Casey Anthony Denied Bond During First Appearance On Murder Charges
Wednesday, October 15, 2008 – updated: 3:33 pm EDT October 15, 2008
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. -- Accused killer Casey Anthony is spending her time in a ten-by-eight-foot cell with the possibility of the death penalty hanging over her head. She is in jail to stay after an Orange County judge denied her bond Wednesday morning.
CAST YOUR VOTE: Should Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty?
CASEY'S FIRST APPEARANCE: See Images | Raw Video
TEAM COVERAGE: Bond Denied For Casey; Parents Defend Her
MUG SHOTS: See All 4 Mug Shots From Casey's Arrests
GEORGE TALKS: Channel 9 Interviews George Anthony
CASEY ARRIVES AT SHERIFF'S OFFICE: See Images | Raw Video
CASEY LEAVES SHERIFF'S OFFICE: See Images | Raw Video
BAEZ BOOTS WFTV: See Images | Watch Raw Video | Press Conference
CASEY VISITS ATTORNEY: See Images | Watch Raw Video
NEJAME DENIED REQUEST: See Images | Watch Raw Video
Casey's now charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter Caylee, as well as aggravated child abuse, manslaughter and charges for lying to investigators. Her first-appearance in court on the new charges lasted only 40 seconds Wednesday."Yes," was the only thing Casey Anthony said during the appearance, acknowledging to the judge who she is.Casey Anthony was all business in court. She seemed somewhat tense as the judge told her she's on no bond because of the indictment against her for first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse.Casey looked up at her attorney, Jose Baez, afterward, smiled tensely and then walked out of court. It was a stark contrast to Tuesday afternoon, from the tears that were flowing outside her lawyer's office before the grand jury indicted her and even to the new look she sported after her arrest, the party girl trying to look more like a law student with slacks and a button-up shirt.Baez would not answer questions after Casey's first appearance.Even though Casey is now facing new and much more serious charges, her trial is still scheduled at this point for November 17. No one has asked for any delay for any reason at this point. The earliest Casey could receive any visitors at the jail is Thursday. So far, no one has asked to visit.
GEORGE SAYS CASEY WILL NOT REPRESENT SELFGeorge Anthony told Eyewitness News that Casey she would not represent herself. Her current attorney, Jose Baez, walked into court Wednesday along side another attorney. The two stood beside Casey when she made her first appearance.The judge asked Baez if he will file a Notice of Appearance, in other words, if he would represent Casey, and he said he would. Casey's father George also spoke to Eyewitness News about his daughter's plans for representation in court."No, she's gonna assist her attorney and or attorneys, or people that are there to help her in any way she can and she's done that," he said.
CINDY, GEORGE DEFEND DAUGHTER DESPITE CHARGESGeorge and Cindy Anthony are defending their daughter. Despite everything, both say they still believe Caylee is still alive.Casey Anthony's parents spoke out Wednesday morning about the new charges their daughter now faces. They are both worn down, but vow not to give up hope Caylee is still alive. They spent the morning defending their daughter."No matter what has been portrayed or no matter what has been brought against my daughter at this moment, my granddaughter is still out there," George told Eyewitness News.In addition to the first-degree murder charge, Casey faces a seven-count indictment including charges of child abuse, manslaughter and charges for lying to investigators.Cindy Anthony left her home Wednesday morning in a chauffeured car. She was headed to a network morning show interview.George said he and his wife haven't slept in the past two days. The couple has spent hours looking at pictures of the little girl their own daughter is charged with murdering. However, despite the new charges, George is convinced Casey didn't do anything wrong."This 3-year-old little girl was never harmed by my daughter, never. My daughter would not do that to her. I know that in my heart. She's a good mother," George said.
SHERIFF BEARY SAYS SEARCH FOR CAYLEE WILL CONTINUE Orange County Sheriff Kevin Beary said investigators' satisfaction that the indictment had been issued was tempered by what it concludes: That Caylee was apparently killed. "Speaking as a father, a day doesn't pass where I wish the evidence that we have gathered didn't add up to the painfully obvious," he said, adding that investigators will continue looking. "Sadly, I cannot change the facts surrounding the investigation." Beary also said authorities wouldn't give up on searching for the girl. "For the sake of Caylee's grandparents, her loved ones and those on every level who have worked on this case, we'll continue to do everything we possibly can to recover little Caylee," he said.
CASEY ARRESTED AFTER INDICTMENT HANDED UPCasey is now charged with the murder of her daughter Caylee Anthony, 91 days after Caylee was first reported missing.Casey Anthony was taken to the Orange County jail around 7:00pm Tuesday evening following her indictment on a first-degree murder charge handed up by a grand jury less than an hour earlier. Her latest mug shot looks much like her first three, keeping a straight face without any emotion.Casey Anthony was in handcuffs when she was led into the Orange County Sheriff's Office around 4:40pm. She's being held on no bond. Sources told Eyewitness News deputies were watching Casey all day. They followed Casey and her mother when they left the attorney's office and later made a traffic stop and arrested Casey. She was later moved to the jail.The Orange County grand jury indicted Casey Anthony on a total of seven counts: First-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, aggravated manslaughter and four counts of false statements to law enforcement (Read It | Raw Video In Court).A first-degree murder charge means the grand jury believed the act to be premeditated. The punishment for such a charge is the death penalty or life in prison and no chance for parole."We are used to complex forensics and ready to manage the science evidence in this case," said State Attorney Lawson Lamar.Eyewitness News tried to find out how soon she might go to trial, but that isn't clear yet.There's been no decision yet on whether prosecutors will seek the death penalty, but experts say it's not likely without a body.The indictment paved the way for sheriff's deputies to arrest Casey and send her back to jail. She had been out on house arrest on child neglect charges and check fraud charges. The check fraud charges are in an unrelated case.Caylee Anthony was reported missing by Casey earlier this summer, a month after Caylee first disappeared. Investigators said Casey has insisted she left the child with a babysitter and claims the babysitter must have Caylee.However, deputies have not found that babysitter. They did find evidence in Casey's car that shows Caylee Anthony's decomposing body was in it. Caylee's body has never been found.George Anthony was the first to testify Tuesday and was followed by a cadaver dog handler for the Orange County Sheriff's Office, who likely testified about the dog alerting to trunk of Casey's car. An FBI special agent and lab expert probably told the grand jury about a stain and traces chloroform found in that trunk. Plus, two more members of the Orange County Sheriff's Office went in and likely told jurors about their belief that Casey researched chloroform online.
WFTV KICKED OUT OF BAEZ NEWS CONFERENCE At an afternoon news conference, which WFTV was kicked out of (BOOTED: See Images | Watch Raw Video | Press Conference), Jose Baez was somber as he discussed Tuesday's hearing. A crying Casey Anthony said nothing as she stood next to Baez, not yet sure what the grand jury would decide."I sincerely believe that when we have finally spoken, everyone, and I mean everyone, will sit back and say, 'Now, I understand. That explains it,'" Baez said Tuesday.Baez also accused State Attorney Lawson Lamar of using the case to gain political favor in an election year. Baez said Lamar had made Casey "public enemy number one.""I don't think Lawson Lamar, and I certainly hope that Lawson Lamar would not utilize a missing child to keep his job," Baez said. "So I'm not going to throw out any accusations. We all know what the situation is and if people want to conclude that, I'll allow them to do so. But as far as straight up accusations, it is not coming from me."
GEORGE ANTHONY SPEAKS BEFORE TESTIFYINGCasey's father, George Anthony, spoke with Eyewitness News before heading inside to testify before the grand jury. He was among several witnesses who testified Tuesday morning.George Anthony and his high-profile defense attorney, Mark NeJame walked up to the Orange County Courthouse just after 9:00am. George gave a brief statement before heading inside to testify and asked for prayer."This is going to be very hard for me to do. The focus has always been on my granddaughter and always will be. I love my daughter, I love my wife, I love my son. I want everyone to have prayer for all of us today, especially for my granddaughter. If someone could take a moment out at 11 o'clock this morning and 11 o'clock tonight and just pray for her. That's all I'm asking for. That's all I can say," George said Tuesday morning.NeJame said his client was doing something incomprehensible Tuesday."And that is to testify before a grand jury, considering their investigation and their consideration of homicide charges against his daughter," NeJame said.NeJame tried to by-pass the long line of people waiting to get inside, but he was turned away."My sergeant said that he would have to wait in line like everyone else. And we don't mind doing that," a deputy outside the courthouse told Eyewitness News.Just before 10:45am, after testifying for about an hour, George Anthony left the courthouse with his attorney."George answered all questions directly and honestly and just did what no human being would ever be prepared to do," NeJame said.
CASEY SPENDS SEVERAL HOURS AT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE Casey Anthony was at her lawyer's office in Osceola County on Tuesday afternoon until around 3:00pm, enjoying her last few hours of the limited freedom she had.Casey and her mother, Cindy, left their east Orange County home Tuesday morning. She arrived at the office of her lawyer, Jose Baez around 11:00am.Cindy dropped Casey off at Baez's office around 10:45am. Cindy left and then returned with paperwork, but neither said a word to reporters.Casey appeared to be dressed more formally than normal, in pin-stripped slacks and a button-down shirt.Attorney Baez does not meet the usual criteria for a lead council on a capital murder case, but there is a new attorney on the case, too, Jonathan Kasen out of south Florida. He could become the lead.In the end, Casey can insist that Baez represent her. She just has to be told before the court that he's unqualified.
ANTHONY'S NEIGHBORS RELIEVEDLarge crowds forced the Anthonys and some of their neighbors to put up yellow tape around their yards along with no trespassing and no loitering signs. Residents hope that Casey going to jail on murder charges will put an end to the protesting in their neighborhood.Only two protestors stood outside of the Anthony home Tuesday with a sign that said "Casey did it." It's a much different scene than what residents in the neighborhood are used to."It has been rough around here. I'm just glad that it's over. Glad that she's, you know where she should be," said neighbor Joyce Dickens.Dickens lives three doors down from the Anthony's. She was at work when she heard Casey was charged with murder."She's getting what she deserves. That was an innocent little baby girl," she said.The people who live on Hopespring Drive were forced to put up with late night protestors. Most of the time they ended with physical altercations with George and Cindy Anthony or the neighbors. The Orange County Sheriff's Office was called to the home 45 times in September alone.The Homeowners Association even hired a lawyer to push for an injunction to get rid of the circus that included the media, protestors and supporters of Casey Anthony."I hope the neighborhood will pull together and try to heal now," Dickens said.
Casey's now charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter Caylee, as well as aggravated child abuse, manslaughter and charges for lying to investigators. Her first-appearance in court on the new charges lasted only 40 seconds Wednesday."Yes," was the only thing Casey Anthony said during the appearance, acknowledging to the judge who she is.Casey Anthony was all business in court. She seemed somewhat tense as the judge told her she's on no bond because of the indictment against her for first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse.Casey looked up at her attorney, Jose Baez, afterward, smiled tensely and then walked out of court. It was a stark contrast to Tuesday afternoon, from the tears that were flowing outside her lawyer's office before the grand jury indicted her and even to the new look she sported after her arrest, the party girl trying to look more like a law student with slacks and a button-up shirt.Baez would not answer questions after Casey's first appearance.Even though Casey is now facing new and much more serious charges, her trial is still scheduled at this point for November 17. No one has asked for any delay for any reason at this point. The earliest Casey could receive any visitors at the jail is Thursday. So far, no one has asked to visit.
GEORGE SAYS CASEY WILL NOT REPRESENT SELFGeorge Anthony told Eyewitness News that Casey she would not represent herself. Her current attorney, Jose Baez, walked into court Wednesday along side another attorney. The two stood beside Casey when she made her first appearance.The judge asked Baez if he will file a Notice of Appearance, in other words, if he would represent Casey, and he said he would. Casey's father George also spoke to Eyewitness News about his daughter's plans for representation in court."No, she's gonna assist her attorney and or attorneys, or people that are there to help her in any way she can and she's done that," he said.
CINDY, GEORGE DEFEND DAUGHTER DESPITE CHARGESGeorge and Cindy Anthony are defending their daughter. Despite everything, both say they still believe Caylee is still alive.Casey Anthony's parents spoke out Wednesday morning about the new charges their daughter now faces. They are both worn down, but vow not to give up hope Caylee is still alive. They spent the morning defending their daughter."No matter what has been portrayed or no matter what has been brought against my daughter at this moment, my granddaughter is still out there," George told Eyewitness News.In addition to the first-degree murder charge, Casey faces a seven-count indictment including charges of child abuse, manslaughter and charges for lying to investigators.Cindy Anthony left her home Wednesday morning in a chauffeured car. She was headed to a network morning show interview.George said he and his wife haven't slept in the past two days. The couple has spent hours looking at pictures of the little girl their own daughter is charged with murdering. However, despite the new charges, George is convinced Casey didn't do anything wrong."This 3-year-old little girl was never harmed by my daughter, never. My daughter would not do that to her. I know that in my heart. She's a good mother," George said.
SHERIFF BEARY SAYS SEARCH FOR CAYLEE WILL CONTINUE Orange County Sheriff Kevin Beary said investigators' satisfaction that the indictment had been issued was tempered by what it concludes: That Caylee was apparently killed. "Speaking as a father, a day doesn't pass where I wish the evidence that we have gathered didn't add up to the painfully obvious," he said, adding that investigators will continue looking. "Sadly, I cannot change the facts surrounding the investigation." Beary also said authorities wouldn't give up on searching for the girl. "For the sake of Caylee's grandparents, her loved ones and those on every level who have worked on this case, we'll continue to do everything we possibly can to recover little Caylee," he said.
CASEY ARRESTED AFTER INDICTMENT HANDED UPCasey is now charged with the murder of her daughter Caylee Anthony, 91 days after Caylee was first reported missing.Casey Anthony was taken to the Orange County jail around 7:00pm Tuesday evening following her indictment on a first-degree murder charge handed up by a grand jury less than an hour earlier. Her latest mug shot looks much like her first three, keeping a straight face without any emotion.Casey Anthony was in handcuffs when she was led into the Orange County Sheriff's Office around 4:40pm. She's being held on no bond. Sources told Eyewitness News deputies were watching Casey all day. They followed Casey and her mother when they left the attorney's office and later made a traffic stop and arrested Casey. She was later moved to the jail.The Orange County grand jury indicted Casey Anthony on a total of seven counts: First-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, aggravated manslaughter and four counts of false statements to law enforcement (Read It | Raw Video In Court).A first-degree murder charge means the grand jury believed the act to be premeditated. The punishment for such a charge is the death penalty or life in prison and no chance for parole."We are used to complex forensics and ready to manage the science evidence in this case," said State Attorney Lawson Lamar.Eyewitness News tried to find out how soon she might go to trial, but that isn't clear yet.There's been no decision yet on whether prosecutors will seek the death penalty, but experts say it's not likely without a body.The indictment paved the way for sheriff's deputies to arrest Casey and send her back to jail. She had been out on house arrest on child neglect charges and check fraud charges. The check fraud charges are in an unrelated case.Caylee Anthony was reported missing by Casey earlier this summer, a month after Caylee first disappeared. Investigators said Casey has insisted she left the child with a babysitter and claims the babysitter must have Caylee.However, deputies have not found that babysitter. They did find evidence in Casey's car that shows Caylee Anthony's decomposing body was in it. Caylee's body has never been found.George Anthony was the first to testify Tuesday and was followed by a cadaver dog handler for the Orange County Sheriff's Office, who likely testified about the dog alerting to trunk of Casey's car. An FBI special agent and lab expert probably told the grand jury about a stain and traces chloroform found in that trunk. Plus, two more members of the Orange County Sheriff's Office went in and likely told jurors about their belief that Casey researched chloroform online.
WFTV KICKED OUT OF BAEZ NEWS CONFERENCE At an afternoon news conference, which WFTV was kicked out of (BOOTED: See Images | Watch Raw Video | Press Conference), Jose Baez was somber as he discussed Tuesday's hearing. A crying Casey Anthony said nothing as she stood next to Baez, not yet sure what the grand jury would decide."I sincerely believe that when we have finally spoken, everyone, and I mean everyone, will sit back and say, 'Now, I understand. That explains it,'" Baez said Tuesday.Baez also accused State Attorney Lawson Lamar of using the case to gain political favor in an election year. Baez said Lamar had made Casey "public enemy number one.""I don't think Lawson Lamar, and I certainly hope that Lawson Lamar would not utilize a missing child to keep his job," Baez said. "So I'm not going to throw out any accusations. We all know what the situation is and if people want to conclude that, I'll allow them to do so. But as far as straight up accusations, it is not coming from me."
GEORGE ANTHONY SPEAKS BEFORE TESTIFYINGCasey's father, George Anthony, spoke with Eyewitness News before heading inside to testify before the grand jury. He was among several witnesses who testified Tuesday morning.George Anthony and his high-profile defense attorney, Mark NeJame walked up to the Orange County Courthouse just after 9:00am. George gave a brief statement before heading inside to testify and asked for prayer."This is going to be very hard for me to do. The focus has always been on my granddaughter and always will be. I love my daughter, I love my wife, I love my son. I want everyone to have prayer for all of us today, especially for my granddaughter. If someone could take a moment out at 11 o'clock this morning and 11 o'clock tonight and just pray for her. That's all I'm asking for. That's all I can say," George said Tuesday morning.NeJame said his client was doing something incomprehensible Tuesday."And that is to testify before a grand jury, considering their investigation and their consideration of homicide charges against his daughter," NeJame said.NeJame tried to by-pass the long line of people waiting to get inside, but he was turned away."My sergeant said that he would have to wait in line like everyone else. And we don't mind doing that," a deputy outside the courthouse told Eyewitness News.Just before 10:45am, after testifying for about an hour, George Anthony left the courthouse with his attorney."George answered all questions directly and honestly and just did what no human being would ever be prepared to do," NeJame said.
CASEY SPENDS SEVERAL HOURS AT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE Casey Anthony was at her lawyer's office in Osceola County on Tuesday afternoon until around 3:00pm, enjoying her last few hours of the limited freedom she had.Casey and her mother, Cindy, left their east Orange County home Tuesday morning. She arrived at the office of her lawyer, Jose Baez around 11:00am.Cindy dropped Casey off at Baez's office around 10:45am. Cindy left and then returned with paperwork, but neither said a word to reporters.Casey appeared to be dressed more formally than normal, in pin-stripped slacks and a button-down shirt.Attorney Baez does not meet the usual criteria for a lead council on a capital murder case, but there is a new attorney on the case, too, Jonathan Kasen out of south Florida. He could become the lead.In the end, Casey can insist that Baez represent her. She just has to be told before the court that he's unqualified.
ANTHONY'S NEIGHBORS RELIEVEDLarge crowds forced the Anthonys and some of their neighbors to put up yellow tape around their yards along with no trespassing and no loitering signs. Residents hope that Casey going to jail on murder charges will put an end to the protesting in their neighborhood.Only two protestors stood outside of the Anthony home Tuesday with a sign that said "Casey did it." It's a much different scene than what residents in the neighborhood are used to."It has been rough around here. I'm just glad that it's over. Glad that she's, you know where she should be," said neighbor Joyce Dickens.Dickens lives three doors down from the Anthony's. She was at work when she heard Casey was charged with murder."She's getting what she deserves. That was an innocent little baby girl," she said.The people who live on Hopespring Drive were forced to put up with late night protestors. Most of the time they ended with physical altercations with George and Cindy Anthony or the neighbors. The Orange County Sheriff's Office was called to the home 45 times in September alone.The Homeowners Association even hired a lawyer to push for an injunction to get rid of the circus that included the media, protestors and supporters of Casey Anthony."I hope the neighborhood will pull together and try to heal now," Dickens said.
Previous Stories:
- October 13, 2008: George Anthony Set To Testify Against Casey In Front Of Grand Jury
- October 10, 2008: Texas-Based Group Considers Resuming Caylee Anthony Search
- October 10, 2008: Casey Anthony's Father To Testify Against Her In Front Of Grand Jury
- October 9, 2008: Grand Jury To Consider Charging Casey Anthony With Killing Caylee
- October 7, 2008: Casey Anthony Wants To Search For Caylee Without Public Knowing Details
- October 3, 2008: Cadaver Dogs Used To Search Wooded Areas For Caylee Anthony
- October 2, 2008: Zenaida Gonzalez' Lawyer Says Casey's Team Wants To Profit From Case
- October 1, 2008: Casey Anthony Enters "Not Guilty" Plea On Fraud Charges
- October 1, 2008: HOA Says Residents Held Hostage Due To Protesters In Anthony Neighborhood
- September 30, 2008: Casey Impersonator Joins Protests, Residents "More Than Fed Up"
- September 29, 2008: Zenaida Gonzalez Tells WFTV "My World Has Been Turned Upside-Down"
- September 29, 2008: Investigators Release Interview With Casey Anthony's Mother Cindy
- September 29, 2008: Supporters Join Anthony Family For Vigil, Handful Of Protesters Remain
- September 28, 2008: Wrecker Service Manager Describes "Pungent" Smell In Casey's Towed Car
- September 28, 2008: Computer Evidence Shows Casey Searched For Missing Child Websites
- September 28, 2008: Cindy Anthony Talks To Investigators About Zanny, Caylee In Newly Released Interview
- September 28, 2008: Explicit Online Conversation Between Casey Anthony, Lover Released
Copyright 2008 by WFTV.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.





















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