Casey Anthony trial...

[diamondseeker2006]

For those on Facebook, there is an event page called "Porch lights on for Caylee Marie Anthony". You can go to the page and click if you are attending, which means leaving your porch lights on from 9pm tonight to 6am tomorrow.

 

[Mayk]

This is so sad. So sad for Caylee. This is no justice. It hurts my heart to know the details and know this outcome.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

For those on Facebook, there is an event page called "Porch lights on for Caylee Marie Anthony". You can go to the page and click if you are attending, which means leaving your porch lights on from 9pm tonight to 6am tomorrow.

Lights are on...burning bright.

 

[MonkeyPie]

So, I've thought about this now for a few hours...the shock and disappointment have worn off, and now it's just another really sad story of the justice system gone awry.

Wait, how did it go awry? 12 people got in a room, looked at the evidence, and decided they couldn't convict her. As easy as it is for us to sit here and say she's guilty (and I think she is), we don't have the burden of looking at the evidence and saying, "Yes, this PROVES that she did it." There was no cause of death. As VL said, they may have thought she was guilty, but the evidence all put together didn't prove it. If there had been a cause of death, I think this would have been a different case.

I just don't see how this is a case of the justice system going awry. Not going the way we want it to? Definitely. But I think it worked the way it was supposed to. The law is designed so that people are innocent until PROVEN guilty. It seems like the jury followed the law, and just couldn't find *proof* in the evidence presented to them and so they acquitted her, which actually means it's the legal system working the way it's meant to.

Huge ditto. Do I think she's guilty? Absolutely. Do I wish that the court system relied on more than just hard evidence that cannot be denied? Sometimes. In this case, they did what they were supposed to do. We don't have to like it.

And the fact is that even if she was found not-guilty, that means nothing in the real world. She will be exposed to hatred, abuse, and a constant (for awhile) barrage of people perfectly willing to make sure she knows that she will never be accepted into the fold. Life for her will never be easy again, whether she is "above the law" or not. She will trip up and end up in jail for something else anyway...and we all know what other inmates do to people that have committed crimes against children.

 

[Maria D]

Huge ditto. Do I think she's guilty? Absolutely. Do I wish that the court system relied on more than just hard evidence that cannot be denied? Sometimes. In this case, they did what they were supposed to do. We don't have to like it.

But I thought our system DID rely on more than just hard irrefutable evidence. It is supposed to rely on "abiding conviction of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt." Think about why you *absolutely* think she is guilty. Because all the circumstantial evidence taken together: hidden body, guilty lying behavior, smell of death in the trunk, chloroform searches, duct-tape, gives you abiding conviction. Think of the reasons you may doubt your conviction. Um, kid could have drowned and instead of reporting it, Casey and whatever accomplices she had made it look like murder while Casey spent 31 days partying and lying about Caylee's whereabouts. Hmmmm...not reasonable, throw that one out -- next?

Man, I would have hung this jury!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Maria, you and me both!

 

[lulu]

I am astonished as I believe it was premeditated murder.

But there is an ultimate irony that gives me some comfort. George and Cindy enabled their daughter in every way her whole life, even insisting she was not involved in the murder. And Cindy even committed perjury. But they came to believe she was guilty and now the daughter they know committed the murder of their granddaughter and that threw them under the bus has been acquitted. Very interesting, but no justice for that little girl.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

You know what I think bothers me the most, and maybe it's my own hang up and why I'm having such a hard time processing thing, but it bothers me that the jurors didn't seem to spend the time going over the evidence that was at their disposal.

No one asked for read backs, or clarifications, or to even view the evidence. All along, it was discussed, that they didn't take many notes. And this case with nothing if not scientific and layers of details...there is zero probability that these men and woman had perfect recall and could pull up in an instant what the elevated chloroform levels were and the like.

I'm sitting here thinking about how much we, who aren't responsible for anything, have spent discussing and dissecting what was brought out into open court. And then I look at the stark contrast of how littl the people who were responsible for justice devoted to going piece by piece over this case.

I understand the jury was tired...tired of looking at Casey's face, tired of trying to understand things that were out of their element, they wanted to go home and be with their families and sleep in their own beds. But this was a little girls life, and she's dead and all roads lead to her mother who promptly laughed at the verdict was read. It's so unfortunate and it makes me sad.

 

[texaskj]

My SO and I watch a ton of crime shows on TruTV and ID. I remember one show a couple of years ago when they talked to some jury members and one actually said she had voted not guilty because she didn't believe anyone could do such a cruel and heinous act. So she let a monster walk because of her naivete. Hopefully, that prosecutor learned what questions to put on the next questionnaire for jury selection.

 

[Maria D]

You know what I think bothers me the most, and maybe it's my own hang up and why I'm having such a hard time processing thing, but it bothers me that the jurors didn't seem to spend the time going over the evidence that was at their disposal.

No one asked for read backs, or clarifications, or to even view the evidence. All along, it was discussed, that they didn't take many notes. And this case with nothing if not scientific and layers of details...there is zero probability that these men and woman had perfect recall and could pull up in an instant what the elevated chloroform levels were and the like.

I'm sitting here thinking about how much we, who aren't responsible for anything, have spent discussing and dissecting what was brought out into open court. And then I look at the stark contrast of how littl the people who were responsible for justice devoted to going piece by piece over this case.

I understand the jury was tired...tired of looking at Casey's face, tired of trying to understand things that were out of their element, they wanted to go home and be with their families and sleep in their own beds. But this was a little girls life, and she's dead and all roads lead to her mother who promptly laughed at the verdict was read. It's so unfortunate and it makes me sad.

Yes, this exactly! Mental laziness, even in the face of something this important. It wasn't all laid out absolutely and scientifically like a 60 minute CSI episode. In my opinion, the tenacity to ponder, discuss and debate just wasn't there if they could reach this decision in 10 hours without asking for a single clarification.

On a side note -- Kim Kardashian apparently twittered about her shock at the verdict today. Irony much?

 

[Italiahaircolor]

You know what I think bothers me the most, and maybe it's my own hang up and why I'm having such a hard time processing thing, but it bothers me that the jurors didn't seem to spend the time going over the evidence that was at their disposal.

No one asked for read backs, or clarifications, or to even view the evidence. All along, it was discussed, that they didn't take many notes. And this case with nothing if not scientific and layers of details...there is zero probability that these men and woman had perfect recall and could pull up in an instant what the elevated chloroform levels were and the like.

I'm sitting here thinking about how much we, who aren't responsible for anything, have spent discussing and dissecting what was brought out into open court. And then I look at the stark contrast of how littl the people who were responsible for justice devoted to going piece by piece over this case.

I understand the jury was tired...tired of looking at Casey's face, tired of trying to understand things that were out of their element, they wanted to go home and be with their families and sleep in their own beds. But this was a little girls life, and she's dead and all roads lead to her mother who promptly laughed at the verdict was read. It's so unfortunate and it makes me sad.

Yes, this exactly! Mental laziness, even in the face of something this important. It wasn't all laid out absolutely and scientifically like a 60 minute CSI episode. In my opinion, the tenacity to ponder, discuss and debate just wasn't there if they could reach this decision in 10 hours without asking for a single clarification.

On a side note -- Kim Kardashian apparently twittered about her shock at the verdict today. Irony much?

Incredibly...a lot of people pointed that out to her as well.

 

[alli_esq]

Wait, how did it go awry? 12 people got in a room, looked at the evidence, and decided they couldn't convict her. As easy as it is for us to sit here and say she's guilty (and I think she is), we don't have the burden of looking at the evidence and saying, "Yes, this PROVES that she did it." There was no cause of death. As VL said, they may have thought she was guilty, but the evidence all put together didn't prove it. If there had been a cause of death, I think this would have been a different case.

I just don't see how this is a case of the justice system going awry. Not going the way we want it to? Definitely. But I think it worked the way it was supposed to. The law is designed so that people are innocent until PROVEN guilty. It seems like the jury followed the law, and just couldn't find *proof* in the evidence presented to them and so they acquitted her, which actually means it's the legal system working the way it's meant to.

Princesss, you said it better than I was about to. Thanks.

I would personally rather see 100 guilty people walk free than one single innocent person be convicted. That is our legal system and although it is imperfect in deciding guilt and innocence, it's got the right concept behind it. In my opinion, of course.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

Wait, how did it go awry? 12 people got in a room, looked at the evidence, and decided they couldn't convict her. As easy as it is for us to sit here and say she's guilty (and I think she is), we don't have the burden of looking at the evidence and saying, "Yes, this PROVES that she did it." There was no cause of death. As VL said, they may have thought she was guilty, but the evidence all put together didn't prove it. If there had been a cause of death, I think this would have been a different case.

I just don't see how this is a case of the justice system going awry. Not going the way we want it to? Definitely. But I think it worked the way it was supposed to. The law is designed so that people are innocent until PROVEN guilty. It seems like the jury followed the law, and just couldn't find *proof* in the evidence presented to them and so they acquitted her, which actually means it's the legal system working the way it's meant to.

Princesss, you said it better than I was about to. Thanks.

I would personally rather see 100 guilty people walk free than one single innocent person be convicted. That is our legal system and although it is imperfect in deciding guilt and innocence, it's got the right concept behind it. In my opinion, of course.

I know the legal system isn't perfect...but man, I wish it was it. Neither the guilty going free nor the innocent being convicted seems right. But, I guess that's the world we live in.

I just wish there had been justice for Caylee. That's all. Everything else aside, that little girl deserved just that much from the people of Florida. And how those 12 people didn't look into those big eyes and where she was laid to rest and not feel that she was owed that much--not even child abuse--I'll never reconcile myself to understanding that. Because, at the end of the day, dead or alive, Caylee was still a child and Casey was still her mother and throwing her into a swamp where animals gnawed her bones is abuse, it is criminal and it is appalling.

So, I guess I don't need to know if it was the chloroform or the duct tape or a heart attack or drowning in a pool that killed her....she died and was literally thrown away like garbage, but even worse than that because her mother kept garbage, and there no one held accountable. That just feels very, very wrong to me.

 

[Laila619]

Yep, Italia, you're right. You have to get her on at least child endangerment or abuse, period.

And I'm sorry, but those jurors do not understand the nuances of reasonable doubt.

 

[janinegirly]

I'm with LV and the others on this - totally disgusted. There was plenty of evidence, and remains which is more than with most cases (Scott Peterson?). There was a pattern of behaviour (lying), silence for 31 days (!), signs of a cover up and ridiculous defense theories. The defense tactic of choosing clueless jurors and then confusing them with absurd theories worked (no need for actual supporting evidence or theories!). It's sad because there is no justice but also because now Casey will cash in - book dealks, interviews, maybe a reality show. Our celebrity obsessed culture combined with voyeuristic dumbed down needs has turned sex tapes, murder, horrible scandals into a business opportunity--it's revolting. And I'm sure a few jurors will cash in too.

They must be laughing at us in other countries - what a joke.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

I'm with LV and the others on this - totally disgusted. There was plenty of evidence, and remains which is more than with most cases (Scott Peterson?). There was a pattern of behaviour (lying), silence for 31 days (!), signs of a cover up and ridiculous defense theories. The defense tactic of choose clueless jurors and then confusing them with absurd theories worked (no need for actual supporting evidence or theories!). It's sad because there is no justice but also because now Casey will cash in - book dealks, interviews, maybe a reality show. Our celebrity obsessed culture combined with voyeuristic dumbed down needs has turned sex tapes, murder, horrible scandals into a business opportunity--it's revolting. And I'm sure a few jurors will cash in too.

They must be laughing at us in other countries - what a joke.

There has been a lot of talk about initiating a Caylee's Law--something that would honor her and change the way things are done. People are saying that, the proposal should be, if a child goes missing, it is the parents/caregivers job to report that child within 24 hours or it's a felony.

I personally think the law should prohibit the parent of a child, if they are accused of that child's murder, from profiting off the death of their child. I think that's just common sense.

 

[JewelFreak]

I personally think the law should prohibit the parent of a child, if they are accused of that child's murder, from profiting off the death of their child.

Unfortunately, once you're aquitted, you're legally as innocent as if you'd never been charged. I don't see how the law can stop you from exercising your right to free speech. That stinks in this case. But what if somebody were charged & tried & the real criminal turned up afterward? They'd be prevented from writing about it too.

If she makes a dime off this story I'm going to throw up. Again. Wanted to vomit all day yesterday. I've NEVER, even after the OJ trial, been so disgusted about anything. Couldn't even look at this thread yesterday, much less contribute.

OJ was a pariah. That was 20 yrs ago or whatever; things have changed (gone downhill) a lot since then. Are we gonna see this horrid woman next on Dancing With the Stars? Grrrrr.

Here's an example of the calibre of that whole crew. Taken through the window of a coffee shop across from the courthouse after the verdict, aimed at reporters outside. My god. And lawyers wonder why the public doesn't like them!

 

[merrijoy]

I personally think the law should prohibit the parent of a child, if they are accused of that child's murder, from profiting off the death of their child.

Unfortunately, once you're aquitted, you're legally as innocent as if you'd never been charged. I don't see how the law can stop you from exercising your right to free speech. That stinks in this case. But what if somebody were charged & tried & the real criminal turned up afterward? They'd be prevented from writing about it too.

If she makes a dime off this story I'm going to throw up. Again. Wanted to vomit all day yesterday. I've NEVER, even after the OJ trial, been so disgusted about anything. Couldn't even look at this thread yesterday, much less contribute.

OJ was a pariah. That was 20 yrs ago or whatever; things have changed (gone downhill) a lot since then. Are we gonna see this horrid woman next on Dancing With the Stars? Grrrrr.

Here's an example of the calibre of that whole crew. Taken through the window of a coffee shop across from the courthouse after the verdict, aimed at reporters outside. My god. And lawyers wonder why the public doesn't like them!

So classy. Wow. Ugh. My arms are tingling from rage from this.

 

[mrhand]

I personally think the law should prohibit the parent of a child, if they are accused of that child's murder, from profiting off the death of their child.

Unfortunately, once you're aquitted, you're legally as innocent as if you'd never been charged. I don't see how the law can stop you from exercising your right to free speech. That stinks in this case. But what if somebody were charged & tried & the real criminal turned up afterward? They'd be prevented from writing about it too.

If she makes a dime off this story I'm going to throw up. Again. Wanted to vomit all day yesterday. I've NEVER, even after the OJ trial, been so disgusted about anything. Couldn't even look at this thread yesterday, much less contribute.

OJ was a pariah. That was 20 yrs ago or whatever; things have changed (gone downhill) a lot since then. Are we gonna see this horrid woman next on Dancing With the Stars? Grrrrr.

Here's an example of the calibre of that whole crew. Taken through the window of a coffee shop across from the courthouse after the verdict, aimed at reporters outside. My god. And lawyers wonder why the public doesn't like them!

I agree with Mason. The media deserves a huge F U. Especially that tw*t Nancy Grace and her sidekicks for sensationalizing this. If it weren't for piranha like her and Jane the jury might not have been so contaminated.

 

[chemgirl]

Ugh, she obviously did it. I was shocked that the jury came back with a verdict so quickly. I assumed, since they didn't request anything, that they were set on guilty.

I also hate that her life will be totally "back to normal" in a few years...five max. I'm basing this from experience. There was a rapist and serial killer who operated in my area. She lured girls, raped them, tortured them, and murdered them. She murdered her own sister. She got a deal if she testified against her accomplice. Everyone was shocked when video tape of the murders was found. She was a monster. Ten years later and she's in a relationship and has kids. She's altered her appearance and most people don't know who she is anymore. I would scream at her if I saw her on the street, but I have no idea what she looks like now.

Its a sad fact, but most people will be going "Casey who?" and she'll be back to her old ways before you know it.

 

[tradergirl]

Proper verdict given the evidence and the laws of the state. I would have also voted to acquit. It has nothing to do with whether I believe she was involved in the death of her kid- what matters under our laws is - did the state prove it. They didn't even come close. The system worked. Do I like the defendant? No, I think she's a piece of human trash. But that does not mean the state proved she killed her kid and that is the end of the story.

 

[TooPatient]

I can see how the jurors could have interpreted "reasonable doubt" in such a way that they couldn't justify finding her guilty of the murder itself BUT what about abuse (like drugging her!) and neglect and/or endangerment (leaving her presumably alone since there was no friend or nanny)? Those should have been pretty easy to find her guilty of!


Maybe there is some truth to the idea that some things are just so horrible to consider that people don't even allow themselves to consider the possibility. Who wants to think that a woman is capable of killing her own child? Or that a human (especially a woman) is capable of commiting something so disgusting and brutal and have no remorse?

 

[tradergirl]

Too Patient: The state didn't prove she drugged her kid or left her alone. Those are your interpretations of the story. Their assertion was that the kid was at her grandparents' home when she died. All of you are reacting emotionally but the law requires that you judge on the facts and evidence, not on what YOU personally would have done in that situation. I'm sure that there were jurors who came into the case thinking she was probably guilty but when presented with the road map to find that legally, could not.

 

[Miss Sparkly]

I have never been able to understand why people become so heated and upset about something that doesn't directly effect them. If she gets a million dollar book deal, don't blame her, blame the media. They are the ones telling the story, keeping people interested and on the edge of their seat. Blame the entire country for becoming so wrapped up in something that doesn't pertain to them that they are willing to spend the money, or sit in front of the tv, and justify any kind of TV special or book deal.

It absolutely does pertain to us. An innocent child's murder should pertain to every citizen in this country. As should justice.

Justice is bull and this thread has made me realize a lot about myself. Nobody was there for me when my own mother was being abusive and when she walked out on me saying that she never wanted me anyway. Open your eyes to life in front of you and make a difference to kids like me. Take the anger and do something usefull with it instead of complain about the outcome. It's not too late for many kids who need someone to reach out to them.

 

[Maria D]

Ugh, she obviously did it. I was shocked that the jury came back with a verdict so quickly. I assumed, since they didn't request anything, that they were set on guilty.

I also hate that her life will be totally "back to normal" in a few years...five max. I'm basing this from experience. There was a rapist and serial killer who operated in my area. She lured girls, raped them, tortured them, and murdered them. She murdered her own sister. She got a deal if she testified against her accomplice. Everyone was shocked when video tape of the murders was found. She was a monster. Ten years later and she's in a relationship and has kids. She's altered her appearance and most people don't know who she is anymore. I would scream at her if I saw her on the street, but I have no idea what she looks like now.

Its a sad fact, but most people will be going "Casey who?" and she'll be back to her old ways before you know it.

Chemgirl, I lived in your area when all that was going on in the 90s. In this case, the prosecutors cut a deal with this heinous POS before her evil husband (and accomplice) told his own lawyers about the hidden videotapes that proved the woman you are talking about was equally responsible and not another one of his victims as she had claimed. How on earth they couldn't go back and reneg on that deal haunts me to this day. They thought they needed her to convict him when all along there existed videotapes of their unspeakable crimes.

SparklyBlonde -- again you are right on. Let's all do our part to make the world a better place for those we can.

 

[Maria D]

Proper verdict given the evidence and the laws of the state. I would have also voted to acquit. It has nothing to do with whether I believe she was involved in the death of her kid- what matters under our laws is - did the state prove it. They didn't even come close. The system worked. Do I like the defendant? No, I think she's a piece of human trash. But that does not mean the state proved she killed her kid and that is the end of the story.

It has everything to do with whether a juror believes the defendant is involved in the crime. In order to convict, a juror must believe the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Clearly, you do not. May I ask where your reasonable doubt lies? I'm really curious; what am I not seeing that other intelligent people see so clearly? I keep hearing that the "state didn't prove it." What does that mean, can you elaborate?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I have never been able to understand why people become so heated and upset about something that doesn't directly effect them. If she gets a million dollar book deal, don't blame her, blame the media. They are the ones telling the story, keeping people interested and on the edge of their seat. Blame the entire country for becoming so wrapped up in something that doesn't pertain to them that they are willing to spend the money, or sit in front of the tv, and justify any kind of TV special or book deal.

It absolutely does pertain to us. An innocent child's murder should pertain to every citizen in this country. As should justice.

Justice is bull and this thread has made me realize a lot about myself. Nobody was there for me when my own mother was being abusive and when she walked out on me saying that she never wanted me anyway. Open your eyes to life in front of you and make a difference to kids like me. Take the anger and do something usefull with it instead of complain about the outcome. It's not too late for many kids who need someone to reach out to them.

Sparkly: {{{{hugs}}}} I know a hug doesn't solve anything, but my heart hurts for children like you. I did spend a few years as a guardian ad litem and I worked with many kids from questionable homes in a high poverty school. I made it my priority to let them know that someone loved them and believed in them. So I do have an understanding of how you must feel, even though I can never know the pain you personally experienced. I believe in holding parents accountable for neglect and abuse of their children.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I personally think the law should prohibit the parent of a child, if they are accused of that child's murder, from profiting off the death of their child.

Unfortunately, once you're aquitted, you're legally as innocent as if you'd never been charged. I don't see how the law can stop you from exercising your right to free speech. That stinks in this case. But what if somebody were charged & tried & the real criminal turned up afterward? They'd be prevented from writing about it too.

If she makes a dime off this story I'm going to throw up. Again. Wanted to vomit all day yesterday. I've NEVER, even after the OJ trial, been so disgusted about anything. Couldn't even look at this thread yesterday, much less contribute.

OJ was a pariah. That was 20 yrs ago or whatever; things have changed (gone downhill) a lot since then. Are we gonna see this horrid woman next on Dancing With the Stars? Grrrrr.

Here's an example of the calibre of that whole crew. Taken through the window of a coffee shop across from the courthouse after the verdict, aimed at reporters outside. My god. And lawyers wonder why the public doesn't like them!

Unreal. We shouldn't be surprised, though. Anyone who can go a celebrate the victory of freeing a child murderer is a sick human being as far as I am concerned. As I said before, there are a lot of people around with no morals.

 

[Laila619]

Too Patient: The state didn't prove she drugged her kid or left her alone. Those are your interpretations of the story. Their assertion was that the kid was at her grandparents' home when she died. All of you are reacting emotionally but the law requires that you judge on the facts and evidence, not on what YOU personally would have done in that situation. I'm sure that there were jurors who came into the case thinking she was probably guilty but when presented with the road map to find that legally, could not.

Fine. Then how about not reporting an "accident" for 31 days. How is that not negligent/child endangerment? Not to mention no one called 911 when she "drowned". What if she still could have been saved?

If you accidentally hit someone on the road and don't report it for 31 days, you'll sure as hell get charged for something.

 

[Amber St. Clare]

Ugh, she obviously did it. I was shocked that the jury came back with a verdict so quickly. I assumed, since they didn't request anything, that they were set on guilty.

I also hate that her life will be totally "back to normal" in a few years...five max. I'm basing this from experience. There was a rapist and serial killer who operated in my area. She lured girls, raped them, tortured them, and murdered them. She murdered her own sister. She got a deal if she testified against her accomplice. Everyone was shocked when video tape of the murders was found. She was a monster. Ten years later and she's in a relationship and has kids. She's altered her appearance and most people don't know who she is anymore. I would scream at her if I saw her on the street, but I have no idea what she looks like now.

Its a sad fact, but most people will be going "Casey who?" and she'll be back to her old ways before you know it.

Chem Girl---I'm guessing Karla Holmolka?

Had I been onthat jury I would have hung it. There is no way in hell I would have gone along with the not guilty on the two lower charges.

I REALLY, REALLY want the jurors to agree to a presser after they decompress and that vacationing juror returnws from London. Hope she enjoys her trip {do we have a dripping with sarcasm emoticon?}