Local

Former State Attorney Lawson Lamar talks to WFTV's Greg Warmoth

ORLANDO, Fla. — Lawson Lamar talks to WFTV's Greg Warmoth

The former state attorney whose office prosecuted Casey Anthony is breaking his silence.

Lawson Lamar oversaw thousands of cases in Orange and Osceola counties, until Anthony prosecutor Jeff Ashton defeated him in November's election.

When Lamar sat down with WFTV Channel 9's Greg Warmoth, he revealed what evidence he thought could have convicted Anthony.

For the first time, Lamar talked about the search for foolproof suffocation that was done on the Anthony home computer. That evidence didn't make it to trial.

"I believe it would've made a difference. I think it would've been helpful in the closing argument,"

The evidence was never given to the prosecution team. It showed a search done for "foolproof suffocation" on the last day Caylee Anthony was seen alive. But it wasn't found by Sheriff's Office investigators.

"I know they did their very best. If they had any clue it was there, they would've found it, but somehow it was missed," said Lamar.

Lamar said that evidence could have swayed the jury to convict Anthony of killing her daughter. Or perhaps one of the lesser charges, which would've put her behind bars.

"I think it was the sort of evidence -- it was ugly, and given the death time I think it's very interesting in my view," said Lamar.

Linda Drane Burdick, who was also front and center during the Anthony trial as lead prosecutor, was brought back to the office. But another top prosecutor was not. Robin Wilkinson was one of 11 who were informed by a letter she was being let go. Ashton said he only kept those who could try cases.

"Robin Wilkinson is one of the best trial lawyers in the office. She had disciplined [Ashton]. Some conjecture that he was annoyed. Nobody can say she wasn't a fabulous lawyer, and she's out of a job," said Lamar.

During the interview with Warmoth, Lamar also spoke about guns in schools, following the recent mass killing of students in Connecticut. He said he would put deputies in middle schools and high schools. But says the real way to reduce violence is to open backup facilities for the mentally ill.

"The gun control people are saying we can control guns and stop mass killings. No you won't. What we have to do in this society is identify and control psycopaths," said Lamar.

Lamar said a shooting at a McDonald's shooting is the best example of where concern over mental health could have made a difference. He said a man convicted of murder, got out only to kill again. Lamar said that had there been a mental facility as part of his sentence, then the victim would still be alive tonight.

He said he will take the next two months off before deciding what he wants to do next.

Lamar said he's been asked if he would be interested in practicing law or teaching. He said he and hasn't ruled anything out.

You can watch much more of Greg's interview with Lawson Lamar on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. on Central Florida Spotlight on WFTV Channel 9.