Mitigating Factor: Casey's Parents

[Cat Lady]

Considering my own long life, so too would I be infuriated. KC had advantages that many, if not most kids, in this country would give anything to possess. While to outsiders, CA appears overbearing, she was also a mother who shouldered practically all the childcare and financial burdens of her daughter. KC was a spoiled brat who rebelled when her mother finally demanded she grow up and face her responsibilities for Caylee. Is the family dysfunctional? What family is not, to some degree, especially when viewed in a catastrophic circumstance? For the most part, I think the Anthonys were a pretty average family, with typical problems revolving relationships and finances. Until, of course, their daughter killed her baby. I believe that in their minds and in their hearts, they know that. They're living their dark night of the soul and trying desperately to believe an alternative exists to their child being a monster. They failed to recognize her demons and poor Caylee paid the ultimate price. So they deny, deny deny...their guilt must be overwhelming.

Excellent post!

 

[Patriciao]

I think both parents are going to be implicated. Sexual abuse might only be Lee & George but all the other factors sound like they could include Cindy. (There were actually more factors than this stated but these were the most eye-brow raising). I'm particularly curious about Casey being used as a pawn or a decoy and a scapegoat for the parent's misconduct.
It also appears from what Jose said to the juror that the defense doesn't have to offer up any defense (other than refuting what the prosecution says and that is even optional). Can Jose open with some allegations against G & C and then never provide supporting testimony of what he implies? I felt like he told the juror, 'We may say stuff but it's not our job to prove it so could you just take it in and consider it when you are determining her guilt or innocence?' and he also asked the juror 'would he understand if the defense knew why their client was innocent but never offered up the explanation during the trial?' I thought that was bizarre. In fact I'm going to back up my Insession DVR and write down exactly how Jose worded this.

 

[doogiesgirl]

Let's say that Cindy did cremate Caylee in spite of Casey's wishes... which I still don't believe because I believe if they went back on any of Casey's wishes, I believe that JB would have filed an injunction... Cindy will not admit to it on the stand during the penalty phase.

It's not that I don't think that Cindy is capable of doing something like this, because she is 100% capable of being this spiteful and, in a way, she had every right to be since Casey murdered Caylee, but I still don't see Casey allowing it to happen. There is no way that Casey would have conceded that easily. To allow Cindy to have Caylee all to herself? To have the last say? I just don't see it?

Either way, I don't believe this "event" in the Anthony saga will have any effect on whether Casey is given life of death.

Now, I will be the first person to admit that the Anthony's drive me bat-dung-crazy and I personally would never want to be in the same building with them, let alone live with them for any amount of time, but Casey had every opportunity to get her life together and make a decent life for just her and Caylee. If she really didn't want Cindy to have any control over Caylee, as Caylee's mother, she had the right to decide whether Cindy could see Caylee or not. There are many Grants in the State of Florida that help young, single mothers. Education. Reduced rent. Day care. It was right there at Casey's fingertips. She could have worked, went to school, and gotten her and Caylee their own little place if she wanted to. Young, single mothers do it all the time. Casey was just too lazy. SHE allowed Caylee to stay in that detrimental environment that was the Anthony home. It all comes down to Casey having choices. Choices that adults have to make. Choices adults with children have to make. She made the most selfish choice by deciding to take Caylee's life in order to escape the grip Cindy had on her. It was the wrong choice and one that she is going to pay dearly for.

Knowing what I know about the Anthony's, if I were Mallory and I was seriously considering marrying Lee and having a child, I would make sure that there are CLEAR LINES drawn about Cindy's involvement with that child. ETA: I might even suggest Mallory get it in writing and notorized!

Above BBM
I agree with all you wrote but....as a daughter that went through many years of dealing with an "unusual" mother....I also think that sometimes it takes an outside influence to "feed" you another way of processing things and to build your confidence in yourself. One can become so "under the influence" of an overbearing mother that it can be difficult to escape. With that said, I will also add that you are correct, KC could have/should have gathered her strength and cut off from CA to establish herself as a separate being. That's how I broke free, I moved to another city. However, to this day, I call my mother a force of nature b/c of the control she is able to still wield over me at times. I cannot even fathom being the daughter of CA. Your term of "bat ch*t crazy" comes to mind though.

:cow:

 

[SoCalSleuth]

I'm not buying any of these so-called mitigating factors. KC ruled the roost-not CA. No sexual abuse--no way. The DT seems so inept at jury selection--they are painting a picture of a client they believe is guilty.

 

[lowens1975]

I don't think it had anything to do with expenses. I have no doubt if the Anthony's expressed financial trouble for Caylee's funeral (burial or cremation) a lot of Orlando funeral parlors would have jumped right in to give Caylee a proper burial/cremation. For free! I don't think you would find anyone who would deny CAYLEE anything.

Other than that, I agree with everything you said.

You're right about the burial expenses, I think people would have pitched in to help with that. I think Cindy was wrong to go against Casey's wishes. It showed a lack of respect for her daughter.

If they had wanted to bury Caylee, she could have been buried without a marker distinguishing who was in that particular grave. Then, after all the media and public attention had died down, added a marker later on.

 

[Baznme]

You're right about the burial expenses, I think people would have pitched in to help with that. I think Cindy was wrong to go against Casey's wishes. It showed a lack of respect for her daughter.
If they had wanted to bury Caylee, she could have been buried without a marker distinguishing who was in that particular grave. Then, after all the media and public attention had died down, added a marker later on.

BBM - Lack of respect for her daughter??? I'm not surprised! You mean the daughter that chose her own daughter's burial spot as the swamp at the Suburban Dr. address???????

BTW, it seems to seems to me that the DT is trying to embed in the minds of the jurors they are interviewing about "mitigating", "mitigation", etc. A lot of emphasis on that. Makes sense that they would if they want to get a sentence other than death.

 

[Boots-OK]

I think both parents are going to be implicated. Sexual abuse might only be Lee & George but all the other factors sound like they could include Cindy. (There were actually more factors than this stated but these were the most eye-brow raising). I'm particularly curious about Casey being used as a pawn or a decoy and a scapegoat for the parent's misconduct. It also appears from what Jose said to the juror that the defense doesn't have to offer up any defense (other than refuting what the prosecution says and that is even optional). Can Jose open with some allegations against G & C and then never provide supporting testimony of what he implies? I felt like he told the juror, 'We may say stuff but it's not our job to prove it so could you just take it in and consider it when you are determining her guilt or innocence?' and he also asked the juror 'would he understand if the defense knew why their client was innocent but never offered up the explanation during the trial?' I thought that was bizarre. In fact I'm going to back up my Insession DVR and write down exactly how Jose worded this.

OMGoodness...we are on the same page here. I'm thinking CA has the big bulls-eye plastered all over her back after this. Seems to me most of the defense accusations are going to be leveled at CA. If true, wonder how she feels about that since she has done nothing but obstruct the truth since the beginning. Oh my...this is gonna get even crazier than it's been for almost 3 years. All MOO

 

[GennyMac]

After hearing some of the questions which have been posed to multiple PJs, I am beginning to think that the defense knows full well they cannot get a not guilty verdict, and are shooting straight for LWOP. I doubt that poor ICA is aware of this since she turned down the plea deal.

The other thing that struck me is the questions regarding abuse, and brain development. Now we have not heard a single thing about the grandparents in any of this, only the accusation regarding LA and GA..........but in CAs Pros deposition she did say that ICA was kept by her father as a baby every day. Wonder if she was dropped - or maybe a claim she was dropped due to development? I find that one a little iffy due to CM interview where he says she is very bright, highly intelligent.............anyway. Thinking the GP might also be in the line of fire.

 

[nomoresorrow]

Sorry if this has already been mentioned but I'm having a difficult time keeping up with watching the jury selection and this forum...
As it appears now, the defense is going to use George & Cindy as mitigating factors in Casey's sentencing - yet IF Casey is sentenced to death, it is the family who is called upon FIRST & FOREMOST by the defense to plead to spare their loved ones life before the judge. This is going to get extremely interesting...

 

[shgrbkr]

IMO (of course), Americans have had enough of criminals using their imperfect upbringing as an excuse for their adult choices to commit crimes against others. Whether it is sexual abuse, physical, emotional, verbal abuses, parents as bad role models, the list could go on and on, and the DT choice to exploit unproven events is just going to make them look bad, and in light of this particular crime, I don't expect much sympathy from the jury. I do not think the "Poor Little Casey" angle is going to work whether in the main part of trial or in sentencing phase.

 

[Gnatcatcher]

Sorry if this has already been mentioned but I'm having a difficult time keeping up with watching the jury selection and this forum...
As it appears now, the defense is going to use George & Cindy as mitigating factors in Casey's sentencing - yet IF Casey is sentenced to death, it is the family who is called upon FIRST & FOREMOST by the defense to plead to spare their loved ones life before the judge. This is going to get extremely interesting...

Yowza. Ain't THAT something?!

I really have to wonder whether the Anthonys knew for a fact this was coming, or not. I mean, clearly it's been speculation for a good long time now, but to have it out there now, today, well I just have to wonder if it's as much a kaboom shock to them as it is to us.

 

[Curious Me]

"She was taught to project false appearance, she was used as a decoy or pawn by her parents and a scapegoat for parental misconduct," said defense attorney, Anne Finnell.

http://www.wftv.com/news/27864528/detail.html

 

[RavenTrue]

"She was taught to project false appearance, she was used as a decoy or pawn by her parents and a scapegoat for parental misconduct," said defense attorney, Anne Finnell.

http://www.wftv.com/news/27864528/detail.html

REALLY? Funny how even the Anthony's became parents, settled down, bought a house, and raised a son & daughter. But while son became autonomous...Casey remained there...forever! (and rifled their's and gram's bank accounts) Even with child. Sheesh!

And, after all those years...here they sit after all the evidence. They are the fools she played them for, she has NO respect for them FOR supporting her. Will she throw GA, or both under the bus? No question. And, they'll still be sitting there. Message IS..we LOVE you Casey, we also loved Caylee, but if you can't be with the one you love, love the one you got. No wonder she is the way she is, still no allowance for murder.

 

[Curious Me]

Has anyone told the DT that ICA is a liar? It is only imagined abuse just like the imagined nanny, most likely. Insomnia? Was it after she disappeared Caylee?

Insomnia. Oh no, have I been abused! I have insomnia, too.

Caylee is gone. I want more of an explanation that this BS.



"The excuses they plan to use to convince the jury is Casey's lack of maturity, no impulse control, they said she has a history of sex abuse, insomnia, nightmares, no parental guidance or protection, verbal and emotional abuse as a child and poor coping skills."

http://www.wftv.com/news/27864528/detail.html

 

[sirensong]

Using ICA as a decoy? That is a very interesting and strange thing to say. It makes it sound like they pimped her out! Maybe they will claim ICA was set up to have a baby for Cindy. Then Cindy expected her to be responsible to care for the child. Or maybe Ha used her as a way to meet women? Bizarre statement!

 

[SuziQ]

I think the DT might try to also say it wasn't ICA who took all the money, but she took all the blame. There have been discussions here about where ICA spent 45K. And then there was that strange deposit incident. It involved a car that was sold didn't it? I almost wondered whether one of the parents said don't deposit, say you did and we'll split it.

As dysfunctional as the family has behaved, I could believe alot of what will be claimed. At the same time ICA is such a liar it could all be made up. Either way, IMO, it's no excuse. Sure is interesting though.

 

[Jolynna]

The only thing I can come up with for Ann F.'s theory about how KC was used as a decoy or scapegoat is if KC was taking the rap for one of her parents stealing money from the other parent.

It is pretty clear from Cindy's July Myspace post that Cindy thinks SHE is the martyred one. Since the purpose of Cindy's Myspace post was to manipulate ICA with guilt, I believe Cindy thought ICA took her money.

It is strange that IF George was really the one stealing Cindy's money, he always took the exact amount needed to pay ICA's cell phone bill--according to Cindy's financial records and ICA's cell phone payment records.

 

[azwriter]

Considering my own long life, so too would I be infuriated. KC had advantages that many, if not most kids, in this country would give anything to possess. While to outsiders, CA appears overbearing, she was also a mother who shouldered practically all the childcare and financial burdens of her daughter. KC was a spoiled brat who rebelled when her mother finally demanded she grow up and face her responsibilities for Caylee. Is the family dysfunctional? What family is not, to some degree, especially when viewed in a catastrophic circumstance? For the most part, I think the Anthonys were a pretty average family, with typical problems revolving relationships and finances. Until, of course, their daughter killed her baby. I believe that in their minds and in their hearts, they know that. They're living their dark night of the soul and trying desperately to believe an alternative exists to their child being a monster. They failed to recognize her demons and poor Caylee paid the ultimate price. So they deny, deny deny...their guilt must be overwhelming.

Paula, I respect your post but I would never describe the Anthony family as average. The behavior we have seen from George and Cindy since the death of Caylee brought them into our livingroom, is nothing new for them. I believe they have always been a couple in stife and hardly ever agreed upon how to raise their daughter. I think this was a family unit always on the verge of exploding.

From what we have been privilaged to hear, Casey had always been very much of a liar. Cindy even warned Casey's friends about her daughter.
Imagine all the incidents and fighting among the family that we haven't heard about. Secrets that they must have locked deep into the family history.

And her parents too were comfortable in lying. Casey wasn't going to graduate from high school, but no one in the immediate Anthony family told her grandparents who traveled to the school for her graduation ceremony.

When Casey was pregnant and showing, her mother was still denying that fact to her own family members. And when Casey made a decision not to keep her baby but opt for adoption, Cindy would have none of that. I believe this was because Cindy decided Casey would live with her mistake.

I also see Cindy as being a mother who demands to hide her children' behavior because she believe it reflects on her ability as a parent. My own mother was this way.

When protestors gathered in front of the family home, what did we see: George and Cindy coming out of the home to do battle with the people lined up outside. They carried hammers, stood together and sprayed the crowd with a hose. An average family in my opinion would have done its best to ignore the protestors and stayed inside the home, maybe phoning the police to remove the crowd. But no, we saw the two of them stirring up the crowd even more.

None of this is an excuse for what Casey may have done to her little daughter; Whether an accident or intential.

To me, judging from what we have been privilaged to learn, I see the Anthony family as one built on anger, lying and hate for one another.
jmo

 

[azwriter]

I don't post on these threads....but I read them oh so very much. I don't know the Anthony Family or anyone else involved in any of this. I do however have a daughter who has been diagnoised with Borderline Personality Disorder. I make no excuses for anyone...I read all I can about this particular ailment. I have so often stated to my own daughter...you are so like Casey Anthony....oh wow...this is so hard to say out loud....yet so much of what Casey Anthony has done is no different than what my own daughter has done with the exception of killing her own daughter. Thankfully....my daughter has had no children. I am not here to make any excuses for what George or Cindy Anthony have done regarding their daughter. Most days I can't even imagine how they can stand behind their daughter. But at the same time....I guess somewhere in my heart I understand. No one wants to believe that their own child could be capable of such a horrendous crime. Not someone we loved and who lived in our own home. If anyone would have asked me if my own daughter would have lied to me over her employment or stealing from us...I would have never believed it could happen in our family....but actually we are no different from this family. I just thank God everyday that a child was not a part of our disfunction....I apologize ahead of time for my spelling or use of words....I just maybe see a side of this that most people don't have to see....I have no doubt inside that Casey Anothony didn't do this to her precious daughter....I just also see how her parents refuse to accept this.

Bella, thank you for stepping up and sharing with us your own daugter's behavior. That took courage and heart.

After reading you post, I encourage you to post more often. You have lots to offer.
jmo

 

[Frigga]

Paula, I respect your post but I would never describe the Anthony family as average. The behavior we have seen from George and Cindy since the death of Caylee brought them into our livingroom, is nothing new for them. I believe they have always been a couple in stife and hardly ever agreed upon how to raise their daughter. I think this was a family unit always on the verge of exploding.

From what we have been privilaged to hear, Casey had always been very much of a liar. Cindy even warned Casey's friends about her daughter.
Imagine all the incidents and fighting among the family that we haven't heard about. Secrets that they must have locked deep into the family history.

And her parents too were comfortable in lying. Casey wasn't going to graduate from high school, but no one in the immediate Anthony family told her grandparents who traveled to the school for her graduation ceremony.

When Casey was pregnant and showing, her mother was still denying that fact to her own family members. And when Casey made a decision not to keep her baby but opt for adoption, Cindy would have none of that. I believe this was because Cindy decided Casey would live with her mistake.

I also see Cindy as being a mother who demands to hide her children' behavior because she believe it reflects on her ability as a parent. My own mother was this way.

When protestors gathered in front of the family home, what did we see: George and Cindy coming out of the home to do battle with the people lined up outside. They carried hammers, stood together and sprayed the crowd with a hose. An average family in my opinion would have done its best to ignore the protestors and stayed inside the home, maybe phoning the police to remove the crowd. But no, we saw the two of them stirring up the crowd even more.

None of this is an excuse for what Casey may have done to her little daughter; Whether an accident or intential.

To me, judging from what we have been privilaged to learn, I see the Anthony family as one built on anger, lying and hate for one another.
jmo

Well said AzWriter... well said.