Missing and Murdered Children

December 12, 2008

Preliminary reports indicate that remains found in a wooded area of Orlando are most likely those of missing toddler, Caylee Anthony. During the coroner’s preliminary examination clues from the remains link the remains to the Anthony home. Investigators removed several pieces of possible evidence from the Anthony home including four vacuum cleaners, and a pesticide canister. Sheriff Beary stated DNA identification of the remains will take at least seven to fourteen days.

On another note, I was wondering yesterday when this story broke what the utility worker was doing in the wooded area. Well, he was ‘relieving himself’ according to media accounts. He saw the trash bag and kicked it causing the skull to roll out onto the ground. He called 911. Nature calls at the strangest times.

5:30p.m. PST

I really do not know what to make of the following quote:

Casey Anthony was told about the discovery in jail on Thursday, and was placed under psychological observation — not suicide watch. Her attorney, Jose Baez, visited her and said Friday she was “struggling” with the news.

“We’re doing our best to keep her focused,” Baez said.

Of course Mr. Baez is not going to elaborate on why his client is “struggling” with the news. I wonder what it is they are trying to keep her focused. Are they trying to make sure she does not jump the gun and confess before the autopsy results and DNA evidence are confirmed? Do they want to make sure they have an out as far as cause of death? If the remains do belong to Caylee and if there is no evidence of trauma then there will be no proof of a murder.

I just thought Baez’s choice of words was interesting.

December 14, 2008

Jose Baez and a group of his defense experts descended on the Anthony home yesterday, spending about two hours inside the home going over the list of items removed by the sheriff’s department. Although they were allowed to go inside the Anthony home, when the team walked to the site of the find of the remains they were not allowed to step across the crime tape. Baez was not happy about being barred from the area.

“The best defense is full disclosure,” Baez said. “It’s not after something has been not the way it was.”

I would like to ask Mr. Baez how many times in his career has he had the opportunity to examine one of his client’s fresh crime scenes. I am going to guess most defense attorney’s obtain information about a crime scene after the fact.

I think the DNA match is only going to be a mere legal and scientific formality and all concerned already know the remains found on Thursday are those of Caylee Marie Anthony. George and Cindy Anthony were whisked away on Friday and remain in what I would call seclusion. Their spokesperson, Michelle Bart, has advised them to remain in their hotel and not talk to the press.

The most revealing indicator that the remains are those of Caylee Marie Anthony is the following comment made by Jose Baez during a press conference on Saturday:

Baez conceded that it is likely that 2-year-old Caylee Anthony’s remains were found. “We’re certainly preparing as if it and moving forward as if it is,” he said.

Speaking of how Casey is reacting to the news of the discovery:

“She’s not doing well at all,” Baez said about Casey Anthony. “She wants to know what’s going on, and it’s not something that she can do right now. I can’t imagine a more difficult situation for a mother to be in than the one she’s in right now.”

I can imagine what Casey wants to know. She probably wants to know what exactly was found that would link her to the remains.

December 19, 2008

The definitive answer to the question many in the country have been awaiting was given today during a news conference held in Florida this afternoon. The answer is yes, the remains discovered in a wooded area a mere three minute walk from the Anthony home, are those of toddler Caylee Marie Anthony.

The coroner indicated the identification was made through a DNA match of known genetic material from Caylee Anthony. She ruled the cause of death as homicide by unknown means. There were no signs of trauma to the skull or to the many little bones recovered from the crime scene prior to death. Toxicology tests have not yet been completed.

The man who discovered Caylee’s remains, utility worker Roy Kronk, came forward today during a news conference. His attorney stated his client decided reveal his identity was so the media would not harass his co-workers.
From www.tampabays10.com:

Roy Kronk said Friday that he found the remains while working near the home of Caylee’s grandparents. He says he also had notified authorities in August that he had “spotted something suspicious — a bag” in the same area.

He declined to elaborate further, saying only that he continues to cooperate with the investigation.

And what about Casey? The prison chaplain notified Casey of the positive identification just prior to the news conference. At the time of the notification she was meeting with one of attorneys. The sheriff’s office did not release any information about Casey’s reaction to the news. However, the family pastor was turned away when he arrived to meet with Casey. Thus far there has been no comment issued by George and Cindy Anthony.

There is a story published in the Inquirer that quotes a former schoolmate of Casey Anthony. She claims she told investigators to search the area where Caylee’s remains were ultimately found because back in grade school that is where Casey used to bury her dead pets.

Tim Miller, founder or Texas EquuSearch was interviewed by telephone. He said he had believed for quite some time that Caylee was dead. He had been of the belief that Caylee’s remains would never be recovered. He is glad they were recovered and he hopes there can be a public funeral held for Caylee.

Soon after the remains were found and before today’s identification the Anthony family indicated they would continue to support their daughter. I wonder if their support will change now.

Poor Caylee, just like too many other children under the age of five, her life was too short. It is really sad she will only be remembered as a missing child making the cover of People magazine and being a murder victim.

December 21, 2008

Investigators concluded their examination of the crime scene on Saturday. They allowed people to enter the area; however, they posted “No Parking” signs in the area. People were cautioned that violation of the no parking law would meet with cars being towed and/or a citation.

Prior to releasing the crime scene investigators contacted the Anthony defense team to offer them the opportunity to examine the area. The defense team declined the offer.

Soon after leaving the crime scene investigators arrived at the Anthony home serving yet another search warrant. George and Cindy Anthony stayed at the home while the nearly two hour search was conducted. Investigators left with two large boxes and two large bags. Information derived from the crime scene over the past few days prompted the need for another warrant. Investigators indicated they located what they were looking for without elaborating. News accounts described George Anthony’s appearance as “visibly upset”.

John Couwells and Natisha Lance, Lawyer: Investigators Think Body is Caylee’s, CNN.com, December 12, 2008.

911 Call Released in Remains Found Near Home of Caylee’s Grandparents, WKMG Orlando, December 12, 2008.

Tamara Lush, Evidence Links Child Remains to Fla. Toddler Home, The Associated Press, December 12, 2008.

Christine Armario and Tamara Lush, DNA Evidence Awaits; but Signs Point to the Child’s ID, The Associated Press, December 12, 2008.

Investigators Shift Focus to Home of Caylee Anthony’s Grandparents, Boston Herald, December 21, 2008.