As opening arguments get underway on Tuesday in the Orange County Courthouse, twelve jurors–7 women and 5 men–will decide the fate of Casey Anthony who is charged with first degree murder of her two-year-old daughter, Caylee. And it has taken close to three years to get to this point.
On Day 11 of jury selection, Chief Judge Belvin Perry was able to swear in a jury last Friday, May 20, at the Pinellas County Courthouse, more than 200 miles from Orlando, and after prosecution and defense teams had screened nearly 200 potential jurors.
Some court watchers suggest that, the prosecution will probably attempt to be dramatic in their opening arguments, perhaps showing pictures of little Caylee’s happy and angelic face, juxtaposed with her mother’s party photos taken during the period when the child was missing and when Casey claimed she was looking for her.
Prosecutors may also play the recording of Cindy Anthony, Casey’s mother, when she called 911 to report her granddaughter missing.
“There’s something wrong. I found my daughter’s car today and it smells like there has been a dead body in the damn car,” Cindy said.
The prosecution may also give jurors an early glimpse of Caylee’s remains, with duck tape over her mouth and weeds arising from her bones, photos which no doubt will give jurors a major jolt.
On the other hand, the defense team, would want to explain up front to jurors in their opening statements why it took Casey thirty-one days to report her child missing to authorities. They will also want to answer questions like, why their client led Orange County Sheriff’s deputies on a wild goose chase looking for Caylee and why she initially told detectives her daughter was kidnapped by a baby sitter.
Court watchers believe, based on questions posed to potential jurors, Casey’s defense team may seek to explain her actions by claiming verbal, emotional and even sexual abuse, perhaps by her father George or her brother Lee Anthony. Even so, how these dots will be connected to Caylee’s murder, is anyone’s guess.
Casey Anthony, 25, is charged with murdering her two-year-old daughter, Caylee between June 15-16, 2008. She had initially claimed her daughter was kidnapped by a baby sitter, but that “story” was later debunked by her defense attorneys. The child’s remains were found in December 2008.
If found guilty, Casey could face the death penalty. The trial is expected to last up to eight weeks
