A Crime Writer's Goodbye to Caylee Marie Anthony

February 10, 2009

When you write for a living, it becomes second nature to mentally plot out a story prior to putting pen to paper or, as is the case nowadays, fingers to keyboard. When you write about true crime, you obviously must separate yourself from the subject matter. If you don't, you'll find that you live a very bleak and depressing life.

Every writer has a personal way to cope with the atrocities of human nature – some good, some not so good. While some turn to positive outlets, others look to alcohol and drugs. My outlet is an Xbox. I find that games such as Halo or Medal of Honor can do wonders for relieving anger and frustration.

Regardless of our coping methods, there will always be cases in which we become emotionally involved. I have had several throughout my career. They generally involve missing persons. The case of Caylee Marie Anthony is no exception.

During the months that Caylee was missing, I was able to keep from getting too close by busying myself with the case and participating in the search efforts. I tried not to dwell on her image, and I hung her missing child shirt at the back of my closet. However, my ability to successfully separate myself from the case was greatly affected when I had the opportunity to meet and speak with Caylee's grandmother, Cindy Anthony, at the end of the second search effort. The pain in her eyes struck a chord within me.

View a video a reader made of the search effort

Tim Miller, founder and director of Texas EquuSearch; Tim's assistant, Barbie Tarr; and his media spokesperson at the time, Mandy Albritton, were all at the hotel when Cindy came to see us. Prior to my formal introduction to Cindy, she sat with the group and listened to a song that had been written about Tim's daughter, Laura Miller. Laura was abducted and murdered in 1984. Her killer has never been identified. Everyone who was present at the meeting had tears streaming from their eyes as they quietly listened to the song.

Listen to Laura's song

To my surprise, Cindy knew who I was. She had actually read some of my work. Even more surprising, she did not physically or verbally assault me. I say that because, as many of you are aware, I held back few punches when I initially began my coverage of this case. Instead, Cindy embraced me. I won't reveal what was said, as some things deserve to be kept private, but I can tell you that I was left with the impression that Caylee was the center of her life.

I by no means agree with everything that George and Cindy Anthony have done; however, I can tell you that the pain I saw that day was all too real and all too encompassing.

Dec. 11, 2008, the day Caylee's remains were found, was not an easy day. Adding to the difficulty was the fact that I had been in such close proximity to her during the first search – within a couple hundred feet – and never even knew it. That is something that bothers me now and probably always will.

My point is that no matter how hard we try, crime writers often can't help but get sucked into the middle of certain cases. That is what happened with me and Caylee Marie Anthony, and that is why her name will forever hold great meaning to me.

Caylee, I never knew you in life, but you'll always have a special place in my heart. – David Lohr

Discuss The Caylee Anthony Case

Full Coverage : Casey Anthony Case

Photo Credits: Caylee: Associated Press; Cindy: Carla Lohr
Laura's Song: Courtesy of Tim Miller

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission from Discovery Communications. All quotes must include a link back.

Comments

[JoAnne]

This has been a hard story to follow for alot of us-no matter what my head feels, my heart goes with Cindy and George and my prayers sre with them they will never be the same for their loss. Casey my prayers are also with you,as only you know the real story and how you can walk your walk. God bless the Anthony family for their loss of a wonderful precious angel.

[niki]

I cannot imagine the pain the Anthony's are going through. However all this support they
have for Casey in the face of the evidence is going to create doubt in the minds of a potential juror.

David is there any evidence that can shut this defense down once and for all.
Toxicology,fingerprints,hair anything!!!

I hope the DA was holding this info back till after this memorial.

[Barb]

Beautifully written David. Caylee holds a special place in my heart also, and always will. I'll keep searching in her memory, and in Riley's and Kelly's, as long as I can. Thank you for keeping Caylee's story alive, and for presenting it in such an honest way.

God Bless you Caylee - sleep softly with the angels !

[mary]

May God keep you strong, for your work is important, David. Caylee is in heaven now. No better place to be. Hectic days are still ahead for the family of that beautiful child. A trial for their daughter, more heartbreak. Compassion, prayers, and anything that we would need if in their place we all should offer . Justice will prevail, but God said "Vengence is mine." I can live wih that.

[Kim]

Caylee has become what Laci Peterson became to me, an image of goodness and light. I think of them often and I pray for their families. I pray for Cindy and George that they one day can resume a semi normal life. I understand that their pain runs deep as they lost a precious granddaughter and now are losing their daughter.

I pray for Casey, I really do. I pray that she can one day bring closure to her family and tell them what happened. I pray for god to give her strength and courage to do the right thing.

[Sami]

This bogus service was with biggest insult to innocent merdered Caylee I have seen to date. Yes, the singers hearts were in the right place but I can't say the same for any of the Anthonys !!

This was a tribute to and a SHOW of support for ... Casey !

How insulting! They spoke of CASEY the entire time and made sure people who support the truth were not invited. A very sickening bogus event IMO.

[Lorretta]

I don't doubt for a moment that Caylee was the center of Cindy's life and I believe wholeheartedly Cindy and George's hearts are forever broken. Casey could not have said it any better when she told Lee prior to LE arriving the very first time. Casey said "maybe I'm a spiteful b---h." Those may very well be the only true words Casey has ever spoken. When Casey killed Caylee it was out of pure spite and hatred towards Cindy. Caylee was nothing other than a pawn Casey used to manipulate her family. Now all that is left for Casey is a lonely jail cell minus cell phones, computers, and men. The death penalty is too good for Casey. Casey should live out her life in a prison and manipulate her way through the rest of her days the best she can. Casey's leverage in life is gone and she deserves all prison has to offer, primarily misery.

[Patty Beeken]

David,
This was wonderfully written. Many of us have followed Caylee's case and dealt with our thoughts about it through the months. You are right we may not always agree with the things that George and Cindy have done but unless we are willing to walk a mile in their shoes..... In any case they have lost a dearly beloved grand daughter and in essence are about to lose their only daughter. Who would I be to say what I might do or not do in their situation. My thoughts and prayers are with this family at this time.

[debbie in new jersey]

I thank you for the reporting on this case. As hard as this case has been for all concerned, you have always been kind and respectful of the fact that this is a two year old baby that needed to be found. I know this had to be extremely hard for you to write about this case day after day, but I Thank You. You never treated this like a tabloid story like some media outlets choose to do. God Bless you.

[Marsha]

Dear David,
Thank you for your coverage of this heartbreaking case. I don't know how anyone can not be affected by that beautiful child and the horror of her death. She had her mouth duct taped and she was thrown away like trash. I really agree with Loretta about why it happened, Casey spiting Cindy, and also because Caylee was just in the way of Casey's party life style. I am totally against the death penalty and do not believe in it for anyone, even Casey, but life in prison for a 22 year old woman with her whole life ahead of her may actually be worse.

[Liz G]

Touching article here David. As everyone agrees, great job done covering this whole case. I check back daily to read this blog. Do you think that Cindy will ever acknowledge that Casey is responsible for the death? I just don't know what to make of this anymore. Thanks again!

[jaybird]

Great article, David--something that is so needed to generate compassion for a very broken hurt family. I've been so amazed at how many people want to trash this poor family; they didn't ask for this, they didn't commit the crime--their daughter did, they have only responded (even if inappropriately) out of love, fear, and mostly hope. I have to wonder why so many people are full of hate for them. Maybe that's a sign that they've never experienced such hurt and loss? If so, well, good for them, I hope with all my heart they never do--but I do hope that something teaches them compassion--and reports like yours will help. God Bless you, David, and God Bless you Cindy, George, Lee, and yes, Casey too.

[Jessica]

I am so glad that I stumbled upon this website and have seen how people really do have compassion for the Anthonys. I could never in a million years even imagine to have to go through what they went through. I wouldn't want to walk a 1/2 mile in their shoes. We're all only human. Casey needs prayer too. She does know exactly what happened to her daughter and she needs to let the truth set her free. God Bless the Anthonys for strength courage peace and serenity. George found his true calling by going to give support to another family in Fla. find their missing little girl. I hope that all the missing children are brought home safe and sound

[Julie Colbert]

David,
You do a great job and I love your whole site. I too feel sorry for the Anthony's. I guess, the most for George. I believe that he, being a cop, knows deep down that casey did it and is having a hard time with that. If Cindy and lee don't think she did, that would have to be way harder on him knowing the truth. I guess, what family is going to throw their daughter under the bus before there has even been a trial. She is their only daughter and family is family, no matter who or what they are. After all the evidence comes out and she is convicted, that is different. but you don't throw out family before a trial.... Keep up the good work. Julie

[Noni]

I have come to this site many, many times to get updates and read your thoughtful words. Thank you for reporting on this David.
I would say to all of those people who expend so much hate on the Anthony's - no matter what you say or how outraged you tell everyone you are, over and over, and over again, you will never change the fact that:

1. George, Cindy and Lee loved little Caylee with all of their hearts and had nothing to do with her death

2. George, Cindy and Lee will always love Casey no matter what she may have had to do with Caylee's death.

[P Smith]

My heart has really been broken by this tragedy. There are so many couples that want children and can't, then something like this.

My son and daughter-in-law are desperate to have a family of their own, but the Lord has not blessed them yet.

Caylee is now dancing with the angels. I am sure there are many more families going through similiar situations, but have not had the coverage that this case has.

God bless anyone that has had to go through an experience such as this.

Our children are the future of tomorrow.

[Jenna]

The Anthony's are cover up agents for their daughter, killer Casey, that's what they live for & what they've become in a nutshell. At 'Caylee's Memorial' they put Caylee on the backburner to send Casey coded messages & to convince anyone who would listen that Casey is innocent, perfect opportunity no one could confront them on their lies in church, so they took advantage of it.

The Anthonys are viscous, cold hearted liars with no soul, so God's plan for them doen not include getting into heaven. They will live in either eternal purgatory, as they are now, & if they don't come clean soon they are not much better than the murderer they brought into this world. They have supported a killer & they will also have to answer for it.

When they stand on a pulpit in a Church of God & ask us to love a killer-- they invite very harsh critism because they have not been honest since they smelled poor little Caley's rotting corpse in the trunk of Casey's Sunbird.

[Tina]

The 'Caylee Memorial' was one big 'Casey is innocent infomercial' & I'm taking that quote from Wendy Murphy a former prosecutor & guest host on Issues with Jane Velez-Mithcell.

They should have been ashamed of themselves for that appalling display which disrespected Caylee's memory & turned (Caylee's Memorial)into a sham as soon as Cindy, George & Lee opened their mouths.

My observations of the Anthony's latest despicable behavior. There was no press to cross examine the Anthony's lies in church as they would have been confronted on a TV show or newspaper article. So they used the pulpit in God's church at (Caylee's Memorial) to defend & lie for their child killer daughter Casey.

How many Anthony's does it take to tell the truth? No one knows since the Anthony's & the truth are total strangers.

Before George Anthony goes gallivanting off to help find a REAL MISSING CHILD' (Haleigh Cummings) he should first be of help to the investigation of HIS OWN MURDERED GRAND DAUGHTER Caylee.

George Anthony has failed to help Caylee's murder investigation by being part of the family that keeps piling lies on top of other lies to get Casey off....

[sara smiles]

george helping another family does make me smile, like? he mislead investigators... he shirks at the responsibility, always... of his daughter. they have never once made casey responsible for her own actions. never putting their foot down, now george, who just loves the limelight, who just got out of a psychiatric ward, thinks he'll go spend his days actually searching for a child. this family doesn't work? how can they afford these things. i can't search, i have to work. maybe george and cindy can get jobs and start paying florida back for the bogus searches and time their daughter caused, i mean... if they really believe she is innocent. the debts of the children are ultimately the debts of the parents. this is crazy!

[Clare Martin]

I think the Anthony family might (secretly) accept that Casey is the killer when all the facts are laid out at the trial.

There is #1 FACT that will open and shut this entire CASE to ANY JURY: Casey NEVER NEVER ONCE searched/looked/ for her child. Not one shred of evidence exists to show Casey ever looked for her "missing" child!!!

The verdict will be guilty, without a shadow of a doubt, whatsoever. Rest assured!!!!

Casey is a psychopath, who enjoys the tears of her mother, and is amused at the melodrama of her father and brother. She ultimately knows that she, Casey, is the supreme actor in the family, and with killing her daughter Caylee to get her out of the way..Casey once again, is the center of her family. Casey is happy, shopping in her isolated prison cell.

[Lori in NJ]

David - thank you very much for your very touching and heartfelt Goodbye to Caylee Marie Anthony. Tears came also to my eyes when you talked about the pain you saw in Cindy's eyes when you met her. The Anthony Family never deserved all the negative assaults on them from people (who are we to judge them). Because of Casey's actions, inaction, lies, deceipt and attitude, they all had to pay the price. Cindy and George provided Caylee with a wonderful life that you can see in all Caylee's pictures and videos. Bless Cindy and George and I will continue to pray for them every day for God to give them the strength they need.

[LauraLee]

Being a mother of six adult children, I know the children are not always what you hoped they would be nor do they always listen to you. I am currently raising my granddaughter and have since she was only a few months old. I love her with all of my sold and being. That being said, I love my children just as much. I could not imgaine that one of my children would hurt this child that I love so much. That is the situation that the Anthony's are in. They do not want to believe therefore they choose not. Unfortunately, they will on day have to face the facts in a court of law. My hearts hurts for them. I understand why they don't want to believe, wouldn't you? I hope for their sake that they can bear the truth. I send my prayers to them in their time of need.

[Raychal]

Well, I was a bartender for for over 20 years and I have seen a slew of "Casey Anthony's" shallow, spoiled, nasty girls with NO other thought in their heads but,"I am so cute,so sexy, look at my body, I need men to worship and want me, isn't my outfit cool? When can I go shopping and buy MYSELF some more stuff, oh by the way my kid is home with my Mom and I have not been home in 3 days." They are useless little peabrains. They always refer to their child as " my kid" not my son or daughter. This nasty little chick killed her baby so she could party. Period. She's gross. She is going to have a ball in prison..the other ladys will just love her..she wants attention, she will get it!

[Helen]

After what I have read there is no doubt in my mind the Casey killed her daughter, why didn't she just let her parents have the child, they loved her so much. I am a native from Orlando, who now lives in Alabama, it sad to see what is happening to Children down there these days, My prayers are with george and Cindy, as well with Haleigh Cummings, may she be found alive and well.
Thank you David for all the information you have written here.
God Bless you

[GSB]

I feel for everyone in this case;Caylee,lee, george, cindy, and Casey. I have cried over Caylee too and I do not even have my own children or experience babysitting children. I do have a new job now working in child welfare as a therapist for kids who have been abused, neglected, abandoned, and so forth. This new job is what brought me so close to this case. I believe there was some major psychopathology within the family and that there is much more too this case that we do not know. Despite not knowing this information, I believe that this family does deserve some compassion and forgiveness. Everyone involved will have to live with this for the rest of their lives. The family is grieving and has been since the day they found Casey's car. The grieving process has stages that rarely happen in order and sometimes or more often then not the individuals involved in this grieving process never are able to reach the last stage-acceptance. Lets keep this family in our prayers and Caylee may you rest in peace.

[C.Niven]

The majority of people seem to have compassion for the Cindy and George but I was shocked at the vitriol spewed by one reader 'P. Smith' and the statement that they are merely cover-up agents. This person cannot be a parent. I too believe that Casey is responsible for Caylee's death but I have nothing but compassion for her poor parents. Nobody can imagine what they are going through and the strain must be horrendous, never mind the judgment that they have faced from the public. As parents it is natural that they'd be in denial even if faced with what might seem like overwhelming evidence that their daughter murdered their grandchild (Please remember that no matter how bad it looks, she has not been found guilty yet). A parent might believe on some level that their child might be guilty but they'd never admit that to others and probably not even to themselves. The trauma they have faced and are facing is unbelievable. Please folks, lift them up with your prayers and have a bit of compassion. These people have been through enough.

[joanne]

Has anyone thought of how Casey will act if she gets out of this. She will still be the party girl and very likely get pregnant again. George and Cindy will wind up supporting her lifestyle as I don't think she feels any responsibilty to hold a job. Their troubles may be just starting and if they think she is going to change they are badly mistaken.

[Writer SA]

Only saw the article now, hence the late comment. David what you are saying is very familiar to me. I too covered a story in my hometown where two little girls died a terrible death at the hands of their mother. I became too emotionally involved, found out too much and saw too much and it traumatised and affected me so much that I eventually had to go for counselling. I've learned my lesson and will certainly keep a distance in the future, but of course when it comes to children that is easier said than done.