When Justice Fails

July 5, 2011 was a disheartening day for parents around the world. This was the day Casey Anthony was acquitted of the 2008 murder of her daughter, Caylee.  For those who followed the case and events leading up to trial, conclusions were drawn before a verdict was ever decided. As investigations went on, it seemed everything Casey Anthony had said was a lie. Not to mention it was Cindy Anthony, Casey’s mother, who reported Caylee missing. Casey Anthony had a new story each time her mother asked to see Caylee; She was with her nanny, Zenaida “Zanny” Fernandez-Gonzalez (who in truth had never met Casey or Caylee and is pending a civil suit against Casey Anthony for defamation of character.) She was at the beach. She was at a theme park.

It was on July 15, 2008 that Cindy and George Anthony picked up a certified letter and found Casey’s car in a tow yard reeking of what he and the tow yard attended believed to be a decomposing body. It was on this day that Cindy Anthony reported her granddaughter missing.

Casey Anthony was arrested for the first time on July 16, 2008 on the charges of giving false statements (claiming her nanny, Zanny, had kidnapped Caylee and claiming to be working at Universal Studios), obstruction, and child neglect. She was released on bond (posted by Leonard Padilla who hoped Casey would cooperate and help authorities find Caylee) on August 21, 2008 and rearrested on August 29, 2008 for petty theft, fraudulent use of personal information, forgery, and using her friend’s credit cards without her permission.

On September 5, 2008 Casey Anthony was again released on bail and fitted with an electronic tracking device; and keeping up with her record rearrested on September 15, 2008 for theft. Shortly after this release a $500,000 bond was posted and later thought to be posted by her parents.

On October 14, 2008 Casey was arrested for the fourth time and indicted for aggravated child abuse, aggravated manslaughter, felony murder, and 4 counts of providing false information.

Scientific evidence (a hair found that exhibited “hair banding” and chemical compounds consistent with decomposition) place Caylee’s deceased body in the trunk of Casey’s car. There was also chloroform found in the trunk, which later discoveries show a search on Casey’s computer on “how to make chloroform” (along with searches on “neck breaking” and “death”.

On December 19, 2008 remains found near the Anthony residence were positively identified as those of Caylee Anthony;  Death was ruled a homicide although the cause of death could not be determined.

On February 18, 2009 the Florida State’s Attorney’s Office release documents indicating that many of the same items found at the crime scene were also found in Casey Anthony’s house, along with a Winnie the Pooh blanket Cindy Anthony indicated was missing from Caylee’s bed. Also introduced into evidence was this journal entry from Casey Anthony’s diary, dated June 21:

I have no regrets, just a bit worried. I just want for everything to work out OK. I completely trust my own judgment and know that I made the right decision. I just hope that the end justifies the means. I just want to know what the future will hold for me. I guess I will soon see – This is the happiest that I have been in a very long time. I hope that my happiness will continue to grow– I’ve made new friends that I really like. I’ve surrounded myself with good people – I am finally happy. Let’s just hope that it doesn’t change.

The defense argued the entry was from 2003, before Caylee was born, but FBI reports show the diary was not on the market until 2004.

After hearing testimony from both sides (Casey Anthony never took the stand) the jury began deliberations on July 4, 2011. On July 5 the verdict was in. Not Guilty on all but 4 counts of misdemeanor providing false information. Sentencing is tomorrow, July 7 and it is very likely Casey will be released on time served.

The jury was not willing to explain how they came to their decision, but it is one belief that due to the fact the death penalty was sought, they were not comfortable convicting Casey Anthony with the circumstantial evidence at hand. I for one am not keen on the death penalty, but when it comes to crimes against children, I believe it is justice.

The blatant disregard she showed for her daughter, her flesh and blood, was enough for me to draw my conclusion. It tears me up inside to know that anyone could kill a child, especially a mother, who is supposed to protect her child at all cost. It breaks my heart to know that this child’s life was cut so tragically short and there is no remorse from Casey Anthony.

And now that double jeopardy is in tact, Casey Anthony is off – free and clear.  While the media and people everywhere are stating their opinions, one key detail is being left behind. Justice. Where is the justice for Caylee Anthony and her grandparents? Personally, I believe without a doubt Casey Anthony is guilty. I believe there was more than enough evidence to convict and feel she should be sitting in prison for the rest of her natural life.