Caylee Anthony : Ground Zero : Day 2 Update

September 06, 2008

I have a few minutes to spare, so I want to give you a quick update on what has been happening at the Texas EquuSearch command post.

I am happy to report that the volunteer effort has exploded today! I do not have an official count yet but I have personally seen hundreds (possibly a thousand or more) of people come out to join in the search. People from all over the country are here. Some volunteers have brought boats and ATV's, while others have showed up with backpacks and walking sticks.

I was unable to go out with the airboat search team, but I am hoping to catch up with them later today. Instead, I went along on a quick search of an area near Moss Park, not far from where my team went yesterday. We did not find anything of great interest, just some animal bones and empty beer cans. Parts of the area looked as though it was an active party spot, possible used by teenagers.

One of the K9 handlers said that they would have an easier time during the search if Casey Anthony or her family would provide them with an item that would have Caylee Anthony's scent on it. According to the handler, an item was requested from the family but they have allegedly refused to provide one.

There have been a lot of rumors circulating today about items that were allegedly removed from George Anthony's vehicle. I have not been able to get any official verification, so for now I am not going to post any of those rumors. Instead, I will let you know when I am able to get a credible source to fill me in on the details.

I have uploaded two new videos - of Tim Miller and Robert Dummett briefing a search team:

Watch Part 1 of the Briefing

Watch Part 2 of the Briefing

You'll notice in the second clip they state that people are not allowed to take cameras along on the searches. Please be aware that Tim Miller gave me exclusive permission to photograph the search effort.

In about an hour, I am going to talk about the case with Shawn Wasson, host of "The News Junkie" on 1290 WJNO. I'm not yet sure what time it will be broadcast. Last time we did a 2:00 p.m. interview and they broadcast it at 4:00 p.m. If I can, I'll let you know when I find out. Otherwise, I'll get a sound bite of it to post here later.

Following the interview I will get involved in another search.

As another FYI, ABC News has said they did not pay the Anthony family for their 20/20 interview. They have stated that it is "against their policy"; however they did tell Orlandosentinel.com that they licensed the home videos and photographs. Perhaps it's just me, but I fail to see the difference.

Also, please know that I read all of the comments posted to this blog. I do not have the time to personally respond to each and every one of them, but I am keeping up with what is being said and I do appreciate all of the well wishes everyone has been sending to both me and the other search members!

Be sure to check back later for another update.

Discuss The Caylee Anthony Case

Related Content:
Full Coverage : Casey Anthony Case

Photo Credits: David Lohr

Comments

[Victoria]

Iam glad to see people are out there trying to help.But to be honest my thoughts are that the mother is behind her daughters disappearence.Why do so many parents these days believe everything their kids say?What happened to teaching children morals?

[Lynette]

News 13 has learned a gun was taken from the home of the grandparents of missing 3-year-old Caylee Anthony early Saturday morning.
The Orlando Sentinel reported Saturday Orange County deputies were seen taking something from the spare tire well in George Anthony's car.

A spokesman with the Orange County Corrections Department told News 13 they received a tip sometime between 12 a.m. and 1 a.m. Saturday of a handgun present on the Anthonys' property.

The weapon is being held by the Orange County Sheriff's Office for safe keeping.

Having a gun on the property is a violation of Casey Anthony's bail.

The judge who issued the bail said, however, since it seemed Casey was unaware of the gun, she will not be taken back into custody.

[truth]

casey did it

[loretta]

No personal item of Caylee's?? Why hamstring these hundreds of willing volunteers?

It's amazing that the people who seem to care most for Caylee and the truth are strangers.

[Susan Al-Bassam]

Thank you so much for the information. I read your blog daily and find it very informative. I was wondering if they have checked the city garbage dumps?Casey appears to very confident that they will never find Caylee's body and has made absolutely no effort in regards to finding her.It is really so sad that complete strangers are making more of an effort in finding Caylee than her own family. God Bless this little angel and y'all.

[Caylee's scent for searchers]

David,
Wouldn't Caylee's pediatrician have something with her scent on it?
Or one of Casey's friends who she was at the home with?
One of her friends has to have something with her scent on it...

[Debra Williams]

As I said before, God will reward you greatly for your unwavering loyalty to Caylee.
Deb

[Sami]

Why won't any of the Anthony Family give up something with Caylee's scent on it to help the search??? That is unbeleivable and shows you were their interests are on themselves and not Caylee!!Oh I forgot they already know where Caylee is!!

[Appauled]

"One of the K9 handlers said that they would have an easier time during the search if Casey Anthony or her family would provide them with an item that would have Caylee Anthony's scent on it. According to the handler, an item was requested from the family but they allegedly refused to provide it."

This is the closest we're going to get to an outright admission that they're covering this up. They need to throw the whole family in jail.

[chris stark]

May today be all you need it to be. May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight, and conquer all your fears. May God manifest himself today in ways you have never experienced. May your joys be fulfilled, your dreams be closer, and your prayers be answered. I pray that faith enters a new height for you; I pray that your territory is enlarged. I pray for peace, healing, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, true and undying love for God.

bless you for doing this---i wish i could help- but i am disabled....i do write a blog and i do keep well informed.

>>>>>> cyber hug...

thank you for all you do!!

[teresa reece]

David, thank you for your accurate posts. It is soooooo admirable that you go out on the searches. Also, thanks
for being on the right and your defense of the Texas search team.
Sincerely
Teresa

[Elaine]

The item taken from George's car was a handgun
A judge has decided not to revoke the bond because
he felt that Casey Anthony was not aware of its presence
in George's trunk - inside the wheel-well. Knowledge of a hand-gun is cause for revoking the bond - but that will not happen. As far as Im aware, the hand-gun has no bearing
on Caylee's disappearance. None of the Anthony's were
interviewed on 20/20 - however, I believe they were paid for the private home videos shown on that program last night.
The overall feeling presented on the show was that Casey
was guilty - however, they did take a "softer" attitude
when showing the rest of the Anthony's particularly Cindy.
They did not make her out to be the crazy woman that she
really is. According to Leonard Padilla - Casey has told Lee her brother what happened and he has told Cindy and George. They know that Caylee is dead, and they are trying to obscure the facts to help Casey by insisting that Caylee is alive. Padilla said this last night on Nancy Grace's
show. I dont know if they do repeats, but you can check that out or call Leonard Padilla! I hear he is very accessable to the press.

[Mary]

I have not seen anyone address Jeff Hawkins,, the guy who Casey Anthony said introduced her to the Zanaida nanny,........wonder if anyone has asked this jeff if he knows a zanaida.Casey stated Zanaida also babysat jeff's Toddler.

[Rhonda Futrell]

Why in the world would they not give a piece of caylee's clothing to them so they can help find her? This makes no sence. But really it may though know that if they do that they might find her. Sounds like they dont want to find her. That sounds like for sure they know more then what they are saying. Can they not supoina to give the item or items to help in the serech for a sweet little girl. That is why Cindy did not want tim and his team here. Once she found out he did not belive caylee is still alive. She did not want them there. I can not get over the fact they are trying to protect Casey. This game has gone on for to long. It looks like the Anthony Family that claims they can not live without Caylee is not doing anything to find their grandaughter. This shows they are hiding something and are getting in the way of the sheriff's office trying to find this little angel.It is so sad to know that the whole world knows something is wrong but the Anthonys think they are right. Justice For Our Little Caylee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ElleC]

Hi David!

The article taken from George's SUV was a handgun - from the wheel well (per www.orlandosentinel.com), for safekeeping as it is a violation of Casey's house arrest to have weapons on the premises.

Hope you find her!

[Charisse]

Thanks for searching and for keeping us updated.

Wondering if the police could provide the dog handlers with her scent from anything they have already confiscated.

[kristin]

It was a hand gun that was removed from George Anthony's vehicle. As reported by CFNews 13 The police removed it for "safe keeping" as it is a violation of Casey Anthony's bail. The judge said because Casey was unaware there was a firearm on the property that he would not revoke her bond.
On another note; Why would they (the Anthony's)not provide an article of Caylee's to the searchers. Haven't they continued to say all along that the main objective is to locate Caylee??? And yet out of the public eye they take every opportunity to hinder that. As a mother of four (my youngest is 2) I have been appalled from the beginning at this entire family's actions. I can say as a mother if one of my children were missing i would be combing the world looking for them.. I would not rest until they were found. Good luck with your search, I think it is admirable that you have come down here to florida to help locate this little girl..

[Lavanda dolce]

There is only one reason they would not be willing to give an item of Caylee to the search team with the dogs.........they know where she is buried and/or they know she IS buried. Just more oodles and hugs for their daughter who they are desperately trying to protect. I gave them the benefit of the doubt. But now knowing they won't comply to any efforts to search for Caylee's body...I'm convinced.

Thanks for your excellent coverage, work and dedication David. Thanks for doing what so many of us wish we could do but live too far of a distance.

[Theresa]

I was wondering....

Is there not something that maybe the local police can provide that was Caylee's, that they have deemed not evidence for the K-9 unit to use? I'm not too up to par on the rules and regs of investigations and missing person searches but I would think that maybe the officials would have something of hers to use.

Just a thought...

Also...I have been keeping somewhat up on this case and I have to admit that I am so glad that SOMEONE is making an effort to find this child..whether she is alive or not, she needs to be found. I have a two and a half year old daughter who is very much like Caylee in that video with her favorite book. I am just glad that you guys are out there...I wish I could partake in the search. You at least have our prayers and support.

God Bless

Theresa and Family

[Theresa]

Also....

Since the mother is getting off so much on this attention...I think her name should be banned completely from all reports. Don't giver her anything else that she wants. Some people like attention...whether it is negative or possitive. We should just constantly use Caylee's name and that's it.

[Marti from Michigan]

This is just my personal opinion, but is it possible that either George Anthony or Lee Anthony may have had an incestuous relationship with Casey and Caylee was the result? I work with a social services agency and Casey is portraying many symptoms of an incestuous past. I also think Cindy Anthony is in denial of her marriage and of where Caylee is. I am wondering if a court order could be obtained to get a piece of Caylee's clothing. I don't believe in psychics much myself, but is it possible to go over what the psychic Kimmie Rose said about Caylee - that she was buried in "mounds". Like perhaps a dune area or something like that?

This whole case is breaking my heart, as I am a grandmother of a 3 year old little girl. Thank you for reading through my comments. I wish I could help you - I'm way up here in Michigan and need to continue my job. I will pray, however.

[Tracy G.]

Just wondering....Have the authorities bothered to go over the credit card statements of Cindy & George Anthony since Casey either had permission to use them or she stole them like everything else? If she had been searching the internet at various chloroform sites, like what has been stated, it would stand to resaon she may have made a purchase using a credit card!!!

[Catherine]

I'm still trying to understand why.. Cindy, Lee & George, along with any living close relatives are not active & out on the search along with you?

[one2snoop]

Awesome reporting David! Thanks for all the updates and for participating in the search.

[Cynthia_U]

I have been following this since the very start.
I think Caylee is close to the Home.
I am wondering if the Police can check out the yard once more.

Also a cemetary been looking at a map not far from the home.
I feel she is not alive and is under a Rock a flat one.
she is wrapped in a blanket.
she is in the fetal position.
I know that sounds odd but I am an intuitive.
She is where after time passes the person who put her there can go to grieve.
I know shes close to the home Can they dig up the back yard again?
Can they legally check out the cemetary?
The time line is wrong.
It was an accident.

[rebecca]

Wow. First I was a little shocked/surprised/saddened by the fact that the Anthony family isn't out there searching; but to not give an item of Caylee's?!? I can see not wanting to believe she's "gone" but that's straight up denial. One would think if they really felt she was alive - they'd say "sure, take it - it's not going to help any though..". I don't understand how obstruction of justice charges aren't being placed on Casey Anthony - at a minimum.

Earlier when I wrote about the wheel well on George Anthony's car - I assumed that meant another car could be involved; but I wonder if they can place where Casey took Caylee if they can match soil/terroir found in the family vehicle, to what was found in her truck.

She (Casey) said "Caylee is close..". Just how close might she really be....?

[Dave]

Id like to know why they dont want anyone taking pictures? What difference does it make? Why would it be ok for you but not for others? Any idea?

[rebecca]

BTW - about 10 minutes ago Fox reported that a gun was taken from the trunk of George Anthony's car. Being that he's a former sherriff, that in of itself doesn't seem unusual.

The wheel well is what piques my interest....

[nika]

thats so great about your seach group! i wish you all the best.

have you considered asking the police for something of Caylee's for the dogs to smell? they must have some items from the evidence they collected. perhaps they would be more than happy to help in that way.

[Diana]

Licensing goes to a company, a release of ownership in a way. The family would not get that money.

[Lisa]

I read about the family being unwilling to provide something of Caylee's for the scent dogs. What about the prison, if they have not yet washed the pillowcase, etc?

[Angela]

David -- great job getting photography approval! As a reader who lives in the Arizona desert, it's so interesting to see the landscape of the Florida areas in which you are searching. It shows us what the investigators and searchers are truly up against. You were probably the first to report the gun find according to a news search on Google. You are doing great and you are correct about the license issue for the movies -- licenses for any product such as software, music or movies can be very expensive. I get the strangest feeling that this family knows Caylee will not be found alive but they are trying to bluff the public and milking the press for interviews knowing they have to pay for Baez somehow and have a little extra to let them continue not working. I read Cindy was a nurse but I seriously doubt she's been at work during this whole thing. Again...great job and love the photos added to the blog! Post one of yourself and your crew though!!!

Angela

[jessica]

May god bless you guys and be out there with you guys every day.

[Jeannie Peacock]

Does anybody know what happened to the shovel Casey borrowed from the friend? Has it been found yet?
Instead of asking the "relatives" for something that was the babies, how about one of Casey's many "friends or boyfriends", maybe they would have something.
We are praying the baby is found and the Casey and her family find the justice they deserve. If Casey harmed her daughter, or allowed her to be kidnapped, or murdered her...put her in a holding cell with mothers on drug charges separated from their children, I have no doubt they would give Casey more justice than a trial!!!
Nashville, TN

[Alexa]

Thanks so much, David, for keeping us informed. We hope someone finds poor little Caylee soon. Bless you and the searchers.

[Terry]

Thank you for posting this information and I pray to God you find this little angel and she can be laid to rest. This family is disgusting!!! I'm sorry I don't care if casey is their daughter or not, the fact that they can sit in that house and know that poor little Caylee is laying out in the woods or some body of water all alone is sickening. This case absolutely breaks my heart I have a 16 month old daughter and I can not even imagine one second of my life without her. Casey is a selfish rotten spoiled brat who has done nothing but lie her whole life and her even more sicko crazy mother turned her into what she is! God, please find Caylee and lay her beautiful little soul to rest.....

[The Coleman Family in NC]

David, I can only imagine how exhausted you are!! And I'm sure it does not help knowing that no one in the Anthony family can feel your pain. I believe that by them not helping in the search or even by giving something of Caylees for her scent is just confirming their guilt! Stay strong and we will continue to pray for you and all of the searchers. I know sometime soon Caylee will be found and laid to rest.

[PIZZA; WITH OR WITHOUT]

GEORGE DID THE BURN AND HIDE OF THE BABY'S BODY- THAT IS WHY THE FAMILY DOES NOT WANT TO GIVE A SCENTED ITEM TO THE SEARCHERS... I AGREE WITH THE POST THAT CAYLEE IS BURIED WHERE THE FAMILY CAN GO AND GRIEVE = CLOSE. 'ACCIDENTAL' DEATH CAUSED BY TOO MUCH CLOROFORM [SO U CAN GO DANCIN']???!! I'VE HEARD OF PARENTS GIVING BOOSE TO THEIR KIDS TO SHUT THEM UP AND/OR PUT THEM TO SLEEP- BOTH FORMS OF 'PARENTING' ARE abuse IN MY BOOK!

[Elizabeth S.]

Why can't the detectives involoved in the case get a search warrant and or a demand for an item of clothing or a toy. None of this makes sense! Who is in charge of this investigation, the Anthony's or the police?

[tarakl]

perhaps abc or another media source could get an item with caylee's scent on it. it appears cindy is only interested with media. she cusses them out then embraces them. for a woman who doesnt want her daughter trialed by the american public, she has single handedly done it herself.

when's the last time george and cindy left the house to look for their granddaughter?

[4bz]

I prayed all the way to work on Friday that you will find her soon. She needs to be laid to rest properly and with dignity.
God Bless You All. Your efforts are appreciated.

[Jennifer]

I wish they would break up that cement patio and see if Caylee was buried under it before it was made in July. I think that is why the cadaver dogs did a "hit" in the backyard. Or her ashes have been sprinkled in the backyard.....Could there be bone fragments to look for? Couldn't they do some sort of x-ray to see under the cement of the new patio? Maybe I've been watching too many CSI shows....

[Jill from Western Australia]

SAD!!! It is obvious that Casey is a "stealing/cheating/drug user/abuser who cares ONLY about herself! Please don't expect me to believe that neither George/Cindy/Lee nor Tony {the boyfriend} DIDN'T KNOW THIS!!!!
It is about time that we saw "chq stubbs"for the work that Casey did!!! {currently I am only seeing proof of her stealing from EVERYONE INCLUDING HER PARENTS!}
OF COURSE CASEY DOESN'T WANT CAYLEE FOUND!!!!!!! {that beautiful little girl is DEAD...probably by the hand of Casey!!}
{I'm a MUM...told my now 39 yr old daughter that I will love her no matter WHAT...I suspect that Cindy is doing the same...BUT...having never been in this situation I wonder if I would have the strength to lie for my daughter...I think not!!!}
Casey was given an opportunity to tell the truth & get a "lower" sentence...she chose not to!...I find this DESPICABLE!!!
Meanwhile Caylee is "rotting away" in some form of grave whilst Casey is FREE and being looked after by Cindy/George & Lee who know that this drug addicted child killed {or sold} Caylee for money to buy drugs!!!
THIS IS UNACEPTABLE!!!!
Drew Peterson was a mature adult who murdered Kathleen and Stacey...he should be charged as an adult!!!
Casey Anthony should also be charged as an adult for the MURDER of her daughter {I hope she pays the maximum price because Caylee was only 2 years old at the time that Casey chose to END HER LIFE - FOR DRUGS!!!}
Unlike Drew {who WANT'S THE MEDIA ATTENTION}..Casey & her family are UNWILLING to provide evidence to the police!...I didn't like the Bounty Hunter BUT I DESPISE the "MEDIA NETWORK" who have put up the bond...SHAME SHAME SHAME....Casey TRULY SHOULD BE IN JAIL...HURRY UP AMERICA AND CHARGE HER {and possibly her brother & parents} BECAUSE SHE KILLED CAYLEE...for drugs!!!

[SadMom]

David, I'm not sure about the laws but I'm curious about something. Could the Anthony's refusing to give the searchers something of Caylee's be considered 'obstruction of justice'? They're certainly not co-operating and by not giving them something of Caylee's they are making it more difficult to find her.

[Carolina]

This family is ridiculous!! They are doing everything in their power to keep from cooperating on the search for their grandaughter. Instead they would rather be in denial and sit at home protecting their little sociopath and bake brownies. They know full well their grandaughter is dead. You'd think they would want her brought home dead or alive! This angel was treated like a disposble doll and thrown out like trash. SHAME ON THE ANTHONY FAMILY for allowing this to happen and then hiding from the truth.
I pray Caylee is found. I also pray than when Caylee is found she is able to tell us (with evidence on her body) what happened to her so justice can be served.

[Carolina]

This family is ridiculous!! They are doing everything in their power to keep from cooperating on the search for their grandaughter. Instead they would rather be in denial and sit at home protecting their little sociopath and bake brownies. They know full well their grandaughter is dead. You'd think they would want her brought home dead or alive! This angel was treated like a disposble doll and thrown out like trash. SHAME ON THE ANTHONY FAMILY for allowing this to happen and then hiding from the truth.
I pray Caylee is found. I also pray than when Caylee is found she is able to tell us (with evidence on her body) what happened to her so justice can be served.

[Maggie]

an earlier reportstate a new cement slab was poured in the anthony's back yarda arou dht e time of Caylee reported being missing. did they did up the slab and if not whay not dig it up. It could be missing ashes of Caylee's body. It would not take a large place to burry ashes. It could even be in a pot or urn in the ground.
Alse did someone not investigate Casey's boy friends area and house? Casey could nave burried the body there in his yard.

[Kathy]

Thank you so much for the updates, Dave. Your column was the first I found that provided the information I was looking for when I googled this case in the news . Your insights have helped much too, since there seems to be so much to make sense of. And thank you also for contributing to the ground force effort to find Caylee. I think your reporting & participation has helped add to the ground swell in the Equusearch effort. After watching the videos 1 & 2, from the search instructions it's obvious how taxing the work is because of the amount of focus that is required. I'm sending my deepest appreciation to you and all of those who volunteer.

[mare]

I've had such a strong feeling that the backyard is still involved. Seems they should have more cadaver dogs there sniffing again.

[joy]

as a mother and grandmother i find it so appaling to think of the anthonys lack of respect for caylee.
the grandparents who pretend to love her will not go out and help search or give the searchers an article of caylee's to help them find her.
they are as dispicable and disgusting as their daughter and i pray that they all pay for what they've allowed to happen to that beautiful child.
thank you for keeping us posted and updated.i live in PA and can only watch and pray that this ends soon for the sake of caylee and also all the wonderful people who are doing what the family will not do.
the police need to get a warrent for some of the babies things to help the searchers and also need to dig up that entire back yard..
you can't trust the anthonys farther than i could throw them..they will rot in hell someday and will no longer walk around with smirks on their faces and treat people like dirt.
sorry excuses for human beings they are.