Casey Anthony Sentencing Hearing

Casey Anthony was found not guilty of murder, not guilty of aggravated child abuse and not guilty of aggravated manslaughter but guilty on four counts of lying to a police officer on Tuesday.  Today Judge Perry sentenced her to 1 year for each count for a maximum of four years less time served as well as $1,000 fine per count ($4,000).  She was credited with 1,043 days served giving a release date of July 13, 2011.  At that time she will be released into the community.  While she will have her freedom, she still faces a multitude of legal problems.  The state is suing for costs.  The search party is seeking compensation from Casey and her parents.  A deposition was served on Casey last night by the attorney for a woman who's name is Zenaida Fernandez Gonzalez the name used by Casey for "Zanny the Nanny" for damages she has suffered as a result of Casey's lies.  Casey's parents have received death threats and Casey's defense team is very concerned about her safety once released.  There is talk that Cindy Anthony (Casey's mom) may be charged with purgery.  Cindy and George's (Casey's parents) neighbours are hoping they make enough money from telling their story so they can move out of the neighbourhood.  So the story doesn't end with Casey's release from prison next Wednesday.

Quite frankly, I feel justice was served in this case.  The prosecution failed to prove that Casey actually committed any crime other than lying to a police officer.  Without that proof, the jury had no choice but to find her not guilty of murder, aggravated child abuse or aggravated manslaughter.  They followed the law in that respect.  Prosecutor Jeffery Ashton discredited himself throughout the trial by smirking (opening statements and during trial) to coming close to openly laughing during Jose Baez's closing statements.  What I found interesting is Judge Perry gave one lady two days in jail for making a comment in court, and 28 year old Mathew Barlett six days in court along with a $400 fine plus $263 in court costs for flipping the bird at Jeff Ashton.  Yet he did nothing about the shameful behaviour of Jeff Ashton other than threaten sanctions.  I think Jeff Ashton thought this was a slam dunk case so got just a bit too cocky.  In that respect the solid win by the defense team is a bit sweeter.  Jeff Ashton announced his retirement the same day as the not guilty verdict.

The sad thing in all of this is a little child, Caylee is dead.  If the Anthony family knows anything about it they will never talk now.  Even if it was discovered that Casey did kill her daughter which I believe she did not, she cannot be charged again.  It is doubtful that the cause of death of little Caylee will ever be found.  Yet many lives were affected and continue to be affected by this little angel.

Garden Gnome
©2006-2011