Cindy Anthony's Ongoing Search for a Living Caylee

The Casey Anthony case is like a train wreck that you cannot look away from. As a result, much of the coverage and discussion has veered away from what should be the centerpiece of this case – missing 2-year-old Caylee Anthony. Instead, everyone has been almost completely focused on her mother and grandparents. Ask any true-crime writer and he or she will be hard-pressed to come up with another case that has garnered such attention. It's like the 100-year flood – things like this just don't happen every day.

When I was in Orlando, Florida, for the most recent search effort, I met Casey's mother, Cindy Anthony, and have spoken with her on the phone a few times since. What I have noticed since becoming involved in this case is that much of the drama surrounding it is drummed up, and much of the information presented to us as facts is false. Unfortunately, today, rumor and speculation are often accepted as fact, and little is done to verify them. If it makes good headlines, it must be true.

I cannot speak for George and Lee, and certainly not for Casey, as I have yet to have a face-to-face meeting with any one of them; however, I can tell you that I do not believe Cindy knows anything about the location of her granddaughter. In my opinion, Cindy is hanging on to any shred of hope that she can find. She is desperate for answers and willing to explore any and all possibilities.

Much hate and anger have been directed at Cindy in recent months – energy that could be better used to do something proactive. I am not one to blow my own horn, but early on, I put my money where my mouth is. I have twice traveled to Orlando to join in both searches. How many of those who choose to throw stones can say the same? I challenge each and every one of them to get off their high horse for a day to do something constructive in this case.

If Cindy wants to run down leads across the globe, so be it. That is her right. While I may not agree with the way that Cindy or her family has handled many aspects of this case, I am in no position to judge. I have never been in her shoes, and because of that, I cannot say with any degree of certainty how I would react in a similar situation.

But really, what does it matter what I think? Take what I say how you like. Many of you have already formed your own opinions, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Cindy is looking for a live Caylee, and the police are looking for a dead Caylee.

Does it really matter who is doing what, as long as everyone is looking?

Discuss The Caylee Anthony Case

Full Coverage : Casey Anthony Case

Photo Credits: Casey: Associated Press; Cindy: Investigation Discovery; Caylee: Associated Press

Comments

[CrimeJunkieMama]

I feel very sorry for George and Cindy Anthony, and yet sometimes I want to shake them and tell them to shut up and go away, or get real. The Anthony's are trapped in a twilight zone denial mode while they continue to hold hope for a live Caylee. I think their denial is helping them through their grief. Deep down they know and fear the worst. Why else wouldn't they visit Casey? They can't face her. They are simply prolonging their agony as they remain so caught up in the middle of things. They won't let themselves accept the ugly truth. Look at Scott Peterson's mom, she was exactly the same. Cindy cannot accept that her daughter murdered her granddaughter because she feels that she too shares blame. Cindy may one day find closure re: her most likely dead granddaughter, or she may not. Casey may one day feel extreme guilt and sorrow and tell what happened or she may not. Little Caylee may be found one day or maybe not. One only has to look at Cindy to see her weight loss, her non-blinking, lifeless eyes, and her demeanor to see things ain't right with her. George knows, but he loves Cindy so much, that he's trying to hold his family together. I think George and Cindy are both religious people and their faith will get them through. But it'll be a long road. Pray for them too, that one day they can accept the truth, and stop blaming themselves. Pray that they find the strength to put the pieces together and do something positive from their tragic experience.

[PiperLily]

I was amazed at the Anthony behavior until I watched the FBI interviews. Now my heart brakes more then ever for them. Cindy was trying to find "clues" in Casey's lies and George had to admit things that were none of our business. In all honesty I wish these interviews were not released to the public. I can't fathom being in their shoes and I have no clue how I would respond if I were in their shoes. I hope they find Caylee's body so they can really move on with their lives. If Caylee is not found I think Cindy will run her life into the ground trying to "find" Caylee. The only other thing I can think to help Cindy is maybe after the trial if she watched the FBI interviews she will be able to see how disturbed and incoherent her ideas are.

[Just another me]

Who is she to let picture of children out to the public and say it is a "Caylee sighting"? She is exploiting innocent children. If she can do this, then we can judge her.

[Catherine]

I respect your thoughts on Cindy Anthony, although I may not agree with you or everyone who posts blogs about this situation. The media is in an uproar, concerned people want the truth. As far as myself, I know I got to bed every night, knowing my family is safe.
I'm not sure why Cindy and Casey had their distance prior to and after Caylee birth.. but it has certainly started somewhere and I think that is the true source of what really happened to Caylee. I hope she is found, safe and not harmed in any way. That is what I hope every parent, loved ones would want for their family/friends.

[Mary Mason]

David,I have aways belived that Cindy has known more than what she is saying. But that was later after Casey was at home for a few days.
I also think that Little Caylee was buried in the back yard
first and Casey did that when she borrowed the shovel from
the neighbor.She put her in the trunk on the day George
got the gas cans and she was wearing those pants that Cindy
retrived from the floor board and washed.
I would be praying for my grandaughters return if I was Cindy but I really belive Cindy knows something and is trying to save her daughter.But I just don"t understand how
a grandmother could do that. I have never seen her tearful
not even when she was showing Caylee bedroom and all her
pictures. So every one can take it as they like but Little
Caylee is in Heaven now with unconditional Love.

[lakshmi]

I guess I have one final question. How have the Anthony's searched for Caylee? Setting up pop stands and collecting donations in a jar... for what? So someone can go out and take photos of random children who have no resemblance to Caylee? Is that the extent of it? Where are these photos coming from? And if they are serious sightings why aren't the alleged kidnappers also in the photos? If you spotted a missing child on the news in a mall would you use your cell phone to call the police or mall security or would you snap a cell picture and transmit it to the family so they could wait a week and go on TV proclaiming that even though they know it isn't really Caylee, well, she could be out there. Huh?

What about the poor child and their family who are splashed all over the news programs? That's not a very nice thing to do just because you think it serves your purpose.

I'd like to hear of one instance where they have searched intelligently. Have they pleaded with the kidnappers for her safe return? Where is she sleeping? What is she eating? Is she warm at night? Does she have a bed to sleep in?

I have seen none of these pleas. These people are phonys through and through. Anyone who's lived on this planet knows what authentic grief and worry look like. Where is theirs? How frantic would you be if you lost a child for a day, let alone 6 months? Would you be under a tent at Publix asking for change? For what? This case is nuts. The Anthonys, the whole lot of them, are as transparent as cellophane in that they are not reacting in any kind of normal way if they think Caylee has truly been kidnapped. C'mon!

Yeah, they have the right to search for anything they want. But they're not searching! Why do you find them authentic? I'm having a hard time following this. Thank you.

----------------
Edited by David Lohr to include: I never said anything was "authentic." All I said is that they have a right to search. As far as what they are doing, I know they have a private investigator. I met him in Orlando and have spoken with him several times.

[Yogg]

In this particular case, I think your loyal readership had the temerity to tell you what the majority of them - and indeed it's a vast majority at that - know to be true. Although they admire and respect you for who you are and what you do, the circumstances of this entire mess are imminently clear to them, even if for some reason, they are not clear to you Mr. Lohr.

Cindy is a liar and a manipulator. Just because you yourself cannot see that doesn't mean it isn't true. Just because you have personally spoken to Cindy doesn't mean you have been opened up to any more new and enlightening information that the 24/7 coverage has shown the rest of us. You are certaily a talented and intelligent young man Mr. Lohr. It's just one of those things that happens to us all. From time to time we're all wrong.

This is your time.

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Edited by David Lohr to include: I was not defending any actions by the Anthony family. The purpose of the post came the other day after the Anthony's were criticized for looking for a live Caylee. In my opinion, they have every right to do so, whether or not any of us agree with the way in which they are doing it. Do I approve of how they have acted? No. Do I think they should have a right to look? Absolutely. Do I think they should be going about differently? I certainly do.

In regards to my readers, I respect their opinion. I am sorry if I offended anyone, but we are all entitled to our own views and we are not always going to agree on everything.

[tena]

I also feel that Cindy has put herself in the public eye too much and has caused much of this disrespect for her herself. If I lost my grandson I think I would be too distraught to even begin to be on all the public appearances she has been on. I think the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree as they say. You notice George has not been on the air as much. Also how can people believe that a family can live under the same roof and not know that their daughter has no job for two years and that there is no babysitter for their granddaughter? Wow, they must be really close, (not!). And how can Cindy live under the same roof after Caylee goes missing and sleep in the same room and bed with her daughter and not know the truth about what happened? I don't believe it. This whole family knows the truth about what happened. Le and George have dropped out of this circus but I think Cindy is just dragging it to get her face in the limelight because she enjoys it just like her daughter, Casey does. IF my daughter lost my grandson she would not be back in my house until I knew the whole truth from her and that child or body was home!

[lakshmi]

David, I wonder how you feel about the Anthonys plastering obviously false photos of innocent children all over the media. Children playing in parks, children eating in fast-food restaurant with their families. Is this not a gross invasion of their privacy? Is this not cynical and callow to the max? How would you feel if you saw your three year old daughter's photo out there? It's not an innocent mistake. The Anthonys know what Caylee looks like. This is blatant disregard for the rights of others in our society. They are selfish. They do not care who they throw under the bus. They need to be shut down. They are long past sympathetic players in this horrible drama.

I can't remember another case, ever, where the parents (and they are also victims) of a person in jail for first degree murder were so reviled. Did the public scorn and picket Jeffrey Dahmer's father? Did they persecute Ted Bundy's family? I could go on and on, but you have to agree there is something egregious about the Anthony's behavior. They are no longer sympathetic and they have no one to blame but themselves.

I am so glad OSCO has come out with a statement telling them enough is enough. Law enforcement has the right to do this when this family is hurting the public with their actions. I hope you've taken some of the things your posters have said to heart. This case has insulted and hurt us all.

[Loretta]

Agree with the comment that David has a different perspective than we do; isn't that exactly why we read him?

Cindy has really done nothing to earn my respect. And in fact she and others have done the opposite. Cindy effed up big time when she didn't ask LE or CPS for a welfare check instead of waxing poetic on MySpace.

Aside: This business of posting pix of children with the news of supposed sightings needs to stop. Thanks for not doing that here, David. I know they'll be available somewhere, but sheesh, people need have to dig for them.

[Grace Schembri]

David
Your latest blog was indeed very humbling.........but I have to tell you that perhaps you are seeing the situation with "the PUBLIC vs Cindy Anthony" from a different vantage point. Altho I am not condoning the actions of "the public in general" in "disrespecting her", and disagreeing with her, we are NOT in any way judging her. She has brought most of the animosity toward her on without any help from anyone. She is pompous, she is ungrateful (and I do not want to make a list of those whom she has publicly ridiculed,) but most of all she is responsible for enabling her daughter. She knows as well as you and I that the ONE PERSON that can end this run-a-round nightmare is her daughter. If she had been half as demanding of the truth from her child, then all of this would be finished. She doesn't follow advice from her attorney, spokepersons, or anyone who attempts to come to her aid.
IF she needs to live in a world of denial then she should do exactly that.........but do it in private........do it behind closed doors and mouth.. Do whatever she has to do to get thru this.........and as far as you not knowing what you would do if you were in her shoes........I can tell you......you would NEVER have PUT YOURSELF in this position in the first place, so don't second guess yourself.
Don't enable her like she has enabled her daughter to grow into the monster that she is.........with no conscience, no respect, no accountability for her actions........and no love for anyone but herself.

Thanks for the opportunity of just letting you know how I feel.

[Cie]

"- Edited by David Lohr to include: You can catch more flys with honey. Think about that the next time you look at this case. And I am not referring to myself.-

"Posted by: Eclipse | November 20, 2008 at 09:13 AM"

I think I was a bit shocked and a lot discouraged when I first opened this thread... I read through until I couldn't read anymore.

I have been one to castigate Cindy, George and Lee for what I felt was their digression in this... for perpetuating the lies (poor Zenaida), for (what I saw as) obstructing justice, impeding an investigation, or evidence tampering. I threw my heart out to implore Cindy to wake up, and was angered when she seemed so clueless (yet so completely "together" and angry).

When I read that one statement, David, I finally got it. Yep. Let Cindy search. I would want that right, too. I have not been impressed with a lot of the media coverage, as glued to it as I am. I want to be wrong. I want Caylee to be found living like a little Princess in some childless couple's dream home. I don't know that this could ever be, but I defer to your wisdom.

I totally understand why so many were shocked by this and questioned your train of thought... (koolaid?? what?? not our David!!) So many people here may not have been able to actually go to FL to search, but have invested time (prayer time) and money in the search as well. That is what I take from the posts of those that are upset with you now. (Me, too, for a moment.) Maybe they felt betrayed. (?)

Do thoroughly appreciate a different perspective... hmmm... no, a different approach. I think you are about to get that light shined on the truth. (Not about enabling Cindy in getting to Casey... we all see that is a lost cause.) I pray your "works" will soon reap the benefit of a game well played.

Cie

[Tonya]

I have one question for those asking why Cindy didnt search for Caylee the month she was missing. Are you serious? If you have been following the case you know she was looking for that child the whole time. George was asking Casey on the day she was confronted about the gas cans and he was trying to get in the trunk, Where's Caylee, we havent seen her, were worried, etc. If you listen to the interviews, read the documents, Cindy was looking for Casey, Caylee. She finally finds the car, and panic sets in over the smell in the car. Casey finally tells them where she is because of that and the Amy situation, knowing she has to do damage control. Listen to that woman on the 911 call. She is terrified for that baby, devastated at the knowledge that she has been missing for a month, according to Casey. Listen to how calm Casey is when she is talking to her mother and the 911 operator, and compare that to Cindy's heartbroken cries. This woman is not evil, or heartless. David, I get what you are saying about the honey. I caught on to that during the first released jailhouse call when Casey was cursing her mother and berating her for not supporting her. Cindy realized if she didnt defend Casey to the media and police, she would absolutely never, ever get the truth from that girl. She knows her better than anyone in this world. Stop judging her, you dont know what her pain is like. Look at her people! She has had a breakdown for heavens sake. Look at her eyes, look at her body, she shakes. Maybe she does realize the baby is gone, maybe she cant. And maybe she conflicted. Some days she accepts it and then some jackass calls and says OMG we just saw Caylee at KMART. All I have to say at this point is Thank you Jesus that this isnt my reality, and Im not looking for MY granddaughter, Bella. Those that can and are willing should continue to pray for this family, as that is what they need more than the hate they are getting from heartless, judgemental, mean spirited people. I would be defiant and defensive,too, if people stood outside my home screaming profanties at all hours, or assaulted me verbally or otherwise everywhere I went. Personally, I know they have had more self control than I would have had.

[Mindy]

Censorship kinda runs counter to what you do,doesn't it, Mr. Lohr? I was respectful, I didn't deserve to not have my post put up. You won't see me again. I don't like censorship or people who cannot abide by dissenting opinions.

---------
Edited by David Lohr to include: I do not censor any comments. You'll notice that by reading through the others in the thread. Your comment did not appear right away beause comments are moderated for profanity. The only time I edit a comment is to remove language that might be offensive to other readers. I looked through the comments and yours is there. In case you missed it, here is is again:

"Well, that sounds murky and a tad smug. I don't mean to be brusque or rude, but it does. You're a professional journalist, and a good one. If you know something and you're writing based on knowledge, don't you have an obligation to share it? Isn't a journalist's first commitment to their readers? Otherwise, why be one?"

-------------------------------

Edited by David Lohr to include: When you insert yourself into a case like this you become privy to things that you cannot always share. I have to walk a very fine line. If I were to post everything I know about this case my access to EquuSearch and other sources - sources which could be valuable in future cases - would be cut off. The reason these sources trust me is because I listen when they ask me not to publish something. As a result, I sometimes have to lean towards things in a round about way without directly saying what I would like to. Yes, I have a duty as a journalist but I also have a duty not to impede an investigation.

As an example, I knew about the cross at Blanchard Park long before it was leaked on Murts webcam. They did not want that info out there because at that time they were not sure if it was connected to the case. I kept my word and said nothing; however after it was leaked I was quick to give the true facts on it.

I am not the only reporter out there that is in this situation. I can tell you as a fact that there are things known to the media right now that you are not hearing about.

[The Judge]

Who are we to judge? Um, who is the one judging?

What is this, the kindler, gentler side of crime investigation?

Cindy, George and Kid Finders have all the right in the world to waste their time, overlook the evidence and look for a "live" Caylee. That is their prerogative.

However, it is Cindy Anthony who has made the comments that LE and TES are causing harm to Caylee by not looking for her alive. That comment has been made. She literally blamed them for harm that would come to Caylee because they were looking for a deceased Caylee.

Cindy & George can pal around with KF, an org that is highly suspect and has never found a kid in their non-profits existence.

No one is judging Cindy & George for hoping that Caylee is alive. We are questioning them for acting colossally ignorant and living in a world of denial when it comes to their grand daughter.

If they want to find Caylee all they need to do is go to the jail and ask Casey to tell the truth. PERIOD!!! Without doing that all their efforts are a joke and a smoke screen for Casey.

I guess that is being judgmental in your book.

If all the data, evidence, news stories, investigations, interrogations were all the same in this case and Casey was not Cindy & George's daughter but was a stranger instead ... who honestly believes that Cindy & George would have the same belief that Caylee was alive?

Hmm?

[Searching4theLost]

wow - some of these posts are really out there.

David - it's nice to see that there is someone still out there who is capable of offering unconditional understanding of someone who is going through life's greatest nightmare. I see that many of your readers support you, and offer the same unconditional understanding. We don't have to support the Anthony's choices, but can still understand the pain they are going through.

Thanks.

[Michelle L.]

i understand what you meant and i respect you for it.

[Erika]

The public stone throwers are Caylee's tongue while the people naturally meant to protect her fail in doing so. Opinions are what we have, led by our human instinct to shield our young. Cindy....Casey....Lee, prove us wrong, please.

[ElleC]

I've read most of the posts above and have also been following this case since it hit the media. I believe that Casey did kill her daughter and did dispose of the body. Only she knows and she's not talking, which means Caylee's body likely will not be recovered. The evidence is stacked up against Casey, and I hope she gets all that is coming to her for this senseless crime.

I feel badly for George Anthony as from his statements to police and the look in his eyes, combined with the fact that he's a former homicide detective (from Ohio), he -knows-. He may not be prepared to face that cold, hard fact yet, but he -knows- the truth. Casey killed Caylee.

As for Cindy, I have empathy for her situation as the grandmother of Caylee. I believe whole heartedly that she loved that little girl and that she did want to take custody of her away from Casey, because she knows Casey is an unfit mother. Instead, she showed her cards to her daughter and Casey left the house angry with Caylee and used Caylee as a pawn to get back at her mother, while also, losing the burden of having to deal with a child, all at the same time. If Cindy had dibs on getting custody of Caylee, she should have kept her mouth shut and went through the legal procedures rather than using it as a threat against Casey. Back Casey into a corner and look what happens.

What I do judge Cindy for her is actions in the media. Not the fact that she chooses to supposedly believe that her granddaughter is alive (what grandparent wouldn't choose that option if it's there?). She -knows- too that Caylee isn't coming home again and she knows why. She doesn't know where but the rhetoric that comes out of her mouth and worse, the accusations in the wrong direction, (LE, LP, Equusearch etc) is her way of basically deflecting the blame off of herself. In essence, if your child kills your grandchild, you would of course be searching within yourself as to what you did wrong with your child to produce such a villian. By deflecting that with her rhetoric, she absolves herself of blame (so far, but it'll catch up). In babbling this rhetoric, she loses all credibility (because she contradicts herself and she makes up some pretty wild stories) and she loses the empathy that people may have had for her.

I like your reporting David, and as you said, you do get caught up emotionally in your invesitgations. I understand you were simply wondering about the judgement of others toward Cindy Anthony specifically, and I hope from the many replies in this thread that you were able to better understand that people aren't judging her harshly for the fact that she wants her granddaughter alive, but more for the fact that she's speaking to the public as if we are utterly stupid. Rest assured, the majority of us are not.

[Kathleen]

David you have earned my respect during this entire case, and I respect your opinion although it differs from mine. I have 9 grandchildren and I would never defend the actions of a child of mine if that child acted like Casey. I am a fairly intelligent individual that understands the fundamentals of forensics and would have realized that my grandchild was dead the momment the results were released.

Cindy has hindered investigation in this case at every turn including tampering with evidence. She is no dummy and her mission is to throw ridiculous sightings in the way of investigations by professionals. The whole family is nothing but a bunch of sociopathic liars and I don't have one drop of empathy for Cindy, George or Lee. They have created this circus themselves.

Cindy thinks we will be giving out "mother of the year" honors to Casey when the truth comes out? Is that why she was going to try to gain custody of Caylee because Casey was "mother of the year" material? I think not!

[Jamie]

Thank you for finally saying this. This poor family has been in so much pain throughout this whole ordeal. Anger, grief, denial. I can't say that I'd do anything different from what they have.

I think most of us agree by now that Casey had something to do with her daughter's disapearance, but I've never understood the horrible accusations, insults, and threats that have been targeted at the whole family. They are doing what's natural - protecting their daughter and trying to not give up hope.

[Anthony]

David, Thanks for saying what needed to be said all along. None of us can judge either of the grandparents. Their despair must be unimaginable. If it was my daughter, I'd never give up. Never.

[sami]

How can anyone in their right mind feel sorry for cindy when she keeps lying for casey and does not want her grandaughter's body found for proper burial? imho, she clearly knows caylee is dead.

[sami]

I NEVER STATED cindy was arrested for Obstruction of justice and destruction of evidence. You know that. I stated she should be and many others agree with me. It is not ok for her to look for caylee when she knows caylee is dead. Lying to protect her daughter is not ok.

Yes, I was one of many who thinks caylee many have been an incest baby. I say this because it would give an answer as to why the entire family is lying. I'M NOT SAYING IT IS FACT. I think lee is a liar too because I heard a clear lie when he stated on the record"" haha that I smelled for the first time"

[A. Katz]

From the beginning the Casey/calee room has looked staged! br lee swore up & down Casey is and has always been a slob..he recounted seeing Casey’s stuff from poor tony’s place..and commented that it was packed neatly therefore he knew Casey had not packed the stuff…Cindy is as sick as Casey… OCD George is the klan cleaner upper…Cindy gets to wake up every day knowing in her black controlling hart that had she not run her own agenda…making Casey keep a baby everyone knew she was unwilling or unable to raise..and had wanted to place for adoption..then when calee is born Cindy upstages Casey to become the first person to hold baby calee..the message from Cindy is clear & ugly..Casey is rotten egg..no doubt..but Cindy sealed callee’s fate when she made calee a prize to bicker over and a daily way to tell your own daughter..she’s a screwup..and paint yourself as a granny savior…poor calee-George&lee..living with Casey & Cindy picking each other apart playing queen of the hill…Cindy made George quit his deputy job..go to work with his father& his car dealership whom he had a bad relationship..George & his dad come to blows literally..George put his dad through a huge plate glass window…George is fired by his dad…Cindy decides its time for George to start his own lot to further compete with his dad….this falls through in a year….Cindy is a sick ticket control freak..George is ocd..Cindy the master liar..Casey is a great mom…all Cindy cares about is her image and will not let a little thing like the truth stop her from telling the world what a great family they are.

[Dan]

This is why blogs are kinda sad...silly peoplewriting silly things. Who are we to blame Cindy Anthony?.....The Unbrainwashed?!?!?!?!?! When you went and spoke with the Matriarch of the Satan family did you perhaps drink any Kool-Aid?

[Sweet Smile Gurl]

LOL. Defend a single action and people think you are defending everything about them. Your rational readers understand what you are trying to say!

[Mindy]

Well, that sounds murky and a tad smug. I don't mean to be brusque or rude, but it does. You're a professional journalist, and a good one. If you know something and you're writing based on knowledge, don't you have an obligation to share it? Isn't a journalist's first commitment to their readers? Otherwise, why be one?

[Tricia]

I'm sorry if I am throwing stones on my high horse!
If I had the financial means and no children at home who need me to be there for them (unlike Casey) I would join the search. I don't care if Cindy searches the planet for Caylee.
Her words are going to come back to haunt her "it smells like there's been a dead body in the damn car"!

[Tricia]

Wake up and smell the evidence Cindy, for it does not lie!
Funny how you mentioned "concrete" in your local6 interview-is that what Casey weighed Caylee's poor innocent body down with?

[Jen]

"Much hate and anger have been directed at Cindy in recent months – energy that could be better used to do something proactive."

Anger and outrage--most certainly. Why? Because the above statement best applies to the people closest to Caylee--HER GRANPARENTS! Many of us have been discussing this case: theories, studying maps, reading this blog, studying all documents, looking at every angle to try and come to some rational conclusion about where this child is. Not all of us can afford to fly to Orlando and take time off work. The most "proactive" thing and most important thing that anyone (The Anthonys) can do in lieu of overwhelming forensic evidence supporting that Caylee is deceased, is to go straight to the source: Casey--demanding she tell the truth.
We judge and are angry because this nonsense could have come to a sooner conclusion had the Anthonys taken their attorney's advice, assisted law enforcement, and supported searches for a live AND deceased Caylee, instead of attacking those who would support them. It is their complete flagrant and aggressive denial and their own negative self imposed media spotlight faux pas that put the public at a more than reasonable position to judge their actions. I have complete emptathy for grandparents who clearly love and adored their grandaughter. What I don't have empathy for is watching them pull wool over their eyes and denying that loved one justice and closure.

[catie]

I respect you for writing this. Although it is evident that you would be attacked for writing this, I stand by you 100% and people...open your hearts, it was God who said Thou shalt not judge....way before David did. He did not say he wanted to take her and buy her a latte or pat her on the back for her great performance in her "cameos", he said we have no right to prosecute anyone with what is thrown at us via the media...as he stated, there are other things we are not yet aware of. I believe there are tons.

[Ronnie]

I feel sorry for most of you who have no compassion for Cindy and George who are also victims in this mess!! YES VICTIMS!!! I dont think there is a person on this earth who loved Caylee more than Cindy Anthony!!! (Cindy was more her mom than Casey) Dont you all think that as long as Cindy keeps people searching, talking about, and thinking about Caylee, it keeps her alive. She cant face the horrible possible truth that her Caylee may be gone from this earth!! Think about it!! I cant believe some of you people really think Cindy & George had something to do with Caylee missing. Some of you are really SICKO's!! I hope nothing like this happens to you....my heart goes out to the Anthony's and their little Caylee!!!!

[Worried]

Like a lot of other people I have followed this case closely. I've read every document that has been released. We as a nation should worry when cases are tried in the media.
Why do we see all this evidence before the jury does? How can anyone have a fair trial when there is such a flood of information given to the public? Poor Cindy and George Anthony. In their outrage over the way Casey has handled this whole situation people attack her parents. They must not have listened as George told the officers all that he did and if they did find something please let him know so he could be the one to tell Cindy. Do people not notice the weight Cindy has lost? Shame on all these poster who spew hate. Pray alive or dead this little girl is found so these poor grandparents can heal. It does no good I supose to remind people in our country you are innocent till proven guilty.

[Catherine]

I would love for Caylee to be alive and found safely. I don't think that is going to happen based on the fact available so far, but I understand how Cindy could cling to that hope. Now, based on the fact that all of my knowledge comes from published information, and that could easily not be all of the information available, it appears that one of three things is happening.

1. Cindy is in denial that her daughter could have done anything to Caylee and does everything based on this belief.

2. Cindy is aware that by alienating her daughter, her daughter is less likely to help find Caylee and so she is showing her support in any way possible in order to get her daughter to open up. She may personally believe that Cindy has done something to Caylee, but thinks only by showing wholehearted support to her daughter she will ever find out the truth.

3. Cindy may be very like her daughter. Based on reports of Casey's behavior, it appears that Casey doesn't believe she will be held accountable for her actions. She seems to ignore things that are not convenient to her and what she wants to do. The published reports of Cindy's words and actions seem to indicate she is behaving in the same way as her daughter. "I refuse to believe that Casey could have done this, so here are all these other things that explain it," even if those things make no sense. Add to this the impressions that she is enjoying the spotlight and trying to profit from Calyee's dissapearance.

I can understand 1. I don't think 2 would work, but I could see it being an approach someone would take based on the way Casey accused her mother of not taking her side. Unfortunately the media portrays 3 as the likely answer. I don't think anyone who does not know the family can really know the truth.

I would love for Cindy Anthony to hold her granddaughter in her arms again. But for her own sake, I wish that she would allow communication only through her spokesperson and that she would make sure that all evidence was provided to the LE, and that the press knew about it. The more she is out in the press, the less people seem to be focusing on finding her Granddaughter, and the more they focus on Cindy and Casey's behavior. The contradictory statements and the statements about having clues to Caylee's whereabouts, without actions being taken on those clues are helping the Anthony family look bad.

Judging based on what we see is human nature. I try to look at all sides and keep an open mind. I'm glad you wrote this article, because it made me think more deeply on this and made me remember that at the heart of it, Cindy Anthony is afraid and grieving for her daughter in jail and her missing granddaughter. That can impact anyone's actions. I hope I am never in a situation where I have to deal with what this family is going through.

[Jinx]

Just for the record my thoughts were mistakenly printed under Kelly's name for some reason on Nov 20. I dont know whose thoughts were posted under my name. Thanks.

[Ann]

I have been watching Nancy Grace for the past 4/5 months, since this story broke out and what I don't understand is why the grandparents weren't concern about Caylee for that month that she was first missing. I know that if my mom and dad didn't see or hear from my daughter for a whole month they would be demanding answers from me. My 9 year old daughter died 8 years ago from cancer and I was beyond myself with grief and I didn't see any grief in Casey's eyes, all I saw in her eyes was that she is worried about going to jail for the rest of her life. I do hope that she gets the death penalty for murdering her precious 3 year old daughter. My heart breaks for her, Caylee was just now becoming her own little person. I watched NG tonight and they showed Caylee singing "You are my sunshine" and I just starting crying for her, she is so beautiful and so sweet. She did not deserve this espically from her own mother. George Anthony is the only one that I feel sorry for, I don't feel sorry for Cindy or for Lee. I heard the video where Lee is laughing about the odor in the car and that is so uncaring, espically since Caylee is his niece. I hope that they find Caylee soon and can give her a proper burial, she deserves that much. They should all rot in hell for helping their daughter lie and covering up this terrible lie.

[Carol]

Well said!

[Roberta]

Well, the Anthony's have cancelled their bombshell news conference, suprise, suprise. I am tired of the I have more insight than I am able to share. It is time to share so this little girl can be put to rest and justice can be served in the name of Caylee!

[Carolyn]

David, you made it a point to point out in this article that you spent time in Orlando searching for Caylee. You then post on here (in "edit" format) that you think "anytime" spent looking for Caylee is significant. First of all, your search for Caylee has nothing to do with the topic covered in this article; your time with the search does not make you an expert on the topic you actually write about today (or give you any particular insight regarding the purported topic). It is irrelevant and I don't see why you bothered to mention it.

There are many others out there doing their best to help with this case and folks are NOT harming Caylee by noting certain acts and omissions of Caylee's grandparents. You're a writer and hopefully, in hindsight, you will realize that this piece is really sloppy. The great majority do NOT take issue with a grandmother simply wanting to find her grandchild alive. The public would surely be fine with that and have great sympathy, even if the grandmother was shown DNA evidence. On the contrary, the issues involving Cindy are NOT simply about a grandmother who refuses to "give up hope." I hope you will reconsider this poorly written piece. As I said earlier today, you've set up the strawman to knock it down. I also think the resignation of the Anthonys' attorney today is telling. I think in the end the facts concerning Cindy's behavior throughout this case will be brought to light (even more than they have already). In the meantime, folks who are critical of her are NOT (by and large) ganging up on a grandmother based on her desire to have a live grandchild. This is not what's behind the criticisms of Cindy. I'm afraid you've missed the boat entirely with this article.

[JustAMom]

Nope, not drinking her KoolAid. She lost me when she called me a maggot or was it a leech or parasite? I can't remember which one it was, or maybe all 3. Then, amazingly, the same folks she calls maggots, leechs, and parsites, she calls and grants interviews to. Money, money, money. My favorite was when her evil spawn was being arrested after the indictment and she stops and bangs on the car behind her and tells that person she will never grant them another exclusive interview.

At some point, being a parent, means teaching responsibility and right from wrong, doing the right thing. Allowing this circus to continue on as long as she has is just wrong. She is smearing her grand-daughther's memory every day she lets this continue.

[caribaloo]

Thank you for this article, David! What a nice breath of fresh air from the traditional media reports that seek to create a frenzy.
Cindy is a mother and a grandmother. She has lost two of her babies. She is not supposed to act coherently or appropriately. Love is blind and makes you act crazy. It is so obvious that Cindy loves Caylee with all of her heart.
In fact, many people theorize (including Casey's best friend Kristina) that this is the reason that Casey murdered Caylee... to get back at Cindy. Casey knew that would be the ultimate way to hurt her Mom.
Yes, many of us are also Mothers and Grandmothers, but we haven't been put in this situation before. Therefore, we have no place making judgements about how Cindy should act. We should just thank our lucky stars that we have never been in this position, and we should have some empathy for someone who is in such a sad place.

[Jenni]

All I have to say is this ... How many people were so convinced that the parents of Jon Bennett Ramsey were involved only to find out years later they were innocent?

[Jinx]

What I have a hard time with is that Casey and Caylee lived with the Anthonys. That we all know. So how in the world could Cindy not think something was definitely wrong when Casey and Caylee were not home for an entire month? Wouldnt a normal daughter bring her by at least once a week or so to visit with her grandparents, if not to spend the night there? Cindy and George must have been awfully busy not to have called Casey's friends to find out where she was sooner than a month later. My goodness, I would have been on the phone and out searching after 24 hours of not seeing my grandchild who lived with me. So to me this stank from the get-go. And once my daughter would have been out on bail you better believe that I would have grilled her 24/7 until she told me the truth. I love my daughter but God forbid if she would have done this I would have had to have been restrained from strangling her until she gave me the truth about my granddaughter. I'm sorry but Cindy needs to get it together. As for George, well, I cant even go there.

[Kelly]

Sam wrote: lol...David has been bamboozled by cindy.

Who would have thought ??? her heart felt words did a number on you dude.

Obstruction of justice and destruction of evidence don't really matter to you, do they ?

**********************************************

I do not remember her being arrested for that. Can you point me towards those documents?

You are the same person who said Caylee was an incest baby...

[sami]

lol...David has been bamboozled by cindy.

Who would have thought ??? her heart felt words did a number on you dude.

Obstruction of justice and destruction of evidence don't really matter to you, do they ?

[sami]

If cindy had told casey to stop lying and tell where caylee's body,, everyday,, I think casey would have by now. Instead, cindy feeds and promotes casey's lies. That is not ok.

[sami]

Sorry,

I just don't agree with you. It seems cindy has you bamboozled too ! Just like she had her hand held by LE.

Cindy knows Caylee is dead and is lying to protect casey. Just like she washed the pants to protect casey.

She should be charged ! I can't stand the woman and think she is an evil liar, like her daughter, who continues to pull the wool over the eyes of many.

[Danna]

Thoughtful - I agree with your comments regarding some of the personal attacks on the family esp regarding incest etc. I dont believe there is reason to accuse them of all of these other things with absolutely no foundation. I also believe that the nicknames and namecalling is completely unnecessary and quite juvenile. The protesters were an embarrassment to what is supposed to be a civilized society. While I do participate in discussing this case, including my lack of understanding regarding some of their actions, I believe I am able to do so without bashing the family, etc.

[Mindy From OHIO]

David,
Thank you. I agree.
Mindy from Ohio