At a news conference on Tuesday, one of Casey Anthony’s defense attorneys Jose Baez, introduced Dorothy Clay Sims, a new attorney that recently joined the defense team. Baez also announced that Ann Finnell, who was not present, would also be part of the team.
Baez explained that while no one is leading the defense team, attorneys are joining the team to strengthen Casey Anthony’s defense.
Clay Sims has been brought on because of her expertise in cross examining medical experts on the science presented, Baez told the press conference. He added that, she is an attorney that is very much sought after. Clay Sims said she was excited to be a part of the team and that her “heart is in this case.”
Finnell, not present, was introduced as an expert on death penalty issues. Noting that Finnell would be an instrumental part of the defense team, Baez said she would be taking over from where Andrea Lyon left off. He explained that she is regarded as a veteran of capital murder cases and was working pro bono.
Asked whether the strengthening of the Anthony defense team meant they were concerned about the case, Baez responded that, “I would rather be accused of being over prepared than under prepared.”
Baez also announced that Charles Green of Orlando would be taking over the responsibilities for the civil case against Casey Anthony by Zenaida Gonzales.
Asked if he believed that the time line for the start of the case will be met, Mason responded that, although deadlines have been extended, he was certain that the trial will commence in May 2011.
With the addition of the new team members, Anthony’s criminal defense team is comprised of: Jose Baez, Cheney Mason, Linda Kennedy Baden, Dorothy Clay Sims and Ann Finnell.
Casey Anthony is charged with first degree murder in the death of her two-year-old daughter, Caylee. She has maintained her innocence and has said that her daughter was was kidnapped by a baby sitter. The child’s remains were found in a wooded area near the Anthony family home, in December 2008.
Anthony is in the Orange County Jail awaiting trial which is expected to commence on May 9, 2011.
