Local

Belvin Perry, judge who presided over Casey Anthony trial, joins WFTV as legal analyst

ORLANDO, Fla. — Channel 9 has created the region's most experienced and dynamic on-air and online legal team with the exclusive addition of former 9th Judicial Circuit Court Chief Judge Belvin Perry.

Perry will team with WFTV's Bill Sheaffer to bring central Florida viewers unequaled depth and perspective to legal and social issues.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be affiliated with Channel 9, central Florida’s leading news team,” Perry said.  “Additionally, I am happy to work with Bill Sheaffer, providing viewers legal analysis and commentary.”

“We started our legal careers together,” Sheaffer said.  “He went to the bench and became a jurist every trial lawyer wanted his case in front of.”

Perry joined the 9th Circuit Court in 1989.  He served as chief judge from 1995-1999 and from 2001 until his retirement last week.

Perry became a nationally recognized figure for his adept handling of the high-pressure Casey Anthony murder trial.  But he's been long-known as one of central Florida brilliant legal minds.

“Eyewitness News is once again distinguishing itself as the No. 1 news source for unique, local coverage in central Florida," said WFTV News Director Matt Parcell.  "Viewers get more local news with deeper and more comprehensive coverage on Channel 9.”

Perry and Sheaffer can be seen on Eyewitness News newscasts throughout the day on WFTV, Channel 9 and WRDQ, central Florida’s TV 27.