Casey Anthony Trial Leaves Anthony Family Wounded, But No Answers
Cindy, George and Lee Anthony publicized their own response to the surprising verdict reached on Tuesday – where Casey Anthony was found not guilty of first-degree murder of her daughter Caylee Anthony – through their family lawyer, Mark Lippman.
The statement revealed, “While the family may never know what has happened to Caylee Marie Anthony, they now have closure for this chapter of their life.”
“They will now begin the long process of rebuilding their lives. Despite the baseless defense chosen by Casey Anthony, the family believes that the Jury made a fair decision based on the evidence presented, the testimony presented, the scientific information presented and the rules that were given to them by the Honorable Judge Perry to guide them.”
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Over three years were dedicated to finding answers for Caylee’s disappearance, with the state accusing Casey of murdering her daughter by suffocation and chloroform and the defense maintaining that the toddler accidentally drowned in the family swimming pool.
Caylee was last seen on June 16, 2008, with her mother, Casey, who lied about her daughter’s whereabouts for nearly a month before she finally admitted that she was not with her. Cindy reported Caylee’s disappearance in July after recovering Casey’s car from a tow yard which purportedly reeked of human decomposition.
The jury announced their decision Tuesday after a relatively short period of deliberation, only charging the defendant of four counts of lying to law enforcement and not on murder, child abuse, or aggravated manslaughter.
George and Cindy were present in court on Tuesday when Casey was found not guilty of murder. Though George displayed no apparent response, Cindy appeared to be relieved.
“The family hopes that they will be given the time by the media to reflect on this verdict and decide the best way to move forward privately,” Lippman also expressed.
He also stated that the family requested that if anyone wanted to honor Caylee by leaving stuffed animals or other toys at any area near their home, that they would prefer those items be donated in Caylee’s name to families in need, religious centers, or any other entity where the toys would be appreciated.
Lippman said he would release more statements when appropriate as well. With so much of their intimate details exposed to the public – George and Lee, Casey's brother, accused of sexually abusing Casey, George purportedly cheating on his wife with a search volunteer – the family has a long road of painful recovery ahead.
Police and lawyers also requested earlier on Tuesday following the verdict that the public would give the family some privacy and additionally warned that despite personal opinions and objections to the verdict reached, a peaceful resolve would be kept.
Casey Anthony faces sentencing for her four counts of lying on Thursday morning at 9 a.m.
