florida Attorney General, Frank George, George Anthony, Jeff Ashton, Jose Baez, Judge Stan Strickland, Lee Anthony, Linda Drane Burdick, Marinade Dave, Marinade Dave Knechel, Marinade Dave’s Caylee Anthony Posts, Mark Lippman, Nancy Grace, Ninth Circuit Court, Ninth Judicial Circuit, State Attorney's Office, marinadedave | Share Article 
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Reader Comments (54)
Wonderful post Dave! Great to see you back.
Thank you, southernlace! It feels good to be back, too. Hmm... I wonder how long it will last..?
Thanks for putting this together, I bought the Ashton book but cannot in good consciience by the Mason...a funny story for you that speakes to character. My good friend Connie (99 years old yestreday) taught Cheney Mason in her 5th grade class. she recalled to me that he was a very troubled youth,,a smart aleck, and a notorious liar. Seemslike not much has changed.This retired teacher is the essence of truth, and does not have a vindictive bone in her body. Seems like everyone in our community is connected to the death of Caylee. What a trial, and what a verdict. Glad to see you posting again.
Wow, cocotater, that is quite revealing! A notorious liar!!! How interesting. Thank you so much for your insight and PLEASE wish Connie a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
(Unfortunately, I will have to buy Mason's book to see what he wrote, especially when it comes to Strickland's recusal and what he said about me and everyone else. I may just have to rip his story to shreds, like I did here.)
Please Dave give us a review on the book & then rip him to shreds..
I may indeed do that, southernlace. I'm sure there will be some elements of truth in the book, too. I will try to find them.
Marinade Dave~~Bravo Bravo Bravo! This is what I call investigative reporting at its finest! You hit the nail on the head when you referred to him as a "Pompous Ass" as it certainly fits Mason to a T as in Egotist.
I have so much more to say but will give your readers a chance before I go into an overwhelming rant of what I think of Chaney Mason. I will word my comments carefully so as not to leave myself wide open for a defamation suit as no doubt, Mason needs money to help support his new 'interest'..
Thanks, Dave! You made` my day.
Thank you, SnoopySleuth! I sure did put a lot of work into this piece and I didn't know how it would be welcomed. After all, I could have been rusty after all this time asleep at the wheels of justice. I'm glad I'm not and I'm glad I made your day! As for worrying about a defamation suit... NOT A CHANCE!!! If anything, Mason is wearing a defecation suit.
Bravo, Dave...Good to see you back!! I have missed my daily "Marinade Fix"...I'll settle for what ever you write fact or fiction...So glad that Mason is transparent...I won't buy his book and I've not read Aston's nor Baez' book...I leave the deciphering up to you...
Thank you, Estee, and it's a real pleasure seeing you, as well! I would venture a guess that as long as Mason has something to say, I will have something to write about. Most of his stuff will be worthless, though.
You know, I've been seriously thinking about writing fiction, but I don't know what yet. It's definitely on my mind...
Bravo Dave!!!
What a welcoming surprise! I so missed reading your articles. As for Cheney Mason and Poor Little Defenseless Casey Anthony? BIRDS of a Feather FLOCK together!!!! They are one in the same! Please continue the writing! And I hope you are feeling well!!
Well Mason best don his defecation suit as I am about to take aim at the fan.
The middle finger white bearded wonder has a selective memory as he can block things out to suit his advantage. Prior to volunteering his proclaimed expertise to aid the defense, he was interviewed by the dreaded media and stated he felt Casey was guilty and her only salvation would be to cop a plea....Oh, how soon we forget? Uh uh, most of us remember...but white beard blocks it out.
So what changed? Well, how can an egotist sit back and not appease his appetite for celebrity? He certainly could not stay on the sidelines when HE had all the answers, after all he was proclaimed one of the best 'death qualified' defense attorneys in Florida. And so he swaggered (his arrogant gait) up to Baez with Pro Bono etched on his brow.
Judge Strickland had denied several defense motions just prior to White Beard's grand entrance and this had to change so WB (short for White Beard) decided to put his outdated stamp on a Motion...oops it ended up being denied but not because of the stamp...soooooo Strickland had to go.
Y'all recall WB's first day in court when he looked up at Stan and said, "You trust me don't you?"...an embarrassed judge was caught off guard and replied, "Of course I do." Ashton made an audible chuckle and WB turned toward Jeff with, "Just ignore the ignorant."
To be con't ...
Oh my what a wonderful early birthday gift {12th}.. My Dave is back again.. I have missed reading your posts. I tried to keep up with the eight year old autism girl trial and I was wishing you were reporting on that .Did you see the pictures of WB and caca, looking like she has had a boob job,? My anger still rises at the mention of Simms, caca and WB. Be back later, don't run . away.
Hi, Dave!
Thanks so much for this! The item from Mason's teacher was PRICELESS! And my mother was an elementary school teacher and NO ONE knows kids as well as their teachers!
Cheney Mason saw that Baez was out of his element and went in to monitor and take Casey over for the long term. WHen all the rest are gone, Mason will be there to help Casey make her money to tell her fabricated story.
I don't care who says what, I know in my heart of hearts that Casey killed Caylee - most probably out of over-reaction/anger to Casey's fight with Cindy on Father's Day .... The fight that Cindy will deny till the day that she dies, but that neighbors heard and Lee told Jesse Grund about ....
And the proof is that when they finally got Casey's car back, Cindy and George had it destroyed ....but kept on swimming in that swimming pool. What grandparents would continue to swim in the pool in which their grand-daughter allegedly drowned??? Case closed. Casey got away with murder. She knows it and thinks she's just smarter than anyone else....and Cheney Mason thinks that it's funny ...because he's going to be the one who really cashes in. And he can give the finger to anyone he wants .....I'd still be afraid to meet my Maker if I were Cheney Mason .....God don' t like ugly ...
Please write your critique of Cheney Mason's book! I can't wait!
God Bless!
Margaret~~check this out,,,looks like White Beard has taken on a much younger look...hmmmmm
White Beard and his new ??
Hi, margaret! An early birthday gift? When is the big day???
I'm very happy you like what I wrote. Yes, I'm back, but I don't know when I'll find something else to write, although I could possibly do a short piece on George - much shorter than this one. Yes, I saw the pictures Mason published. Who was he trying to impress?
I find it difficult to report on a case that I can't follow from inside the courtroom. There's something that can't be substituted for that, as far as my personality is concerned, so it would have been difficult to impossible for me to say much about the autistic girl trial. Besides, I'm semi-retired. Or retired. I'm not sure, but I'll be here when you come back.
I'm sorry, Holly & Sage, I almost missed your comment!
Thank you, you never know when I might surprise you. Yes, they are birds, alright, and not the kind I'd want flying over me. The droppings would be messy.
Right now, I can't complain much about my health, so that's a good thing. I appreciate your asking. Hopefully, something else will come along that tickles my writing fancy. If not crime related, then something else - fact or fiction. Until then... thank you again!
Hi, Jnpgh!
You are quite welcome! And that comment about Mason's teacher WAS priceless. Mason may have seen that Baez was out of his league but, in the end, Baez got the credit and Mason has been reeling ever since. Alas, Mason won the bigger prize... Casey! HAHAHAHAHA!!! What a prize she is, but she'll never be worth a thing. No one would ever buy into her story.
As for the Anthonys, I wasn't writing a sympathy card. I'm sure I'll have a thing or two to write about them. I learned at the courthouse, first-hand, that they are never to be trusted. The apple didn't fall far from the tree.
Trust me, the more I hear from Mason, the more I'll write about him. I will read his book, but it's going to be like chopped buzzard liver and eggs.
God Bless!
Mason thinks he won this case. Of course he does, being an egotist. He can take the credit for getting Judge Strickland recused. He wanted a judge to cater to him so watched the rotation. He was judge shopping. I believe prior to filing the motion to have Stan off the bench, he made a remark to Strickland at the bench..."You can be removed"...not verbatim.
The Pinellas' 12 felt a guilty verdict was the same as 'give her the lethal injection'. The state lost this case because the 'death penalty' remained on the table. This, IMO, regardless of how heinous, was not a death penalty case.
George Anthony said he would sell his soul to the devil to save his daughter and so he allowed himself to be thrown under the bus. He was pressured by Cindy, Lee, Baez and the Princess herself. He was a scapegoat as was Dave Knechel. Dave was put through hell and accused of conspiring with the defense to force Strickland off the bench. Thanks, Cheney Mason!
To be con't...
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[To actually believe I worked for the defense, conspiring against Strickland, is pure absurdity. Anyone stupid enough to believe that is moronic. - Dave]
"I told Mr. Baez when we talked and I agreed to be part of the team — I'll be the last man standing," he said.
He stood tall, but he says the trial did contribute to him having a stroke on Veterans Day almost three years ago. Now, he has a personal trainer and works out several days a week.
and...
He says he has no regrets about the Casey Anthony trial except that he spent many tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket for the pro bono case incurring over a million dollars in billable hours from which he collected not one dime.
More here...
Cheney Mason: No regrets about Casey Anthony trial
Hi Dave, lovely to see you are back blogging my friend; the subject of Mason's book is not very interesting to me, but the fact that so much still is not clear, makes you think about the justice in that Casey case and how it works in general. This blog posting also makes me wonder if blogging about other subjects is not a nicer option for you, seen the problems you got last time you were doing this :) Hope you will have an enjoyable come back :) x
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[Hello, Ina - The Casey Anthony saga continues to perplex people and draw a lot of interest. Cheney Mason just stirred the pot and I am going to change his ingredients since they are not all palatable. It's not the truth. Incidentally, I don't expect problems like before. Trolls don't phase me one bit. Not anymore. - Dave]
Hello Dave, I have just reread your post and it is like a breath of fresh air. The truth is so often left out of anything people like greybeard have to say. That is why I have always loved your post, I know that I can believe what I am reading. Thank you for that.. I have two more names to add to greybeards hit list.Kathi Belich and yuri Melich.. You could see the pure hate in his face for Kathi, he dispised her because she didn't kiss his boots. I often worried about her safety around him. He tried every way he could to discredit Yuri, but again ,he wasn't smart enough.George was his patsy and greybeard ran with it.The day caca came into court rubbing all over that egotist, was the day she and greybeard got the ball rolling., I was always dissapointed with Lee, I believe he could have cleared up a lot of things, but chose not to fight for Little Caylee..I hope he doesn' sell a single book, but he will. I will be waiting for your opinion.
Snoops I saw another picture with the two of them and his wife on other arm, wasn't she supposed to be afraid to have her around.? Money Talks..
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[Hello, margaret! Great seeing you! Yes, Mason has his hit list and he is pontificating in his new book, like he is preaching pomposity from the mountaintop. Trust me, I will be reporting on his book because he has made me a target. He did then and he's doing it now. Excuse me, but he's a rotten man. One look at his loving "daughter" tells you that. Thanks! - Dave]
So happy to see you - and all the others with whom I have always agreed- back! My blood was boiling as I watched this softball interview with this despicable lying old classless codger! So I sought you and all the intelligent others out and was gratified once again. It makes me crazy that he, and his murderous little charge still have the ability to infuriate me. I could have sworn that I heard him say something about "when Caylee was MISSING". Did I imagine that? And that dumb as a rock Jean Casarez, I could do without her,too. Anyway, thanks for entering my life again! Hope you are well. ~patty
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[Greetings, Patty! I'm happy to see you, too. Believe me!
The CNN interview was definitely softball. It was a puff piece, but I didn't want to mention it in the article; not directly, because my focus is on Mason and nothing else. Baez kept up the "missing" facade until Caylee was discovered. Then, the cover-up began. When Mason joined the defense, he did nothing to change it. In is book, I'm sure all blame will fall on everyone else but Casey, including media types. We are to blame! Yeah, right.
Thanks for reading my new post. I'm sure I will have more to say, but I do have pressing personal issues to attend to. - Dave]
Margaret~~I have seen the pic of Mason with his arm around Casey and his wife too. I don't think Casey or any of them are still getting death threats. I believe the pic was supposed to be taken at Casey's residence. I wouldn't be surprised if she is living with the Mason's...possibly she runs around the house clad in a sexy maid outfit.
It looks like Mrs Mason got a face lift. She may have competition now. lol
I 'bout fell over when I heard him say that there's no contact what-so-ever between Baby-Killing Skank and JoJo- you pretty much covered that territory on one of your very last posts on this- what her life was like in her then-neighborhood, with Daddy mowing her dang lawn for her... And she thinks about her darling daughter EVERY DAY!
Welcome back....
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[Thanks, Karen, and it's good to be back! I will be addressing the "no contact" issue on another new post... as soon as I take care of personal matters. There are other things to write about, too, because Mason's book can be shot apart like Swiss cheese. - Dave]
Dave, I always knew Cheney Mason would try to make some blood money on the Casey Anthony case. You always told the truth about the case, and I commend you for all your professional reporting. After the trial I vowed I would never let my emotions take over my feelings about a murder case. In my opinion Chaney Mason and Casey Anthony are two of a kind.
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[Hi, Rob... Thank you. I tried to be recognized as a professional reporter and it's nice of you to acknowledge that.
Unfortunately, some defense attorneys tarnish the overall niche they're in, and make it bad for the others. But there are standouts, like Mark NeJame. We've got to remember, they're job is to defend their clients to the hilt; however, some are more reputable than others. Too bad about that. - Dave]
(I will be back later to respond. I've good a personal issue to deal with regarding my father. He's in ICU and has CHF. My mother comes first right now! BTW, I'm not looking for any sympathy or anything. It's just something I have to deal with. Thank you.)
God Bless You Dave. You are a good son. My prayers for your Dad. We will still be here, your parents come first.
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[Thank you, margaret, your words of kindness mean a lot to me. As of today, July 12, there is no change in my father's condition. This limbo is no fun at all. - Dave]
Prior to joining the defense team, White Beard gave an interview in which he felt Casey was guilty. Was he not trying this case before the media?; the same thing he condemns us for.
Dr Lillian Glass assessed the Old Coot...I do not always agree with the doc but the following is right on the money...Enjoy!
[ Cheney’s saying that jail has toughened her up” is ridiculous. Casey was tough way before she entered any jail cell.
How does Cheney know how tough Casey was before she went into her jail cell?
If Cheney Mason thinks Casey is bright and intelligent, then his standards for intelligence and brightness must be very low in my view.
Casey touches and flirts and flatters Cheney as we have all seen. Therefore it comes as no surprise that Cheney would view Casey as likeable. He said “She’s a nice human being,” He even justifies his actions of touching her by saying.“I’ve grandchildren almost her age.”
Well putting your middle finger in the crook of her arm and rubbing around it doesn’t look too grandfatherly according to a lot of people.
Constantly touching her and putting his hand on her for what many thought was way too long a time doesn’t look very appropriate to many.
Casey is a client, not a grand daughter and in my view, she needs to be treated like a client, sans all the touching.
Mason then said that he didn’t have the same fondness for other clients. “Casey, I have a very warm spot for.”
Of course he has a warm spot for someone who flirts with him and touches him and most likely manipulates him as she has done with just about every man in her life. She is good at it.She has succeeded with Cheney. She is a master of flirtation.
IDIOT’S???? WHEN YOU NAME CALL IT MEANS THINGS MUST HAVE HIT WAY TOO CLOSE TO HOME
When people name call it is usually because people have no other words to use in a loosing battle. It clearly reflects their frustration. They have nothing intelligent or significant to say, so like an immature child they retort by name calling . (bolded by Snoopy-love it)
Cheney states “ I don’t care what the prognosticators and the idiot bloggers have to say or what the idiot bloggers will say about this.”
Why would a professional attorney call anyone an idiot unless they were so threatened by what the blogger had to say? Maybe Cheney lashed out because so much of what was said in the blogs hit him too close to home.
One thing is for certain. Cheney Mason obviously cares what my blog said yesterday or he would not have appeared on camera today to address and defend issues of a) Casey’s lack of showing genuine and appropriate emotion and b) his own being too touchy feely with his client.]
Source
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[Mason has a warm spot for her? I think it's wet, too, and there are medications for that, but he may want to try Kegel exercises first, to strengthen a weak urinary sphincter. - Dave]
"The truth as one sees it can still be pure fabrication. "
The old guy became titillated and enamored by this young attractive woman. White Beard takes on a radiant glow and blushes as he relates the tale of his first encounter with the Princess of Manipulation. He could not contain his excitement when he unleashed "Oh this is going to be fun." Remember that remark when he was interviewed outside of the court house?
Conspiracy? Casey couldn't cut her hair because the judge denied it? etc etc... What a pathetic way to try and promote the sale of "Superfluous Fluff."
In my opinion, if God Himself wrote a book on this case, White Beard would call it all pure fabrication.
You can watch the old fart ... HERE
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[I do have Mason's book and I have been reading snippets of it. As things in my life improve, I will get down to the nitty gritty and spit out my thoughts. - Dave]
It's not the defense's job to inform the media of anything, re: abuse.
Why not come forward for two years? To who? The media?
Trials happen in court rooms -- not in the media so bloggers like you dissect and decide if one is lying or not. You are way out of line and I'm sure my comment won't get posted, but at least I know you saw it.
Also, regardless of my opinion of Casey (RIP Caylee!) Judge Stan Strickland's engagement with you were innappropiate -- end of story and you know it!!
Baez did not owe you an apology either, although he gave you one.
Judge Stan Strickland knew he was out of line, just as he was out of line for going to the media after her acquittal.
For all of you who think; Ashton, Strickland, Perry were For Caylee Anthony- think again.
Perry is talks for a TV show.
Ashton had a book deal all set before trial was over, participated in a Lifetime movie and won SA Atty - which he would have never have won had he not been prosecutor- Jeff turned around and blamed Lawson (whatever his name is, his forme boss!) meanwhile it was Jeff who pushed for death. It was a show for Jeff and he was starring in it.
Im sure this not the last we'll hear from Strickland. For state employee's, I find it disgusting.
They were out for themselves and for themselves only.
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[Your comment did get posted, Meh. As I have stated in the past, I want to hear from all sides because I take everything into consideration. Was I way out of line? That's strictly an opinion, which you, of course, are welcome to. But consider what I wrote. It had nothing to do with me or anyone else in the media. It was all about Casey sitting in jail all that time. For what?
Whatever you think about the Strickland incident, I wish I had never written a word about the experience. I did, but I was quite wet behind the ears then. Did it make a difference? Was Judge Strickland out of line for calling me up? Perhaps he was, but, ultimately, it made no difference in the outcome. Judge Perry was no more lenient than Strickland.
Whatever Ashton did after the trial - after the fact - is his business. He was no different from many others who capitalize on tragedy, so I cannot, for the life of me, take issue with him. The same holds true for Baez and Strickland. And Mason, but just wait until I prove that he has lied in his new book. That's what disturbs me. I know there were sides taken and opinions rendered, and they are reflected in the books. I can handle all that, but I hate liars.
By the way, Strickland is in private practice. I'm almost afraid to tell you what he does for a living, but he's not a prosecutor or defense attorney.
If all of these people were out for themselves, I disagree. There would never have been book and movie deals had there not been an aggressive media and people like you - ALL OF US - that hounded every single word that came out of this case, dissecting each vowel and consonant. That's the incentive; that's what drove us.
Thank you for commenting. I really do appreciate your thoughts. I really, really do. Without disputation, where would we be in this world? - Dave]
Meh~~You must be in shock seeing your 'very passionate' comments showing up in here. What does that tell you?
I noticed you have condemned almost everyone on the states side and even the two judges who presided over the tral. Did you forget Linda Drane Burdick or maybe you thought she was fair?
Who do you think was in that courtroom or maintaining blogs and/or commenting in support of seeking justice for Caylee Anthony? Her family??
Do you know why Judge Strickland checked out certain blogs on wordpress? Did you read the motion where Baez quoted comments on certain blogs and attached them to the motion?
If a post on a blog is titled "Casey Anthony must die?" or "Casey Anthony must die!"....do you know the difference that question mark makes?
Did you know Cheney Mason went on the media prior to joining the defense and saying Casey would get life? He is backtracking now by saying he felt that way because Kevin Berry, who was present, had said Caylee was found with duct tape covering her skull.
One final question, did you read all of Marinade's post in here and get the gist of it? TIA
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[I will have a lot more to say about the question mark in question. Mark my word on that! - Dave]
You are missing the point:
First, as far as Linda Drane Burdick, as Cheney said in his book, usually Linda is always fair, however of course since this was The CA trial - Linda was not fair- Cheney didn't blame it on her, he knew where it was coming from: Jeff Ashton and everyone else who worked for the state.
Blogs: Regardless, Strickland was out if line! You don't strike up conversations with bloggers or the Press for this very reason.
Yes I do know Cheney Mason went to the media. Cheney Mason also said the Sheriff told him Caley was found with her head Duck Taped, he explained that in his book, that is one of the reasons why I wanted to read the book, I remember Cheney on TV saying, "Forget it, make a deal"
I would be interested to know how Marinade Dave has since "Softened" as he said in this post since he went there. Perhaps he would lose his fan bass if said so.
FYI: The prosecution knew just as the defense regarding Casey's claims, you can't blame just the defense for not "alerting" the public, not like we were owed it in first place. The prosecution leaked everything else to the Press, down to Baez Financial Issues, funny since Ashton had worse financial issues than Baez, the Press didn't talk about that.
The prosecution failed Caylee! But Karma has a way of staying with one, Casey. She may be free, but she's not.
R.I.P. Caylee!
I will be responding to your comments inside your own comments in order to keep my remarks from being confusing. I won't get to them all at once, but I will get to you...
Meh~~thanks for your response. We do agree on a couple things...(RIP Caylee) and that Casey is in her own private prison...she has to live with her conscience.
My beef is...Cheney Mason is taking credit for winning Casey an acquittal and that is not true. José Baez gets the credit hands down. Of course the 'stunned' Pinellas 12 was a big help.
Cheney Mason was a death qualified attorney and IMO was just a fixture in that courtroom. Granted, he did file a couple of motions that aided the defense; one motion was to the appellate court re the 4 counts for check fraud.
Cheney Mason said.."Oh this is going to be fun! A tad unprofessional when a tiny girl's skeletal remains were found in garbage bags and thrown away in a dump. At the time Mason said it would be fun, he knew diddly squat about the case with the exception of what a pathological liar had told him.
Mason is twisting the truth in his book and it is self-serving.
I have to assume Lawson Lamar wanted the death penalty on the table since he was the State Atty.
I did not like Ashton smirking during the trial or for drafting a book while proceedings were taking place.
As to Judge Strickland...he complimented a blogger while the cameras were rolling. I can't really fault him for his humane gesture.
Help Snoops and Dave, what does Amecus Curae, {means friend of court in Latin} mean?A motion has been filed on 7/7/14 by Jodi Arias entitled, {Intervene with newly discovered with held evidence.| Please don't let it be something that will help her.
Hope your Dad is feeling better. This is out of place here , but I knew that you and Snoops probably knew my answer. T hanks
Margaret~~re Arias...it is nothing to worry about...just another frivolous motion to delay the penalty phase in Sept.
No one is blaming you for Judge Strickland -- Judge Strickland knows better.
Snoops and Dave, forget my question and go to Trial Diaries, you won't believe the story about JA. It is so funny. Can we send this guy to greybeard and caca. She was dressed like she was headed to a " hot body contest , guess greybeard is her bodyguard now since he is in training.LOL
Dave, I believe that when greybeard joined the Baez team,Strickland knew how that trial was going to go and he could not watch it take place. When greybeard asked if Strickland could trust him. that was a warning from greybeard that he was going to play dirty. You did nothing wrong Dave and neither did Judge Strickland. Baez sure packed up and got away from him. I have a question, when greybeard is finally finished with caca and he kicks her out, can she and her parents team up and sue greybeard for alienation?
This is my opinion only.. Greybeard wasn't interested in the caca saga. He spouted his prophocy of it was a done deal in his mind. He thought Baez was dumb as rocks and would lose case anyway. All of a sudden Baez had all these lawyers, important, big time, one even had his own plane, coming out of the woodwork to help backup Baez..Wow . Well old greybeard saw the dollar signs in his future and he had to get on board. Since defence lawyers can turn on a dime, all of a sudden caca went from guilty to '" a child " and if there was to be any glory, he wanted his share.. He has taken care of her just waiting for his big payday and it is time. Remember the interview where he said that caca could not live at his house? Yeah right. " oh the irony is rich indeed."
Greybeard blames media and bloggers for caca problems..caca put herself in her situation, not george, cindy or lee. Little Caylee got left out of the picture. Defence never gave a hoot that a sweet child that should be enjoying her elementary school days now. was thrown in the swamp to be chewed on by animals. All caca makings and pardon me but I don't feel she deserves anything. So after blaming media for his problems, who does he call when he wants the media and dumb bloggers to spend money on his so called truth?? Not this girl !!
Hi David, how is your father doing? Hope all is well. As for Mason: they all want to make money out of the case. The less promotion for the book, the better I think, still here is a link :) http://www.myfoxorlando.com/story/25970683/defense-attorney-cheney-mason-writes-book-about-casey-anthony
“In reading the book, I found it odd that it said Casey was not allowed to cut her hair?" Fox 35 reporter Holly Bristow asked.
Mason chuckled then replied, "That's a fact. We made a special request. The judge refused.” Why was that??
Human interest that is something to look forward to again
Dave~~once again Mason is wrong in his book. It is up to the jail administration to give permission for an inmate to cut their hair....not a judge. If g/father Cheney filed a motion for the Princess to crop her locks, it would have ended up in file 13.
Dave, today is my birthday and my wish is for all thoughts of any wrong doing on your part or Judge Strickland to forever leave your head. You have done nothing wrong. One look at that so-called distinguished top lawyer in his finger pose tells the story..I can't wait to see what he does with caca when the money runs dry. If he paid out all that money from trial every citizen is due a refund in Fl.
It is the weekend relax , have some down time and don;t forget to take care of yourself. God be with you and give you strenght.
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[HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Margaret!!! I'll get back to you on the comments, but I couldn't ignore your special day. I wish you the very best. You are a real sweetheart!]
How come Mason was spending 'out of pocket' money on Casey's defense? Casey was declared indigent when Cheney came on the scene. Could it be that he was charged extra for leaving his T-Bone in the marinade longer to soften it up so he could chew on it? That damn Marinade can get costly but it is made up of pretty good stuff.
Did Mason mention in his book about the private meeting he wanted with Strickland...it was re being forced off the bench.. my question mark wont work in here...lol
One year anniversary on the not guilty verdict of Trayvon's murder. His family has taken their heartbreak and worked to lessen gun violence.
Zimmerman was found innocent and has spent his year attacking two women, one father-in-law, an iPad, suing and losing media,, 3 traffic tickets, signing for a MMA match that he thought was going to be a double of him and then running away when he found out the pay for view was going to be real. Re-arrested for DV against new girlfriend. Avoiding service of divorce papers.
It's never the event that takes people to their shadow but their perception and actions following the event.
Just thought you'll would like to appreciate the good that a family has done following the murder of their child.
You would think that Cindy Anthony would have donated Caylee's things to needy children. Caylee has been a money maker for many people, not just the ones writing books. I am shocked a grandmother could be so greedy.
Christina bought a lot of Casey’s purses and says Cindy became upset with George when he gave her a discount on the items.
Casey Anthony’s Parents Sell Off Caylee’s Toys In Yard Sale – Exclusive Photos & Video
You're shocked Gamma Cindy could be so greedy?
Let's remember, the press covering Caylee's "disappearance" did make it impossible for them to go back to work even after her body was found. (RIP Caylee)
I didn't fault her for selling photos of Caylee.
But what I do fault her for is: they opened the Caylee Anthony foundation an had a FAT donation from Dr. Phil (remember, Dr. Phil didn't "pay" them, he made a donation to the CA foundation)
They (Cindy & George) opened up the Caylee Anthony Foundation racked up "Administration Fees" and then closed it. A##holes.
I read an introductory paragraph of the greybeard caca saga and I have learned all I need to know about The Book.I wonder where greybeard tied his white horse up at ,while he was in courtroom.. Did we all know that greybeard was brought in to save the day and case? I feel so sorry for for new law students because they are going to be taught from this book for years to come..Might be the time for a lot of dropouts ya think. I learned one thing that lifted my spirits some, this book is the absolute last book about this case...Do you think that poor child can come out of hiding now ??
That has got to be the most pompass paragraph I have ever read. I just wish I could be the fly on the wall. when they realize the money is not pouring in..
FYI~~Just to let you know that Dave's father passed away on Tuesday, July 15th. Dave will be away from this blog for a period of time. If any comments end up in moderation, they cannot be released until he returns.
If I can assist you in any way, just let me know. Snoopy
Hi David, very sorry to hear that your father passed away. You were a good son to him and I think he must have loved you a lot. Take good care of yourself. x