Legal experts say the stunning not-guilty verdict is a result of several key factors, beginning with the lack of hard evidence tying Casey, 25, to the crime. In an interview after the trial, he said that the prosecution failed to prove their case and that George and Cindy Anthony's testimony was problematic. Casey Anthony is planning to tell her story in an upcoming TV documentary, a source has revealed - 11 years after she was acquitted of murdering her two-year-old daughter. ", CASEY ANTHONY OPENS FLORIDA INVESTIGATION BUSINESS. "And it came back 12-0 to convict. When youve been doing this for so long, you know that younever know what a jury will do, says Orlando defense attorney Bill Umansky, who closely followed the case. But the prosecutors did not give us enough evidence to convict. I really think the jury in this case tried to remove the emotion, as Baez asked them to. WebFor those who may not remember, Casey was acquitted after being found not guilty of first-degree murder, aggravated manslaughter and aggravated child abuse while she was But the prosecutors did not give us enough evidence to convict. A juror has come forward six years later to explain why he wasn't able to find her guilty in the case. George Anthony has always strongly denied his daughters claims that he sexually abused or harmed anyone. Evidently this was discussed in the jury room. 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In October 2008, Casey was charged with first-degree murder, just months before her daughters skeletal remains were found in a trash bag. WebIn my opinion, there are a couple of main reasons why Casey was acquitted when she was so clearly guilty (her father just recently stated that he believes that Casey did in fact Keep scrolling for the answers to some of the most common questions people have about the case. Still, Anthony was, however, convicted on four misdemeanor counts, which included providing false information to a law enforcement officer. It was all circumstantial evidence, the whole case.". I said, 'Hell, no. I dont give a s about what anyone thinks about me, I never will. He knew he wasn't going to convince us. I'd say that some people got intense, but there were no personal attacks, no real yelling. Why They Were Acquitted Or child abuse. She even admitted to having a gun for protection and going drinking with Walter. Authorities were never able to establish the cause of death. Several Key Factors. Oh, just the song he wrote about his 14-year-old wife. Two trials later, Thaw was found not guilty due to temporary insanity and sentenced to life in a criminally insane hospital. Legal Statement. Its called If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer. But after getting away with murder, he later served nine years of a 33-year sentence in a Nevada prison for various charges, including kidnapping, robbery, and gun charges. Market data provided by Factset. ", The juror who spoke with PEOPLE two subsequent times since his initial interview told PEOPLE that the attorneys' behavior in the courtroom also impacted the jury room. "Everyone was just stunned at what we were about to do. While they were at a bar, he met Patricia Bowman. How could I be so stupid, how could I be so wrong? On July 17, 2011, she was released from the Orange County Jail in Orlando, Fla. Of course, since the trial in 2011, many still have a lot of questions including not only why Casey Anthony was acquitted, but how? She launched a private investigation firm in Florida in December 2020, In Touch confirmed. FILE - In this July 5, 2011, file photo, defense attorney Jose Baez, left, and Casey Anthony react after the jury acquitted her of murdering her daughter, Caylee, during Anthony's trial at the Orange County Courthouse in Orlando, Fla. (Red Huber/Orlando Sentinel via AP, Pool, File), Casey Anthony launches private investigation business: report. There are a few details that dont make sense with the verdict. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. He explained to PEOPLE that they did a second vote, which resulted in an 11 to 1 vote in favor of acquittal. In hisfinal opportunity to speak tothe 12 jurors, who sat stone-faced, attentive and unreadable throughout the trialsintense six weeks, defense lawyer Jose Baez told them that the biggest question of all, how Caseys2-year-old daughter Caylee died, remained unanswered. Simpsons lawyers argued that the police had mishandled evidence and that there was reasonable doubt as to Simpsons guilt. When Casey spoke in a rare 2017 interview with the Associated Press about the claim, Caseys parents said they were hurt by it. In 2011, a judge acquitted the Ohio native of her daughters murder in her trial. Although some reports implied she wanted to investigate Caylees death, a source close to the mother of one told People in January 2021 thats not the case. In the docuseries, Casey shared her account of the infamous investigation, trial and aftermath of Caylees death. His mom had been paying people off his entire life to keep the family reputation as clean as possible. Ashton, who unsuccessfully prosecuted the case against Casey Anthony, says he committed no crime on the cheating website and will not resign his post. "Cindy was in a lot of pain and stress," he said, adding that her testimony was confusing and not believable. In Touch Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. 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Its hard to believe that its been more than a decade since America watched with bated breath as the jury made a decision about Casey Anthonys highly publicized murder trial. It the Apr. They built their case around their clients lies. However, in 1981, John Hinckley, Jr. attempted to assassinate U.S. President Ronald Reagan. Cameras recorded as Casey cried tears of joy, her defense team wrapping their arms around each other in celebration of the jurys verdict. Despite the accusations, George revealed hes ready to forgive her and move on. Caylee was last seen alive on June 16, 2008, and reported missing 31 days later, on July 15, by Caseys mother, Cindy. She reiterated that the jurors felt there wasnt enough evidence to convict Casey of murder, lending to their feelings of reasonable doubt. The whole point is that a jury of ones peers makes the decision, not the government. WebOn July 5, 2011, a 12-member jury filed into an Orlando courtroom to render their verdict against Casey Anthony, who was on trial for first-degree murder in the death of her 2 I said, Me and Casey are on the run, We need a place to stay for tonight. The pair then continued driving north, with Ms Anthony keen to continue talking after three years in solitary confinement. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Have a tip? If you cannot prove what the crime was, you cannot determine what the punishment should be.. Still, Anthony was, however, convicted on four misdemeanor counts, which included providing false information to a law enforcement officer. Oh, and if this story sounds familiar, Belva and another woman from Chicagos Murderess Row, Beulah Annan were immortalized in the hit play Chicago as Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart. Sadly, in December 2011, Caylees remains were found alongside a blanket in a garbage bag in a wooded area near Caseys home. "She seems like a horrible person. When Casey spoke in a rare 2017 interview with the Associated Press about the claim, Caseys parents said they were hurt by it. Sheppards case received intense media coverage, which he claimed biased the jury. Because she had been arrested in 2008 and held without bond, Casey was credited for time served and released just over a week later. Hinckleys lawyers argued that he was mentally ill and had been obsessed with Foster since seeing her in the movie Taxi Driver. In December of that same year, after a short 77-minute deliberation, William was acquitted. A 33-year-old single gym teacher, he earned the name "Johnny Depp" from some courthouse staff due to his good looks. They gave us a lot of stuff that makes us think she probably did something wrong, but not beyond a reasonable doubt.". For one anonymous male juror, the answer was simple: Generally, none of us liked Casey Anthony at all," he told PEOPLE Magazine a month after the trial. It seemed he had been stalking her. "And we talked about it for a while, going through the evidence. PEOPLE reached three of them by phone on Thursday, and none of them wanted to talk. Be the first to hear, I said, 'Hell, no. Finding this might have been the last straw since he killed Larkyns only five months after his sons birth. "We were crying, and not just the women. 7. George denied his daughters allegations during her trial, telling the jury no when asked if he sexually abused Casey. Among the many differences between the opposing legal teams in theCasey Anthony murder trial, perhaps the key distinction is this: Where the prosecution sought to provide answers, the defense aimed to raise questions. Dont worry, we really hate spam. Distractify is a registered trademark. Bobbitts attorneys argued that she was not guilty by reason of temporary insanity. It's a tough situation all around. WebCasey Anthony, the Florida mother who was vilified by the nation after being accused of killing her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee, was acquitted in the girls murder five years ago Simpson was tried for the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. He claimed in a letter written before the attempt that he wanted to get the attention of actress Jodie Foster. Money is the real reason Harry Thaw was acquitted. He told The Daily Beast that immediately after she was released, he moved her to a beach house in Floridas panhandle region, where she was quickly spotted walking with her lawyer. We have to accept it.. In Touch Weekly is part of the a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023. During the trial, Caseys lawyer implied that Caseys brother may have impregnated her. Keep scrolling for the answers to some of the most common questions people have about the case. "At this point, what more is there to say?". Casey Anthony Tells Her Side of the Story in a New Documentary Did Her Brother Participate? The Associated Press contributed to this report. Huekler also said he found the evidence regarding the smell in Caseys Pontiac Sunfire unconvincing, despite testimony from multiple witnesses includingCaseys mother Cindy thatthe car reeked of death. In the new three-part Peacock docuseries Casey Anthony: Where the Truth Lies, Ms Anthony claims that she herself was molested by her father, George Anthony, and alleges that he had done the same to her daughter and concealed the childs body. Why They Were Acquitted Nobody could say how Caylee died, when she died. Juror No. After Cindy had gone more than 31 days without seeing the toddler, she alleged that Caseys car smelled like a dead body. Today, Casey works for her own company. She was in a cell 23 out of 24 hours a day, Lyons said. WebWhy Casey Anthony Was Acquitted Legal experts point to too many unanswered questions and the unpredictable nature of juries. It was all circumstantial evidence, the whole case., This is the first time a panel member has gone on camera to discuss the case, as once their names were made public after the controversial verdict, many went into hiding. I just said there was not enough evidence. At the end of the day, there was simply no concrete evidence linking Casey Anthony to the death of her daughter. The juror previously spoke to People, just a month after the trial ended, when he said he and the others generally did not like Anthony. She launched a private investigation firm in Florida in December 2020, according to documents obtained by The Daily Mail. The court clerk began reading the verdict in the hushed courtroom and mouths dropped as Anthony was acquitted of all the serious charges against her. Sadly, in December 2011, Caylees remains were found alongside a blanket in a garbage bag in a wooded area near Caseys home. Essentially the jury all agreed that if they found out their wives were cheating, it was only right for a man to kill her lover. WebFor those who may not remember, Casey was acquitted after being found not guilty of first-degree murder, aggravated manslaughter and aggravated child abuse while she was "She was on a lot of medication.". Story tips can be sent to stephanie.pagones@fox.com and on Twitter: @steph_pagones., Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. The onetime accused child-killer appears to have launched a private investigation firm in Florida, public records show. Get the Answer to Every Question Youve Ever Had About the Case, Hope You Werent Spur-Of-The-Moment Expecting To Visit Disney World Or Disneyland Over Spring Break. A day later, Casey was arrested. They stayed up all night and talked. "I did what I could do based on the evidence that we got to hear," she said. Im still not even certain as I stand here today about what happened, she revealed. "At least that. 10 Most Important Missions In Nasa S History, https://abcnews.go.com/US/oj-simpson-granted-early-release-parole/story?id=81751784. The jury agreed and found Bobbitt not guilty. In fact, in Utah, they abolished it altogether. They couldnt connect Casey to the murder. Shes not starting a company to get answers about Caylee., To this day, Caseys case still haunts some jurors. Mentally ill and had been paying people off his entire why was casey anthony acquitted to keep the family reputation as clean as.! Her testimony was confusing and not believable been obsessed with Foster since her... Few details that dont make sense with the Associated Press about the claim, Caseys parents they! 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Could say how Caylee died, when she died in her trial, Caseys lawyer implied that brother... `` I did what I could do based on a tape that allegedly Kelly!