Disturbing New Evidence Released in Caylee Anthony Murder Case

February 19, 2009

On Wednesday, the Florida State Attorney's Office released hundreds of pages of discovery documents in the Caylee Anthony murder case. The documents provide details about the discovery of the remains and also delve into previously unreleased details regarding the state's evidence.

Within the documents, Orange County Sheriff's Office Detective Yuri Melich details the observations that he made at the crime scene on Dec. 11, 2008.

"Once we arrived at the scene, we were directed to a location on Suburban Drive just east of Hopespring Drive on the south side of the road," Melich's report reads. "Just past the end of a wooden fence was a path leading south into the wood line. Within a short distance down this path, and to the west (right), was a black plastic bag and lying next to it what appeared to be a human skull. The skull was void of flesh but quite a bit of hair could be seen on and around it. The skull appeared to be that of a child or young adult. I immediately noticed that there appeared to be a piece of silver duct tape across the mouth area of the skull. The tape appeared to have been purposely placed there."

Melich reports that there were two bags next to the skull – one a black plastic bag and the other a tan colored canvass bag. A white and pink striped article of clothing was also found next to the bags.

An additional item of interest found at the scene was a Gatorade bottle that contained unknown liquid and white sediment. A syringe wrapped in a toilet paper roll was found inside the bottle.

Once the items were logged and photographed, they were transported to the medical examiner's office for further investigation.

Melich's report further details the items that were found inside the bags by Dr. Gary Utz, the lead pathologist assigned to the case. Those items were describes as a Winnie the Pooh blanket, a pair of Circo brand size 24-months pink and white striped shorts, the collar of a t-shirt, and parts of what appears to be a pair of pull-up pants for a child.

In regards to the skull and the duct tape found on it, Melich wrote about observations he made while at the medical examiner office:

"The duct tape over the mouth area of the skull appears to have caught up the hair alongside the skull. This is what appears to have kept the tape in place. The hair had to be cut in order for the tape to be properly removed…. On the tape within a black oval was written the word 'HENKEL.' Also written on the tape was 'Consumer Adhesives Inc. max temp 200f Avon Ohio 44011.' The tape was affixed to the skull in such a manner that the mandible was still adjacent to the skull."

The documents also provided information regarding the revelation last month of a "heart shaped" sticker that had been placed on duct tape that was found wrapped around the child's skull.  

As a result of the discovery and the evidence recovered at the scene, authorities obtained a search warrant for the Anthony family home. During that search, several items of interest were found and taken into evidence. Among the items seized was a cloth laundry bag; a red gas can that had a piece of "HENKEL" duct tape adhered to it that "appeared to be the same make and brand as the tape found on the body;" a photograph of Caylee wearing "pink and white vertical striped" shorts; black plastic bags; and several articles of "Circo" brand clothing.

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.

Hundreds Gather for Caylee Anthony Memorial Service

The public memorial for 2-year-old Caylee Marie Anthony was held today at the First Baptist Church of Orlando. Roughly 1,200 people attended the service, which included prayer, song and testimony from the family.

"It's difficult to say goodbye to someone as precious as Caylee Marie," Pastor Shane Stutzman said to the large crowd of mourners. "Caylee was a beautiful young lady who has touched our hearts and our lives forever. Her memory will live with us for all of eternity."

The first person to speak on behalf of the Anthony family was Caylee's uncle, Lee Anthony.

"Today is the day for this family to unite and to display their solidarity and strength," Lee said. "I am telling you it is hard to stand up here and be the pillar of strength. This family is united but this family is incomplete. I am incomplete. I am broken. CMA, each day you continue to teach me about life and about the way it should be lived. Each day you give me the ability to be strong or to be weak. It has been so long since I have been able to see you, to hug you or to tell you how much you mean to me. CMA, I miss you. I love you CMA. I am so proud of you. I hope you are proud of me too. I need you to know that I will never forget the promise that I made to you. I will never forget."

It remains unclear why Lee used the initials CMA, rather than Caylee's name – Caylee Marie Anthony. Some analysts have speculated that the initials were actually code and that Lee was addressing his sister, Casey Marie Anthony.

Following Lee's statement, Caylee's grandfather, George Anthony, addressed the crowd.

 "I am not goanna say how much I will miss things that I am not going to be able to do with [Caylee] because someday I will be able to hold her hand again in god’s heaven. I will be able to take her on wagon rides, I will be able to kiss her [and] I will be able to smell her again.

"I miss my daughter. Do not form any judgments, because I’ll tell you that you don’t want to be in any of our family’s shoes, no matter what it is. Casey deserves prayer. She deserves understanding, she deserves love [and] she deserves letters. Take the time to write a letter to her. It could just say, "Hi Casey, I am thinking about you today." If you can do it for me, I would love it if you could do it for my son, for Cindy [and] if you can do it for Caylee."

Day 204 of the Casey Anthony Saga

February 04, 2009

There have been several recent developments in the case of 22-year-old Casey Anthony and her deceased 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

Casey Anthony's father, George Anthony, 57, was admitted to Halifax Medical Center on Jan. 23, the same day that he disappeared and sent despondent text messages to family members. George remained in the hospital until he was released yesterday evening. According to George's attorney, Brad Conway, his client will continue to attend outpatient counseling to help him to deal with the loss of his granddaughter and the incarceration of his daughter.

"He's feeling good," Conway said in an interview with the Orlando Sentinel. "He's ready. He's totally receptive. And this is part of the healing process. He knows that his family needs him, and he's ready to move forward."

In related news, Jack Trimarco, a former FBI agent, has identified "Todd Black" - the public relations spokesperson hired by Casey Anthony's attorney - as Gil Cabot, an ex-convict who allegedly tried to extort money from a Los Angeles news anchor in 1990. Trimarco claims that he investigated Cabot in the late 1980s and that he was able to recognize Cabot based on those investigations. Trimarco says that it is not the first time Cabot has used the pseudonym Todd Black.

Last week, Black denied that he is Gil Cabot, telling the Orlando Sentinel that it is "an absolute lie." However, Black did admit that the group he works for, Press Corps Media, was founded by Cabot.

According to a statement that Black emailed to the media last week, "It simply DOES NOT MATTER if our company was founded by a gentleman who spent time in prison over twenty-five years ago, especially since that distinction is a key selling point that brings credibility to our services assisting celebrities, politicians and others charged with a crime." The statement claims that when he sold the company in 1996, Cabot remained on staff as a consultant. In the announcement, Black also affirms that the company assigns security names to its staff.

Anthony’s attorney, Jose Baez, has since chimed in on the issue, claiming that at least three employees of Press Corps Media have used Todd Black as a pseudonym. Baez said the ruse had been devised to protect the safety of employees.

Casey Anthony's Father Considers Suicide Solution

January 23, 2009

George Anthony, father of 22-year-old Casey Anthony and grandfather of now deceased 2-year-old Caylee Anthony, was escorted to a hospital by police early this morning after he allegedly sent suicidal text messages to family members.

Anthony was reported missing yesterday, when he failed to show up for a meeting with his attorney. Later that day, he made contact with family members via text messages, in which he reportedly indicated that he wanted to "end his own life."

Investigators were able to trace pings from Anthony's cell phone to the Bethune Point area. His vehicle was located at the Hawaiian Inn, a motel near Daytona Beach, at about 2:30 a.m. this morning.

According to Daytona Beach Police Chief Mike Chitwood, Anthony was upset and stated that he was under a lot of pressure.

"We do know George Anthony is saying I don't want to live anymore," Chitwood told Fox News.

Chitwood personally transported Anthony to Halifax Hospital, where he was Baker Acted – involuntarily admitted - for an evaluation.

Did Casey 'Heart' Caylee?

January 22, 2009

The Florida State Attorney's Office released 311 pages of new documents Wednesday that have been unsealed in the case of Casey Anthony and her murdered 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

According to the documents, Caylee's skeletal remains had been placed in a cloth laundry hamper bag, prior to being placed inside the black plastic garbage bag. The documents further reveal that a backpack with the word 'adorable' on it, a Winnie the Pooh blanket, a size 3T shirt, a kid's pair of striped white shorts and small cloth-type iron on letters were also found inside the bag.

Perhaps most unsettling are paragraphs within a search-warrant affidavit, which detail the discovery of the remains and also the discovery of a "heart shaped" sticker that had been placed on duct tape that was found wrapped around the child's skull.

"Once at the medical examiner's office, Dr. Utz (Deputy Chief Medical Examiner), Dr. Schultz (UCF forensic anthropologist /consultant to the medical examiner's office), Karen Cowan (FBI Evidence Response Team), and I better examined what was collected," an Orange County detective wrote in the affidavit. "When Dr. Utz went to remove the duct tape, he noticed that the tape was attached on both ends to the child's hair. The hair had to be cut in order for the duct tape to be removed. This tape was later sent to the FBI lab in Quantico.

"While processing the duct tape at the FBI lab in Quantico, the latent print unit noticed a residue in the perfect shape of a heart. The heart was not hand drawn and residue appeared to be consistent with the adhesive side of a heart shaped sticker. It appears that the sticker was put on the duct tape intentionally. In the search area, investigators located a small heart shaped sticker similar in size to the residue found on the duct tape. The sheet from which this sticker came from was not recovered on scene."

The search warrant referenced above was served shortly after Caylee's remains were found. Investigators were looking for several items, which they detailed on page one of the warrant. Those items included:

"Arts and crafts material, stickers, scrap booking material, all shoes belonging to Casey Anthony, the original clothing George Anthony last saw Caylee Anthony wearing on June 16th (pink colored top, blue jean skirt or skort, white shoes, small child's backpack with monkey design and white rimmed sunglasses), any doll clothing that would fit the doll recovered from Casey's vehicle on July 15th, small plastic toy horses similar to one found at the crime scene, and a black or brown backpack/shoulder bag similar to the one George Anthony saw Casey Anthony with on June 16th, that may be on said property. Your affiant also requests the authority to observe and note any prescriptions that may be on said property."

Did Caylee Anthony Change the Way You Look at Missing Persons?

January 12, 2009

Since July 2008, the case of Casey Anthony and her once-missing - now deceased - daughter, 2-year-old Caylee Anthony, has made headlines around the world. Unfortunately, the coverage it has garnered has been a double-edged sword. While people grabbed onto every headline they could find about Caylee - a child who has often been referred to as "America's Sweetheart" - other cases deserving an equal amount of attention fell to the wayside.

I can name at least 20 children who have gone missing and an equal number of adults who have disappeared since the Caylee case first broke. I can also guarantee that the majority of you have never even heard of half of them. Unless the story is compelling - unless the victim is young, beautiful and the subject of a bizarre or captivating tale - these cases get very little media attention.

If it doesn't make good press, then it doesn't make the press.

During the Anthony case, I covered several other cases of missing persons in an attempt to give them the coverage that they deserved. One of those cases was that of 36-year-old Corrie Anderson, a mother of three from Chautauqua County, New York, who went missing in October 2008. One of the things that struck me most about that case was the initial lack of coverage by the media. I watched local coverage of the case when it first broke. During the first few days, most stations did not even make it their top story. Instead, Anderson stood second to local sports and weather. Taking that into consideration, put yourself in the family's shoes and think about how you would feel if your mother, sister or daughter went missing and you had to beg the media to help you.

Jose Baez Lashes Out at Orange County Sheriff's Office

December 19, 2008

Casey Anthony's attorney, Jose Baez, held a small press conference today, during which he expressed his anger towards the Orange County Sheriff's Office - specifically, for the way his client was notified that remains found last week had been positively identified as her missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

According to Baez, he had specifically asked that he be notified ahead of time, so that he could relate the news to Casey Anthony himself, rather than have her receive the news from a third party, as was the case today when a jail Chaplin notified her of the news.

"The lack of professionalism has become predictable," Baez said. "Unfortunately, I predicted that they might do this and I had sent an attorney from my office to be here with her today just in case … we believe they had preliminary results as to who this child was a long time ago. Before DNA [testing], bodies were identified all the time through other means and I just think it was not a professional way of doing things and I am extremely disappointed."

Baez refused to discuss Anthony's reaction, stating that it is her "private moment," but he did say that she is maintaining her innocence in her daughter's death.

Child Skeletal Remains Identified as Caylee Anthony

We all knew it was coming - a positive identification of 2-year-old Caylee Anthony - but until you actually hear it confirmed from an official source, it is a reality that you try not to think about. Unfortunately, that reality hit home today when Orange County Medical Examiner Dr. Jan Garavaglia announced her findings during a press conference in Orlando, Florida.

"With regret, I am here to inform you that the skeletal remains found on December 11 are those of the missing toddler Caylee Anthony," Dr. Garavaglia said. "As is the usual protocol, the next of kin have been notified prior to making this information public. This identification was made by nuclear DNA, taken from a portion of the remains and compared to a known profile of Caylee Anthony.

"The DNA analysis was performed by the FBI lab in Quantico, Virginia. Except for the bone specimen used for the DNA, which has since been returned to my morgue, the remains have been maintained and analyzed at the morgue here in Orlando. These have been analyzed by myself, my chief deputy medical examiner, and two forensic anthropologists - one from the University of Florida and one from the University of Central Florida.

"My examination of the body and the evidence is complete barring no further bones being found and the anthropologic exam will be finished up shortly. The bones are completely skeletonized, with no visible soft tissue present and no ante-mortem trauma evident, meaning there was no trauma to the bones prior to death. Toxicology testing is still to be completed on the bone and hair. While this analysis may prove to be informative, it will be difficult to interpret levels from these specimens and thus will not be definitive in helping to determine the cause of death.

"The manner of death though is an opinion based on available information including examination of the body information from the scene as well as circumstantial evidence. Based on all of this, the manner of death in this case is homicide. The cause of death will be listed as homicide by undetermined means. Should other pertinent information become available, the cause of death may be revisited.

"While I would love to explain the forensic aspects of this case to you, and any of you who know me know I would love to do that, we must remember that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. This case needs to be tried in a court of law and not the media, thus I will not discuss specifics of this case at this time."

Breaking News: Caylee Anthony Press Conference

December 18, 2008

The Orange County Sheriff's Office held a press conference moments ago, during which they revealed several new startling details in the case of Casey Anthony and her missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

During the press conference, a sheriff's office spokesperson said that the utility worker who discovered child skeletal remains last week had also contacted authorities on Aug. 11, 12 and 13, to provide tips in the case. An Orange County Sheriff's deputy followed up on the Aug. 13 tip and responded to the scene – the scene where the remains were found last Thursday – however, it remains unclear what if anything he did there.

"There was a window of opportunity possibly. We had a deputy respond to this area on August 13," the spokesperson said. "We are currently trying to determine the situation of that response to determine what the deputy did on scene at that time with the tipster that he received the information from and we continue to be as thorough as possible to determine the circumstances of that on that afternoon.

"The tip that was received on August 13 was the same individual that reported the findings on December 11. It was the same individual that called into the communications center and called us this past Thursday that made the discovery.

"We have three tips from that individual. We are trying to determine the circumstances and the thoroughness of the deputy that responded that day and will continue to do so in the coming days."

The utility worker initially told authorities that he discovered the remains when he stepped into the weeds to relieve himself by Chickasaw Trail and Suburban Drive in Orlando; however now authorities believe that he had returned to the scene out of curiosity.

Recent Happenings in the Caylee Anthony Case

December 16, 2008

It has been almost a week since child skeletal remains were found in a wooded area near the home of Casey Anthony, mother of missing 2-year-old, Caylee Anthony. A positive identification has yet to be made; however it is the belief among investigators that they are Caylee's. 

Earlier today, Circuit Court Judge Stan Strickland agreed to hear a series of emergency motions that had been filed by Casey Anthony's attorney, Jose Baez.

Baez had asked for a second autopsy, access to the crime scene photos and permission to oversee the preservation of the remains.

"It is imperative to the defense to have its own experts process the crime scene in as close to its original condition as possible," the motion said. "Due to the large amount of time and anticipated destruction of the crime scene it may be impossible for the defense to have an accurate representation of what the crime scene looked like when the remains were found, much less the location.

"Photographs, video and schematic drawings are required, so that the defense will at the bare minimum have an idea of what the crime scene might have looked like before it was processed and possibly contaminated."

Upon reading the ruling and hearing arguments from both sides, Circuit Court Judge Stan Strickland said that he would continue the request for the autopsy. In regards to the defense's request to oversee the crime scene, Strickland said it was "not a requirement by law."

"I can't assist you in interfering with a murder investigation," Strickland said. "They're entitled to continue ... until they get what it is they need to get."

Casey Anthony's "Dream Team"

December 15, 2008

Jose Baez, lead attorney for Casey Anthony (mother of two-year-old Caylee Anthony), has assembled a seasoned team of defense attorneys and forensic experts for his client's impending first-degree murder trial. Investigation Discovery has compiled a bio on each of those experts to give you a better understanding of who they are and what they do.

Jose Baez

Baez is Casey Anthony's lead defense attorney. According to his Web site, Baez is a former criminologist who received a B.S. degree in criminology from Florida State University.

"Mr. Baez began working for the Miami-Dade County Public Defender's office in 1995. He immediately created a reputation as a fierce advocate who fought his cases until the very end and also distinguished himself by creating a division record for the most trials where he won 32 of 34 jury trials within his first two years with the office. (It should be noted that one of his two losses was a reversed appeal)."

Prior to opening his own private practice, Baez worked for Lexis-Nexis, where he taught judges, lawyers, and law students about methods of using the Internet for investigation.

Baez has been involved in several high-profile cases in Florida, including the defense of Nilton Diaz, Kissimmee Mayor George Gant, and Elvira Garcia.

Linda Kenney Baden

A new member of Jose Baez's defense team, Baden is a New York attorney who specializes in forensic evidence. Baden has been doing forensic work since the 1980s when she was in the prosecutor's office in New Jersey. She is the wife of Dr. Michael M. Baden, a medical doctor and board-certified forensic pathologist, who is also the host of HBO's Autopsy.

Baden has been involved in several high-profile cases, including the recent defense of music producer Phil Spector. Baden is also well known for her analysis in the controversial death of supermodel Anna Nicole Smith.

Terence Lenamon

Lenamon is a Miami criminal defense attorney who recently joined Baez's defense team.

According to WFTV.com, Lenamon has defended several high-profile clients, including Harrel Franklin Braddy, who is known as "The Miami Strangler," and accused killer Wadada Delhall.

In both of those cases, Lenamon’s clients were sentenced to death.

Jose Luis Garcia

Another member of Baez's defense team, Garcia has experience in both family and criminal law.

Garcia attended Barry University School of Law, where he received his J.D. He continued his undergraduate education and obtained his B.A. degree at Florida International University. His professional associations and memberships include the American Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Young Lawyers Association, and Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Garcia's previous legal experience includes a stint as a public defender in Orlando's Ninth Judicial Circuit Court.

Dr. Henry Chang-Yu Lee

Dr. Henry Chang-Yu Lee is the current Chief Emeritus for Scientific Services for the State of Connecticut and one of the founders of the Henry C. Lee Forensic Institute. He has worked on several high-profile cases, including the O.J. Simpson and Laci Peterson cases.

According to his Web site, Dr. Lee is a "legendary investigator [who] is known for finding the tiniest clues. He has even solved a murder without a body. Over the past 40 years, Lee assisted in the investigations of more than 6,000 cases, including war crimes in Bosnia and Croatia; the suicide of President Clinton's former White House attorney, Vince Foster; review of the JFK assassination; and the death of JonBenet Ramsey."

A native of Rugao City, China, Lee obtained a degree in Police Science from Central Police College in 1960. He went on to become captain of the Taipei Police Department. In 1972, Lee moved to the United States and enrolled in the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, where he obtained a B.S. in Forensic Science. Afterwards, he enrolled in New York University, where he earned an M.S. and a Ph. D. in Biochemistry. Since that time, he has received honorary degrees from several universities, including American International College, Bridgeport University, Williams Law School, Saint Joseph College, and the University of New Haven.

Skull Discovery 911 Audio Recording Released

December 12, 2008

The Orange County employee who called 911 yesterday to report the discovery of a human skull told the dispatcher that the skull was found in "the Caylee Anthony area." That call has since been released to the media and can be heard here:

Listen to the 911 callInvestigation Discovery

The skeletal remains are currently being examined by the FBI to determine if they are Casey Anthony's missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

Discuss The Caylee Anthony Case

Full Coverage : Casey Anthony Case

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

Dr. Deborah Schurman-Kauflin Weighs in on Casey Anthony

Earlier today, we heard from criminal profiler Pat Brown, who offered her thoughts on how yesterday's discovery of child skeletal remains will affect Casey Anthony's cooperation in the case - if those remains are identified as that of Anthony's missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee.

Since that time, criminal profiler Dr. Deborah Schurman-Kauflin has offered her own opinion on what might happen next.

"Now would be the time to pressure her. If this is Caylee's body, then Casey knows it and realizes she lost any hope of pretending the baby is alive," Dr. Schurman-Kauflin said. "Of course, she will change her story. She has to. But this is THE critical time. This would be when detectives could get her to talk."

According to Dr. Schurman-Kauflin, Anthony's confession is the only thing she has left to offer in exchange for leniency.

Criminal Profiler Pat Brown Discusses the Casey Anthony Case

Investigation Discovery contacted top criminal profiler Pat Brown today and asked her to share her thoughts on how yesterday's discovery of child skeletal remains will affect Casey Anthony's cooperation in the case, if those remains are identified as that of Anthony's missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee.

"Casey Anthony, since she exhibits psychopathological behaviors and has a history of pathological lying, can be expected to change her story as is necessary to be of fullest benefit to her own survival," Brown said. "The original story of the babysitter/kidnapper served as a distraction to the more likely scenario that Casey had done something to Caylee and that Caylee was no longer alive. If she could get people to believe that Caylee was a missing child case, then the searches for Caylee would allow time for the body to decompose, the evidence to vanish, and the witnesses' memories to dwindle and become less credible. Then when the believability factor of that story began to slide, especially when evidence from the trunk indicated Caylee was dead, Casey still could hope the body wouldn’t be found, so she stuck to the story."

According to Brown, Casey will most likely meet with her attorney to determine which story she should move forward with, so as to get the least amount of time behind bars.

"If no evidence points to the house, then likely Casey will still claim someone else did it, but when the police were closing in, killed Caylee and tried to frame her (by placing the body close to her house)," Brown said. "If on the other hand, there is evidence that clearly implicates the Anthony home, then Casey will likely change the story to one of accidental death followed by an anguished and terrified mother trying to deal with a horrific situation. Of course, Casey’s behaviors of partying and such will not make her very lovable in the eyes of a jury. The lawyers may then go for the old line, ‘Yes, Casey is a disturbed woman, maybe even narcissistic, but she is not a coldblooded killer; she is merely a young, foolish girl who made a poor choice by --------fill in the blank -----leaving Caylee alone in the pool where she accidentally drowned, etc. etc."

Casey Anthony Defense Team Press Conference

Earlier today, Orange Circuit Judge Stan Strickland denied a motion made by Casey Anthony's defense team, who was requesting access to the current autopsy being conducted on child skeletal remains that were found yesterday, which are suspected of being Casey Anthony's missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony. Following that hearing, Anthony's attorney, Jose Baez, along with co-counsel, Linda Kenney Baden, held a press conference outside the court house.

In response to questions about the motion the defense team had filed, Baez had this to say:

"We want in as quickly as possible to be able to inspect it in the same manner in which it is and to be able to inspect it appropriately. We have qualified people, the best in the business reviewing this evidence, so we will actually be able to verify it independently and that's all we're asking for. Nothing more and we're not even asking to hide it, we're allowing them to observe whatever we do.

"I have mentioned for many weeks now and I know a lot of people have not paid attention or it's been discounted, but I have been forming a defense team and Ms. Kenney Baden Is just another member of our team who was brought on it in her area, which is forensic science ... I'm not about pumping our chest and flaunting who we have or who we're bringing in, you'll see it when they come. We just want to do things right and do a professional job for Ms. Anthony."

Baez then turned the conference over to Baden. In regards to questions about a tentative ID of the skeletal remains, Baden responded:

"I have been doing forensic work since I was in the prosecutor's office in New Jersey and with the county since 1980. A medical examiner always makes a tentative ID on a case and before DNA what is now a tentative ID was always an official ID, because you didn't have DNA until the early 90s. So there is always dental records, hair color [and] charts in term of age when you have skeletal remains or partial skeletal remains, so there is always a tentative ID in any medical examiner's office as to who they think the person is. Then they do a confirmation with regular DNA. That's been my experience and I'd be quite surprised if the medical examiner's office is sitting out there and saying this is somebody unknown and devoting all this time and all this energy and all this press and all these objections because [they] don't believe that this is the child."

Casey Anthony's Defense Team Denied Access to Autopsy

Orange Circuit Judge Stan Strickland has issued a ruling on an emergency motion that was filed yesterday by Casey Anthony's attorney, Jose Baez.

Within the motion, Baez asked the court to grant the defense team access to the current autopsy being conducted on child skeletal remains that were found yesterday, which are suspected of being Casey Anthony's missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony. In addition, Baez wanted permission to have his experts conduct a second autopsy. He also wanted access to the crime scene before it is released by the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Upon hearing arguments from both sides, Strickland denied the defenses motion regarding the autopsies, citing the fact that a positive identification has yet to be made. Strickland said that the FBI needed to make the identification without interference from outside parties.

"We will have you notified as soon as the final identification is made," Strickland said, adding, "evidence will be preserved for you to look at in any shape or manor."

Strickland said he would reexamine the request once a positive identification is made.

In regards to the crime scene, the prosecution agreed to allow the defense to have access to the crime scene as soon as the investigation is complete; however they were unable to offer a time frame as to when that might occur.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the hearing was the fact that the defense team informed the court that they had been notified that anthropological measurements taken of the skeleton match that of Caylee Anthony. They also said that hair found with the remains matches Caylee's hair color.

Caylee Anthony Update: Several Items of Interest Found

The Caylee Anthony case took a dramatic turn yesterday when a child's skeletal remains were found approximately three-tenths of a mile from the home of Casey Anthony's parents, George and Cindy Anthony. Since that time, the remains have been sent off for positive identification and a search warrant has been obtained for the Anthony family home.

Investigators conducting the search of the home have been seen removing enough items to fill up at least three vehicles. The search, which began yesterday evening, continued until early this morning.

A sheriff's deputy has been posted in front of the house to guard what is now being described as a "crime scene" by the sheriff's office. A sheriff's office helicopter is also patrolling the area to ensure that no one attempts to corrupt the scene.

Items removed from the Anthony family home include: three vacuum cleaners, two pesticide tanks, a small pillow, seven large paper bags and four boxes of potential evidence.

During an interview with CNN, Orange County sheriff Kevin Beary said that investigators "absolutely" found something of interest while searching the home.

In a separate interview with "The Today Show," Beary said that something found with the child skeletal remains prompted the search.

"We know that there's some clues that came out of the remains found yesterday and that's why we've kind of linked it back to the house. That's why we did everything proper, got a search warrant and secured the premises and searched into the wee hours this morning," Beary said.

Search Underway at Anthony Family Home

December 11, 2008

According to Orange County sheriff's spokesman Angelo Nieves, investigators have obtained the search warrant that they were seeking for the house of George and Cindy Anthony. The house has been taped off with crime scene tape and investigators are examining it for evidence.

It is believed the search is related to the discovery of a small child's remains that were discovered not far from the house earlier today. While a positive identification is still pending, they are believed to be the remains of Casey Anthony's missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

According to Tim Miller, founder and director of Texas EquuSearch, he was at the scene where the remains were found earlier today. During an interview with Nancy Graze, Miller said that there was an indentation in the ground, suggesting that they had been there for several months.

The child's remains have since been sent to the FBI crime lab in Quantico, Virginia, where experts are conducting expedited testing to identify the remains.

Investigators plan on conducting another search of the area where the remains were found again tomorrow. They plan on examining the soil and collecting any potential evidence that remains in the area.

Meanwhile, sources at the Orange County Jail are saying that Casey Anthony was "visibly shaken" when she received news of today's discovery. A mental health professional was sent to the jail to meet with her, at which time she was allegedly given a sedative to calm her nerves. Anthony is currently under psychological observation.

New Search Warrant Sought in Caylee Anthony Case

The Orange County Sheriff's Office is seeking a warrant to search the home of Casey Anthony's parents, George and Cindy Anthony. It remains unclear what investigators are looking for.

It is believed the warrant is related to the discovery of a small child's remains that were discovered not far from the house earlier today. While a positive identification is still pending, they are believed to be the remains of Casey Anthony's missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

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Photo Credit: Carla Lohr

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

Media Briefing on Discovery of Child's Remains Found Near Anthony Home

Orange County Sheriff Kevin Beary held a press conference this afternoon about the discovery of human remains found earlier today, which are believed to be the remains of Casey Anthony's missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

"Florida Department of Law Enforcement is here, our crime scene people are here, the FBI is here and we are all working this case," Beary said. "As you can see, the weather is absolutely atrocious. This area was a very flooded area during the earlier searches and right now we are trying to put it all together. We've been in touch with the FBI in Quantico and their lab is ready to receive whatever Dr. G determines necessary to send up there so that we can try to get some analysis on it."

According to Beary, the FBI has instructed their forensic investigators to prioritize any material sent to them by the Orange County Medical Examiner's Office.

"If they have to work through the weekend then they'll work through the weekend," Beary said.

Beary confirmed that the skull does appear to be that of a small child; however he cautioned that further tests would be needed to confirm the age and gender.

"We've got a lot of lab work to do, a lot of DNA work to do, a lot of crime scene work to do and we may be here all night," Beary said.

Criminal Profiler on Today's Discovery: "When Will They Listen?"

In October, Dr. Maurice Godwin used his Predator computerized system to identify specific areas of interest in the search for Casey Anthony's missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

If the remains found today are proven to be Caylee, they could have been found sooner if his analysis of the case had been utilized.

The locations used in his analysis were: Casey Anthony's parent's house, the location where her car was found and a buffer area for cell phone pings at the airport.

Map 1 depicted the search area (anchor point area) showing the Predator computer results and map overlay of the predicted area. Map 2 depicted a more specific search area, highlighted by the light yellow circle. Map 3 depicted the specific area to search.

The profile showed a high probability that Caylee would be found within a 1.5 mile radius (North, South, East and West) from South Goldenrod Road.

"The location where the body was found is near my predicted area," Godwin said in an interview with Investigation Discovery. "If they had used the information I came up with, Caylee would have been found months ago. I have proven time and time again the value of the Predator system. When Will They Listen?"

Update On Human Remains Found Near Anthony Family Home

Investigation Discovery has obtained more details about the discovery of a child's skeletal remains that were found today, approximately three-tenths of a mile from the home of Casey Anthony, mother of missing two-year-old, Caylee Anthony.

The remains were found early this morning by an Orange County water meter reader who had stepped into the weeds to relieve himself by Chickasaw Trail and Suburban Drive in Orlando. While standing there, the worker observed a plastic trash bag. When he kicked the bag to see what was in it, a small child's skull fell out onto the ground in front of him. The worker immediately notified police and the area was cordoned off as a crime scene.

Sources close to the investigation say that remnants of duct tape were found on both the skull and the trash bag. Those items are now being compared to tape and bags that had previously been collected from the car Casey Anthony was driving at the time of her daughter's disappearance.

According to the sheriff's department, they are expediting DNA tests to confirm whether the remains are that of Caylee Anthony.

Tim Miller, founder and director of Texas EquuSearch, said that he is in agreement with other sources close to the investigation that have told Investigation Discovery that they believe the remains are Caylee.

"My prayers go out to the family of the deceased child," Miller told Investigation Discovery. "I hope they can now come to peace and begin to put back together the pieces of their shattered lives."

Tim Miller Reacts to Discovery Near Anthony Family Home

Tim Miller, founder and director of Texas EquuSearch, said that he is in agreement with sources close to the investigation who feel that remains found near the home of Casey Anthony are that of her missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

"My prayers go out to the family of the deceased child," Miller told Investigation Discovery. "I hope they can now come to peace and begin to put back together the pieces of their shattered lives."

Casey Anthony's parents, George and Cindy Anthony, are currently on their way to Orlando, from California, where they made an appearance on Larry King Live last night. It is unknown if they are aware of these most recent developments.

Earlier today, Investigation Discovery received a call from a source close to the investigation in the case who said that investigators believe the remains found today by a meter reader, at the intersection of Suburban Drive and Chickasaw, are Caylee Anthony; however DNA tests will be needed to make a positive identification.

The source claims the remains were found in a plastic bag with duct tape.

According to a spokesperson for Texas EquuSearch, the area where the remains were found could not be searched during the first search effort because the area was under water. During the second search effort the area was fenced off.

Keep checking back for more details on this breaking development.

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Photo Credit: Carla Lohr

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

Remains Found Believed to be Caylee Anthony

I just received a call from a source close to the investigation in the case of Casey Anthony and her missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

Investigators believe the remains found today by a meter reader at the intersection of Suburban Drive and Chickasaw are Caylee Anthony; however DNA tests will be needed to make a positive identification.

The source claims the remains were found in a plastic bag with duct tape.

According to a spokesperson with Texas EquuSearch, the area where the remains were found could not be searched during the first search effort because the area was under water. During the second search effort the area was fenced off.

Keep checking back for more details on this breaking development.

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Photo Credit: Associated Press

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

Child's Remains Found Near Home Of Casey Anthony

Sources tell Investigation Discovery that the remains of a small child have been found near the home of Casey Anthony, mother of missing two-year-old Caylee Anthony.

According to the Orlando Sheriff's Department, a utility worker found the remains by Suburban Drive.

The gender and age of the victim are unknown. No further details are available at this time.

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No Death Penalty For Casey Anthony

December 05, 2008

We've just learned of some breaking news in the case of Casey Anthony and her missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

According to the Orange-Osceola State Attorney's Office, they will not be seeking the death penalty against Casey Anthony in the first-degree murder of her missing daughter.

"After due consideration of the facts and law applicable to this case, it is not in the best interest of the people of the State of Florida to pursue the Death Penalty as a potential sentence," reads a notice that was released today by Assistant State Attorney Linda Drane Burdick. "Therefore, the State of Florida will not be seeking the death penalty as to Casey Marie Anthony."

Anthony remains in jail without bond. Her trial is scheduled to begin on January 5.

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Photo Credit: Associated Press

New Documents Allege Computer Searches for "Neck Breaking" and "Household Weapons"

November 26, 2008

The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that 700 additional discovery documents have been released in the case of Casey Anthony and her missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

The documents reportedly alleged that someone had used a computer, accessible to Casey Anthony, to conduct several disturbing searches on the Internet.

According to the documents, in March 2008, someone used Google to search for "neck breaking," "lost numbers," "how to make chloraform [sic]" and "household weapons."

Discovery Documents: Set 1, Set 2, Set 3, Set 4, Set 5, Set 6, Set 7, Set 8, Set 9, Set 10, Set 11, Set 12, Set 13, Set 14, Set 15.

Further searches were allegedly conducted that same month at Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia Website, for "inhalation," "chloroform," "acetone," "shovel" and "death."

Other sites that were allegedly used for online research include: sci-spot.com, druglibrary.org and instructables.com. The documents further allege that the search terms used at those sites consist of "making weapons out of household products," "chloroformhabit," "how to make chloroform," and "chloro2."

Casey Anthony's attorney, Jose Baez, has yet to comment on the newly released documents.

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Photo Credit: Associated Press

Judge Denies Gag Order in Caylee Anthony Case

Yesterday, Judge Stan Strickland withheld his ruling on a motion that prosecutors had filed to restrict information that is released to the public in the case of Casey Anthony and her missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

Today, Strickland denied the motion.

"The State Attorney's office argued that the defense team, as well as the Anthony family's lust for the 'limelight' may well sabotage the potential jury pool when the case is ultimately tried. While this argument has some appeal it does not rise to the level of being a serious and imminent threat to the administration of justice," Strickland wrote in his order. "Further, this court is confident that even with a 'gag order' the publicity and media attention would continue unabated."

As a result of Strickland's decision, Casey Anthony's attorney, Jose Baez, along with the Anthony family's representatives, may continue discussing the case in public.

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Judge Postpones Ruling on Gag Order in Caylee Anthony Case

November 25, 2008

Judge Stan Strickland withheld his ruling today on a motion prosecutors had filed to restrict information that is released to the public in the case of Casey Anthony and her missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

In today's hearing, Assistant State Attorney Jeff Ashton asked the court to restrict what could be discussed in public by Casey Anthony's attorney, Jose Baez, and by the Anthony family's representatives. According to Ashton, further statements to the media could make it difficult to find an impartial jury.

Together, Baez and members of the local media challenged the gag order, citing the First Amendment.

"It's a whole lot of hot air and not a whole lot of law," Baez said.

In response, Ashton cited a Florida Supreme Court ruling, which says that a judge can impose a gag order for "good cause."

"If I go out in front of the cameras right now and say Caylee Anthony is dead, that would be grievous. That's not my job." Ashton said, adding, "We are not suggesting that the motion prohibit the media from publishing anything."

Ashton said that he was mainly concerned by public comments Baez has made, in which he questioned the credibility of the evidence that has been collected by investigators.

The hearing then took a drastic turn, with both sides accusing each other of leaking sensitive information to the media. The hearing became heated and before long Judge Strickland interrupted the testimony.

"You two are going after each other and I'm really getting tired of it," Strickland said. "This in enough. Someone's facing life imprisonment. Let's act like we're supposed to."

Mark NeJame Press Release

November 20, 2008

Mark NeJame, the attorney who has been representing George and Cindy Anthony - the parents of Casey Anthony and the grandparents of Caylee Anthony - has resigned. NeJame has released the following statement about that decision:

"Unfortunately, I have made the decision that it is best not to continue my representation of George and Cindy Anthony.

"George and Cindy have a belief that their beloved granddaughter, Caylee, is still alive. Tips and leads continue to come in. I believe strongly that they should have every right to maintain their hope and faith that one of these "sightings" will miraculously be the one that brings Caylee home to them. What parent or grandparent would surrender such hope?

"Who is one person to tell another parent or grandparent when it is time for them to abandon their faith? When does a stranger have the right to judge another who has endured such a loss? The attacks made against them by some are deplorable.

"Let them be to do what they feel they must to find their beloved granddaughter, Caylee. Knowing this case as well as probably anyone on earth, there is no doubt that they do not know where Caylee is. Allow them to walk their own path.

"I only agreed to represent George and Cindy Anthony, so long as there were no restrictions placed on me whatsoever as to finding Caylee, regardless of where this might lead. Quite simply, this meant that I could do whatever I needed to find Caylee whether she was alive or not. It impressed me that George and Cindy, both believing that Caylee was still with us, had an overriding and primary concern in finding Caylee, even if the result was not as they would hope. The other condition I required was that I would have absolutely nothing to do with representing Casey or assisting in her legal defense.

"Abundant efforts have been made towards finding Caylee. I have worked with so many involved in this matter towards the goal of finding this dear, missing child who has captured the hearts of so many. Some ignorant and judgmental members of the public though have made hateful and inaccurate accusations against me and others, when they had no idea whatsoever what was really going on. As my new, good friend, Tim Miller from Equusearch, tells me 'everybody associated with this case gets body slammed.' However, like Tim, when you know in your heart that you're doing the right thing, you just move forward knowing that right will ultimately win out. Some have falsely accused me and some others of being in this for the money. If they only knew how utterly wrong and misguided they are."

Officials Say Items Found in River Have "No Evidentiary Value" to Caylee Anthony Case

November 13, 2008

According to a spokesperson for the Orange County Sheriff's Office, items which were recovered by Leonard Padilla's dive team in the Little Econ River around Blanchard Park have "no evidentiary value" in the case of Casey Anthony and her missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

This afternoon the divers reported finding two separate bags in the river, which reportedly contained bones, and stuffed animals.

No word on why the items were there; however they do not appear to be related to the case.

Related Links:
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Photo Credits: Carla Lohr

Divers Claim Bones Found in Caylee Anthony Search

A team of divers, working with bounty hunter Leonard Padilla, claim that they have made a discovery in the search for Casey Anthony's missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

The items were found in two separate bags in the waters of the Little Econ River around Blanchard Park. The bags, which were reportedly held down by bricks, allegedly contained bones, and stuffed animals.

The FBI is on the scene and is currently looking into the find. The Orange County Sheriff's Office has refused to comment on whether the bones could be human.

We have seen discoveries of bones in the past, so I caution you not to get excited about this find until it is officially confirmed by law enforcement.

UPDATE:
Officials Say Items Found in River Have "No Evidentiary Value" to Caylee Anthony Case

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Photo Credits: Carla Lohr

David Lohr Radio Media Tour

November 12, 2008

David Lohr will the focus of a national radio media tour, starting tomorrow at 7:45 a.m. Topics will include the Caylee Anthony case and, depending on the station, the Kelly Currin Morris, Jennifer Rivkin, Mouy Tang and Jamie Michelle Fraley cases.

Four of the stations, WFLA-AM, KFBK-AM, KXL-AM and Allegheny Mountain Network, will be broadcasting the interviews live, at 8:20 a.m., 8:40 a.m., 9:40 a.m., and 10:30 a.m., respectively. Times may vary, depending on the length of each interview.

The other stations included in the tour: KHHT-FM, Metro Source NX--860 affiliates, Florida Radio Network NX--89 affiliates, WBZ-AM, CNN Radio, Metro Networks NX--5 affiliates, WIOD-AM, Jones Radio Network, American Urban Radio NX--238 affiliates, WPWX-FM, will be broadcasting their interviews with David Lohr at various times throughout the day.

Related Links:
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The Stories Behind the Caylee Anthony Search Effort

November 11, 2008

Yesterday, I reported on the circus surrounding the case of Casey Anthony and her missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony. Since I arrived in Orlando, Florida, last week, I have seen both positive and negative coverage surrounding this entire ordeal. What I have not seen is anything about the people who have volunteered their time for the search effort.

One of those people was Larry, a 40-something-year-old man who volunteered.  Larry has terminal cancer and has been told by his doctors that he has less than a month to live. Despite his condition, Larry chose to spend his time working at the registration booth, helping sign in other volunteers. What he did was one of the most touching and selfless acts I have ever witnessed.

Another person who volunteered at the registration booth was Jesse Matthews, a mentally challenged young man, who took on a variety of jobs around the command post. Jesse has a heart of gold and was always willing to do anything he could to help out.

I also met a wonderful woman named Kristen Stephens. Kristen's daughter, 16-year-old Staci Stephens, died suddenly on March 13, 2005, as a result of Viral Myocarditis. Since that time, Kristen has established The Staci Stephens Fund, Inc., a non-profit organization that makes contributions to research Viral Myocarditis and heart related conditions. They also assist people diagnosed with the devastating condition. Kristen's mom devoted a lot of time to the search effort and, despite her own personal tragedy, was able to lift the spirits of many volunteers.

Another person who volunteered was a woman whose brother had been murdered in the area several years ago. What makes her story interesting is the fact that she ended up on a search team with the homicide detective who had handled her brother's case. As a result, she was able to get answers to a lot of questions that had been bothering her over the years – answers that helped give her closure in her brother's death.

The family of 45-year-old Mouy Tang also came to offer their support. Mouy's family had helped out during the first search effort. It was during that search, on Sept. 3, 2008, that Mouy walked away from an assisted living home and vanished. Her disappearance remains a mystery. EquuSearch is currently on their way to North Carolina to search for Mouy.

These are just the stories that I know of. I am sure there are others out there and I would love to hear them. If you helped search for Caylee, please post your personal story as a comment here. Share what made you come help look for this beautiful missing child.

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Photo Credits: Carla Lohr

Strait Talk with Texas EquuSearch's Tim Miller

Earlier today, I had a chance to sit down with Tim Miller, the founder and director of Texas EquuSearch. The purpose of that meeting was to focus on some of the questions that have been asked about EquuSearch and their involvement in the search for Casey Anthony's missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

When I asked him why he suspended the search effort, Tim had this to say:

"I feel as though we accomplished a lot. Nearly all of the areas that law enforcement wanted covered have been searched. We generated far more resources than before. We now have 100 local members on the scene. They are capable of doing a good job and they are going to continue looking for Caylee. I challenge anyone to sit in my office and when the family of a missing person calls, tell them that they can't be helped until Caylee is found. Someone else can, cause I'm not going to do that. "

There have been some recent inquiries about the amount of donations EquuSearch has received during the Caylee search, versus how much money has been invested in the search effort. When asked about this, Tim responded:

"The donations came to about $70.000. One of them was a $20,000 general fund donation. We are working on a final accounting, but between the rental cars, tents, hotels, equipment, generators and other resources, we have invested about $100.000 into the Caylee search. We have spent more money on this case than all other cases combined this year. We are a 501 [non-profit organization] and our books are always open. Is it fair to use all of our money and resources on one case, when we have other families who need us?"

A Day of Crazy Developments in the Caylee Anthony Case

November 10, 2008

There have been some crazy developments in the case of Casey Anthony and her missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

As you are aware, Tim Miller, director and founder of Texas EquuSearch, announced yesterday that the search for Caylee was being suspended. Tim said that he felt he had done all he could to find Caylee right now and that he needed to move on to help the family of another missing person.

While all of this was going on yesterday, bounty hunter Leonard Padilla approached Tim and told him that he needed to send divers into the Little Econ River in Blanchard Park. Padilla was convinced that Caylee would be found in the water there, based upon the discovery of a cross necklace that EquuSearch team member Lisa Hoffman had found on a nearby tree during the first search effort. That necklace, according to Padilla, had beads on it that were "identical" to beads that the female bounty hunter (the one who stayed in the house when Casey was out on bond) had seen on jewelry that Casey had allegedly made.

Leonard's theory was that Casey Anthony had transported a deceased Caylee to the park, hung the cross on a tree branch and then threw her in the water.

"I had my people use side-scan sonar to examine that water yesterday and then I went back myself and checked it again," Tim Miller said today in an interview with Investigation Discovery. "I told Leonard that it only takes an hour to scan it and that we had put four or five hours into it just so there would be no question as to whether she was there. I can tell you where every tire is at, I can show you where there is a bucket, where there is an old wheelbarrow and fender from a car. I can show you how deep the water is in every place and what the water temperature is. There is not a body in there."

Despite the fact that Tim had cleared the river, Leonard contacted an amateur news site and made the announcement during a live Internet feed. What followed was a media frenzy, which has left Tim Miller with a sour taste in his mouth.

"We are associated in no way with the actions of Leonard Padilla," Tim told Investigation Discovery. "

Re: Caylee Anthony Search is Suspended

November 09, 2008

I have just been informed that EquuSearch has decided to continue to search for Caylee Anthony tomorrow while they break down the command center for the North Carolina trip. Volunteers are still welcome and encouraged to come out and look for Caylee during that time.

Caylee Anthony Search is Suspended

The search for Casey Anthony's missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony, has been suspended. According to Tim Miller, he has done everything in his power to locate Caylee and there is nothing more he can do.

"I don't think Caylee will ever be found," Miller told Investigation Discovery. "We have done all that we can do. We have thoroughly searched every inch of the targeted areas. Unfortunately, there is only one person who can bring this to an end and she's not talking."

It is unfortunate that the search for Caylee is over; however without any new leads or information there is little more that can be done. Everyone here is sad to be leaving – may hugs and tears have been exchanged – but in the end we all know that they put their best foot forward. Perhaps in the future something new will come of this case. In the mean time, Caylee will remain on our thoughts and in our hearts.

Meanwhile, Texas EquuSearch will be breaking down the command post tomorrow, at which time they will head to North Carolina to conduct joint searches for Kelly Currin Morris, Jennifer Rivkin, Mouy Tang and Jamie Michelle Fraley.

Jamie Michelle Fraley, 22, was last seen on April 8, 2008, at her apartment on Lowell Bethesda Rd in Gastonia, North Carolina. She has not been seen or heard from since.

Kelly Currin Morris, 28, is a mother of two who went missing from her Stem, N.C., home on Sept. 3, 2008.

Mouy Tang, 45, was last seen on Sept. 3, 2008. She was living in an assisted living home for when she reportedly got up and walked away. Mouy is in need of her diabetic medicine, which she is supposed to take four times a day.

Jennifer Rivkin, 43, was last seen on May 4, 2008. Her car was found at The Winners Circle Bar and Grill with her purse, drivers license and make-up bag in it. 

I feel terrible that there was no resolution to the Caylee search this weekend. I wish I could have brought you better news today, but that was not to be. This is one of those cases that will continue to haunt me.

*UPDATE* - Tim is now saying the search might continue again in the future. It is unknown if or when that might happen.

*Update 2 - I have just been informed that EquuSearch has decided to continue to search for Caylee Anthony tomorrow while they break down the command center for the North Carolina trip. Volunteers are still welcome and encouraged to come out and look for Caylee during that time.

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Photo Credits: Caylee Anthony - Associated Press; Tim Miller - Carla Lohr

Caylee Anthony Search Update; Day 2

The search for Casey Anthony's missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony, continues today in Orlando, Florida.

The number of volunteers who showed up today was significantly less than the turn out we had yesterday. As of 10:30 a.m., only about 300 people have showed up. In addition, the 500 bounty hunters that were supposed to volunteer have yet to make an appearance.

Leonard Padilla, the bounty hunter from California who helped bail Anthony out, brought a group of about five people with him. Yesterday, Padilla spent the majority of the day at the command center. Today, he was present for the search briefing and then left with his entourage to assist in the search effort.

At the briefing this morning, Richard Grund, the father of Anthony's former fiancée, Jessie Grund, addressed the crowd of volunteers and offered his prayers and support. Watch the video here.

Internet Community Helps Volunteers in Caylee Anthony Search

This is not so much an update about the search effort but more so a thank you to all of the people who have come forward to help provide the volunteers in the Caylee Anthony search with much needed food and supplies.

Readers of Investigation Discovery's Criminal Report Daily, along with members of Scared Monkeys, Websleuths, Caylee's Angels, CourtTV/In Session and Murt Witness One, have all ordered food from area restaurants in the past two days and had it delivered to the command post. These groups and their members should be recognized for the generosity they have shown to the volunteers who are actively searching for Caylee. Were it not for them, this search would not be possible.

Texas EquuSearch is grateful to everyone for their support during this search effort.

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The Latest Developments in the Caylee Anthony Search

November 08, 2008

It was a busy day today in the search for Casey Anthony's missing daughter, 2-year-old Caylee Anthony. While we did not get the expected turnout – about 1,300 volunteers showed up – we were able to cover a lot of ground and clear over one third of the search grid.

Unfortunately, some things got a bit out of hand today when some volunteers leaked information on the Internet about some of the items that were found.

Earlier today, I attempted to clear up the details about the team of forensic students that made a find near Jay Blanchard Park. There was initially a bit of confusion over that because there were several finds made in the park today.

Some bones, which have since been identified as dog bones, were found near a lake. Another set of bones, found with what appeared to be internal organs, were also found; however it is my understanding that they are also believed to be animal bones.

At about the same time those items were found, the team of forensic students, along with another group of volunteers, found a pair of children's underwear, a plastic bag with shoes, a rubber glove and a machete discarded in the weeds. I am being very specific about these items because one of the volunteers has already leaked the information on another message board.

I arrived on the scene shortly after the second find and I was there when the CSI's came in to examine the items. To clarify what some other boards are reporting, the shoes were men's – I think size 9 - and the children's undergarments that were found were identified as boys underwear. The machete was rusty and appeared to have been in the weeds for some time. Last time we were in this area – during the Aug.-Sept. search – this particular area was under several feet of water. At any rate, none of the items are believed to be related to the case.

Meanwhile, there is a lot of chatter and rumors about a beaded cross necklace that was found in the woods. I have been aware of this find but was asked not to share the information. That information got leaked by a blogger on another site today and it has since been twisted into several different versions.

The "Discovery" Everyone is Talking About

I am on the scene in Orlando, Florida, covering the search for Casey Anthony's missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony. This afternoon, the local media started to report on a "suspicious bag" that was found by Blanchard Park YMCA Family Center. I caution you not to get excited over this find.

I was aware of this find over an hour ago but did not report on it, as these types of discovery's are made all the time. There is no sense getting everyone worked up into a frenzy over something that is most probably nothing. Unfortunately, since that time one of the volunteers has leaked it to the media and now everyone is tripping all over themselves to get more information.

I was at the command center when that call came in from the search group. It was at about 11:00 a.m. My understanding was that it was not divers, but a group of students who study forensics at a local college. They found a towel or a bag - still waiting for clarification – and some bones. Law enforcement has gone out to the scene to investigate.

Now before everyone gets all excited, please keep in mind that volunteers are constantly reporting the discovery of bones. There are animal bones all throughout this area. Hundreds of bones have already been found today and as of yet none of them has been proven to be human. Hence, there is no reason to get excited by this "breaking news."

Keep checking back here and I will provide you will all the latest details as they come in.

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Photo Credits: Carla Lohr

Caylee Search Command Post In Desperate Need of Supplies

The command post for the Caylee Anthony search is in desperate need of supplies. It is not even noon and they have already ran out of water and food for the search volunteers.

Tim Miller has asked me to post a request for supplies. Anything anyone could send over here would be greatly appreciated.

Items can be delivered to:

The corner of Judge and Shadowridge
SE Corner
Orlando, FL Click here for map

Keep checking back for all the latest developments!

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Caylee Anthony Ground Search : On Scene Update 1

When I arrived at the command post there were about 200 volunteers on standby. In the last hour, that number has grown to roughly 500.

"We are very optimistic. We are only 30 minutes in and we already have a lot of people showing up," said Mandy Albritton, Deputy Director of Equusearch. "Everyone has a great attitude and they are determined to accomplish the job."

The volunteers are currently being assigned to team leaders. Each team leader is responsible for up to 20 volunteers.  The teams are being dispatched to several hot spots surrounding the Orlando International airport.

Members of the Texas EquuSearch core team remain confident that a resolution is close at hand. They have thoroughly mapped out the entire area and narrowed down the original areas of interest.

I am reporting to you from inside the EquuSearch command center RV. I will soon be leaving here with one of the search teams to explore some of the areas of interest that have been flagged as "hot spots."

"We are going to put all our efforts into to this but at the end of the day it is up to one person and that is God," Tim Miller said. "If we don't find her it will not be because we have not tried, it will be because it is not God's time."

In related news, I did attend the team leader meeting last night. I was hoping to get that video up right away but I was having difficulty transferring it to my laptop. I will work on that again later today and will have it up as soon as possible.

Stay tuned throughout the day for further updates!

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Photo Credits: Carla Lohr

Caylee Anthony Search Update

November 07, 2008

I arrived in Orlando, Florida last night and went into a brief strategy meeting with Tim Miller, Leonard Padilla, Robert Dick and several other members of the Texas EquuSearch core team. That meeting was continued again this morning, at which time we were joined by lead detective Sgt. John Allen. I was the only member of the media allowed in the room during the meetings, which centered on areas of interest in the search for Casey Anthony's missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

Due to the sensitive nature of the information I was privy to I am unable to provide you with details on the location of the hot zones; however, I can tell you that search grid is a 25-square mile area that stretches from Maitland south to Flamingo and east to Christmas

This afternoon, two groups, one in a Cessna airplane and another in a sheriff's office helicopter, went up in the air to photograph the areas of interest so that they could be entered into a state of the art 3D mapping program, which was originally developed for the Department of Defense.

Meanwhile, the rest of the EquuSearch team has been busy preparing the command post, in anticipation of the thousands of volunteers that are expected to show up tomorrow. 

"We are working on our logistics today and we're bringing up our command station, our mobile minis and all of the equipment we need to make the search happen first thing in the morning," Deputy Director of Equusearch, Mandy Albritton, said in an interview with Investigation Discovery. "We are ramping up for what looks to be the largest search in history. We are expecting between three and four thousand volunteers to show up. As of right now, we have 362 team leaders."

Later tonight, EquuSearch will be conducting a Pre-Search Training and Orientation Meeting.  All team leaders are encouraged to attend. Search volunteers are also welcome. I will be in attendance and will be posting information about that meeting to this blog later tonight. 

If you are interested in attending, please click here for details on the location and time of the orientation meeting.

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Full Coverage : Casey Anthony Case

Photo Credits: Carla Lohr

Caylee Anthony Search Command Post Changed

November 05, 2008

The location of the command post in the search for Casey Anthony's missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony, has been changed.

Due to scheduling issues, the command post will no longer be located on Boggy Creek Road. The new location is at:

The corner of Judge and Shadowridge
SE Corner
Orlando, FL
Click here for map

The search is set to begin at 8 a.m., on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008 and will continue until further notice.

Click here for pre-search training and information on the orientation and team leader meeting

EquuSearch will be in need of foot searchers, ATV's and horse searchers, along with volunteers to man the command post. All volunteers are welcome. You must be 18-years-old and present a valid photo ID. Plan to wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, have a walking stick, good walking shoes or boots and bug spray.

Investigation Discovery has obtained a copy of the volunteer sign up form that will be passed out to participants. People interested in helping search for Caylee should fill out the form and bring it with them to the command post.

The form will also be made available at the command post; however you can help save the organization both time and money by filling it out ahead of time and bringing it with you.

If you cannot join in the search you can still help EquuSearch by sending a much needed donation to them via their website: www.texasequusearch.org or postal mail: Texas EquuSearch, P. O. Box 395, Dickinson, Texas 77539.

I am flying to Orlando tomorrow to join Tim Miller in the search effort. Starting on Friday, I will begin posting regular updates on the search effort.

Keep checking back for all the latest developments!

Discuss The Caylee Anthony Case

Full Coverage : Casey Anthony Case

Photo Credits: Carla Lohr

Investigation Discovery Joining Second Search For Caylee Anthony

I am flying to Orlando tomorrow to join Tim Miller in the search for Casey Anthony's missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

I just spoke with Tim's Executive Assistant, Barbie Tarr, and she has informed me that the location of the command post has been changed. As soon as I have an address for the new location I will post it here.

Starting on Friday, I will begin posting regular updates on the search effort. Keep checking back for all the latest developments!

Wish us luck!

Discuss The Caylee Anthony Case

Full Coverage : Casey Anthony Case

EquuSearch Announces Command Post Location for Caylee Anthony Search

October 31, 2008

Texas EquuSearch has officially announced a location for the command post in the search for Casey Anthony's missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

Anyone interested in joining the search is asked to meet at the old Chrysler plant, located at:

10300 Boggy Creek Road
Orlando, Florida

Click here for a map of the location.

The search is set to begin at 8 a.m., on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008 and will continue until further notice.

EquuSearch will be in need of foot searchers, ATV's and horse searchers, along with volunteers to man the command post. All volunteers are welcome. You must be 18-years-old and present a valid photo ID. Plan to wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, have a walking stick, good walking shoes or boots and bug spray.

Investigation Discovery has obtained a copy of the volunteer sign up form that will be passed out to participants. People interested in helping search for Caylee should fill out the form and bring it with them to the command post.

Download the volunteer registration agreement

The form will also be made available at the command post; however you can help save the organization both time and money by filling it out ahead of time and bringing it with you.

If you cannot join in the search you can still help EquuSearch by sending a much needed donation to them via their website: www.texasequusearch.org or postal mail: Texas EquuSearch, P. O. Box 395, Dickinson, Texas 77539.

Investigation Discovery will be on the scene in Florida, bringing you all the latest updates on the search effort.

In the words of Tim Miller's Executive Assistant, Barbie Tarr: "It is time to bring baby Caylee home!"

Discuss The Caylee Anthony Case

Full Coverage : Casey Anthony Case

Photo Credit: Caylee: Associated Press; Caylee Search Sign: Carla Lohr

Casey Anthony, Scott Peterson and Todd Black

October 29, 2008

There have been some new developments in the case of Casey Anthony and her missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

On Tuesday, Anthony was arraigned on charges of first degree murder, aggravated child abuse, aggravated manslaughter and four counts of lying to investigators. Anthony had already entered a written "not guilty" plea, so she was not required to be present during the proceeding.

Judge Stan Strickland set Jan. 5 as the opening day for Anthony's trial. If convicted, Anthony could face life in prison or the death penalty.

Also on Tuesday, 1700 pages of new evidence were released. The documents include 4200 tips that investigators have received in Caylee's case. The tips mostly consist of alleged sightings and visions from self-proclaimed psychics.

I'm not going to go through and edit the personal information from all 1700 pages of the tips. Instead, I am providing links to the copies that Fox News already has online: Set 1, Set 2, Set 3, Set 4, Set 5, Set 6

Meanwhile, reports are surfacing today that Scott Peterson, a California death-row inmate who was convicted in 2005 of killing his wife, Laci Peterson, and their unborn child, has allegedly been writing to Anthony at the Orange County Jail. A spokesperson for the facility will not comment on the reports; however Todd Black, a spokesman for Anthony's attorney, Jose Baez, has openly denied the claim. 

As previously reported, Texas EquuSearch is gearing up for a second search for Caylee, set to begin on November 8.  According to a spokesperson for the organization, they are currently looking for a place to set up their command post.

Earlier today, EquuSearch provided Investigation Discovery with a copy of the volunteer sign up form that they will be passing out to participants. People interested in helping search for Caylee should fill out the form and bring it with them to the command post.

Download the volunteer registration agreement

The form will also be made available at the command post; however you can help save the organization both time and money by filling it out ahead of time and bringing it with you.

As soon as EquuSearch has a definite location set, we will post it here.