Casey Anthony Legal Defense Strategies #2

[miss plum]

There is no bus, there is only the lonesome whistle of a train rollin round the bend.

 

[Aedrys]

Sadly, I'm thinking mom and dad are the best chance the defense has to at least try to get Casey a lower sentence. There is no defense that is going to acquit her. I guess this means that the hug we saw between Baez and CA was purely for show if the defense intends to go after her and George in the court room. The thing that stumps me is how are they, how is CA, okay with the defense doing this? She must have read the motions by now and she has to clearly see where the defense is going. Yet not one word about it? Total silence? That makes no sense.

I'm wondering if Cindy is even thinking this isn't going to trial. Not that she knows for sure, but since we haven't heard a peep out of her since these motions came out, and you'd think the same person that called her daughter MOTY would be coming out and defending herself as grandmother of the year. I can't imagine her just letting the defense steamroll her in a court room. I just don't see her going as far as sacrificing her ego and reputation to get Casey off of the hook. If she of all people even thinks this isn't going to trial and that's why she's not protesting it, well that's just about the worst sign of things for Casey, isn't it?

I also saw a recent ep of Burn Notice where the FBI was questioning the main character's mom, and she was refusing to tell them where he was. The FBI guy says "Are you willing to pay for your son's mistakes?" And she immediately responds "He's already paid for mine." I wonder if this is the line of thinking Cindy is now going with?

Or is she prepping George to go under the bus for the family? Or maybe she tried and that's why he was so pissed at the hearing where Casey became a felon. Maybe no one is willing to help her anymore so all she has is herself to sacrifice and save Casey, if she still wants to do that? So by her silence she's okay with the defense now targeting her and possibly George? I just can't imagine George being okay with this. I think he's going to fall apart completely in the court room if the defense dare suggests that he had anything to do with what happened to Caylee. Cindy I have no idea about.

I really wish I knew what she was thinking, and then I realize I'm wishing I knew what SHE was thinking and then I back off of that wish before I go totally insane.

A bit OT, I thought about designing a drinking game centered around these idiotic motions and the frequency with which they come out, but then I realized anyone playing the game would die of alcohol poisoning in a few days. Maybe even a few hours, lol.

 

[butterfly1978]

I beleive that Cindy would sacrifice herself or at least all herself to be used as a scape goat to get Casey off. See I think at this stage in the ball game, its no longer about Caylee in Cindy's eye, its about her and Casey, when I say her, I think she believes that if Casey is found guilty that reflects on her as a mother and she can not have that, so now its all about getting Casey off, even if that means sacrificing herself. I doubt if the defence claims that Cindy is Zanny and that the evidence points just as much to Cindy as it does Casey and Casey was acquitted that the SA office would go after Cindy, so Cindy is willing to take that blow, and IF Casey was aquitted Cindy would simply say I didn't do it, and they couldn't prove Casey did and its double jeopardy to try Casey twice. Since the state knows just like the rest of us do that Casey is the one responsible they would not charge Cindy because they know she did not do it..... So I'm definately thinking this is the route they are taking with the defense and Cindy is willing because if Casey is convicted it reflects her as a mother... I can just here Cindy now...
"the state could not convict Casey, because she didn't do it, and they can't charge me because they know I didn't do it."

I think this may also be the rift between GA and CA maybe Cindy has told the defense she doesn't mind taking the fall if it creates reasonable doubt and George is mad because he thinks that Casey should be held accoutable but still wants to look like a united family. JMO

 

[Reagan]

I really don't think CA or GA care if the defense throws them under the bus. For certain things at least.

We caught a small glimpse of CA attempting (rather poorly I might add) to take the blame for the computer searches for chloroform during her State depo. Even though there's proof that CA was working at the time, and her explanation lacked reason and logic... it goes to show you how desperate she is. Who knows what lengths she would be willing to go for MOTY. We already know she is willing to hinder an investigation, lie under oath, and tamper with evidence.

Then you got GA saying on national TV that he would sell his soul to the devil to free his daughter. Too late George.

and where is Caylee in all of this?

 

[affinity]

Many people involved in this case are in deep trouble! I think that the uncharacteristic silence from CA & GA is because they know that they are going down with obstruction/ or some such thing. Very serious! They have learned that what they did is "actionable" ...they can do time --go to jail! That notion has made them shut completely up (hooray!)

Baez is likely going to have to answer lots of questions about his fees and where the $$ came from. Imagine if he has mishandled funds!

Who goes under the bus? My guess is this thing will be plead out. I don't know what will happen with JB! Lyon will throw KC's parents under the bus during sentencing! It will be then that Lyon will tell us all about CA's lifelong emotional abuse of KC.

 

[gamom]

In my opinion throwing CA under the bus won't fly. Especially being the CA looked like she was going to have a nervous break down looking for Caylee and trying to get info out of KC on jail visits and through friends.

I think the best defense they have (other then trying to get a plea deal) is to use the state and the state's witnesses against them. For instance:

"We all know KC is a liar. Everyone has testified to that. In fact, everyone has said she is not a very GOOD liar which has been shown during this whole investigation. We all know KC is a thief. Everyone has testified to that. In fact, everyone has said she is not a very good thief since she has been caught every time. Not only did she steal Amy's checks from her purse, but she cashed them on CAMERA signing her own name. Never wore a disguise or attempting to cover up her crime in anyway. She had to know she would get caught, but like everyone has said. KC lives in the moment not thinking about her next step. Same for the checks she stole from Grandma and the cards she charged of Cindy's. She waited 31 days to report her child missing all the while parting the whole time. Never hiding out or attempting to cover up the missing child. She had to know at some point people would wonder where this child was. But not KC, she lives in the moment. She left her abandoned car minutes from a place that her parents drive by frequently after telling them that she was out of town. Not a smart thing to do for someone trying to cover something up. It is clear to everyone that KC is either crazy or as testified by her childhood friends "not smart enough to do this".

Considering all of this evidence, how is it possible that someone who has been labeled a bad liar, a bad thief, who has been caught multiple times with her reckless behavior, etc. How is it possible that she can turn around and create the perfect murder? A murder so perfect that an EXPERT medical examiner can't determine HOW Caylee died. A murder so perfect that not ONE piece of KC's DNA is left at the crime scene. Not one hair, fingernail, fingerprint, footprint, etc? Think about it Mr. Juror. You watch CSI and forensic shows. The best of best murders and serial killers ALWAYS leave something behind. A fiber, sweat, something??

The state would like you to believe that their EXPERT Forensic tech can accidentally leave DNA on duct tape, but they can't get any DNA from the "not so bright" KC? The same girl that has been caught on video committing fraud. Caught on Camera dancing at fusion and urinating in a parking lot. You have all seen the photos. This girl is now more careful then Forensic experts who do this for a living? How is this possible? You all know what the answer is...it is not. My client is guilty of a lot of things, but creating the perfect murder is not one of them. "

That would at least get a hung jury if not off the death penalty all together. Just my opinion. Although, I know in my heart she did it. I honestly think she is crazy or like CA says a sociopath. A mom always knows.

 

[OKaraMia]

How to save KC's fat butt and possiblily get her a talk show...

Truth serum.


We can all dig crazy, we can understand a breakdown. Hell, she'd probably gain a fanclub.

But what we cant tolerate is this unremorseful, foolish lying, crazy family in denile madness!

 

[Macushla]

I beleive that Cindy would sacrifice herself or at least all herself to be used as a scape goat to get Casey off. snipped

Who and what does CA have left? Her life is in shambles, her grandaughter dead, her daughter accused of murdering her. Her son has disappeared from sight, no longer even attempting to pretend he is supportive of his family. Her brother has made his feelings known, even her mother assisted LE in their investigation, which in CA's eyes was traitorous. I am sure she knows what GA feels and thinks and that deep down he knows who murdered Caylee, so he is also 'one of the enemy' on some level. Her home is in foreclosure, they have little, or no money left and the money they had for awhile could only be 'blood money' made from the death of Caylee. It's possible that the next thing will be seeing their cars repo'd.

Yes, I can see CA playing martyr and allowing her name to be used as a possible alternative suspect. What is the most horrifying part of going down this road? Well, if KC is acquitted, (no, I don't see that happening, but just for the sake of my post, I will say it) will KC throw herself into her mothers arms in gratitude? Not on a bet. She will smirk at her as she sashays away. And CA will have done all of this for nothing - and be just as alone as she is right now. Yes, I feel sorry for Cindy - but I also want to see her pay some sort of penalty for all her lies, obstructions, etc. On the other hand, maybe she is already paying a penalty - just not a judicial one.

 

[butterfly1978]

In my opinion throwing CA under the bus won't fly. Especially being the CA looked like she was going to have a nervous break down looking for Caylee and trying to get info out of KC on jail visits and through friends.

I think the best defense they have (other then trying to get a plea deal) is to use the state and the state's witnesses against them. For instance:

"We all know KC is a liar. Everyone has testified to that. In fact, everyone has said she is not a very GOOD liar which has been shown during this whole investigation. We all know KC is a thief. Everyone has testified to that. In fact, everyone has said she is not a very good thief since she has been caught every time. Not only did she steal Amy's checks from her purse, but she cashed them on CAMERA signing her own name. Never wore a disguise or attempting to cover up her crime in anyway. She had to know she would get caught, but like everyone has said. KC lives in the moment not thinking about her next step. Same for the checks she stole from Grandma and the cards she charged of Cindy's. She waited 31 days to report her child missing all the while parting the whole time. Never hiding out or attempting to cover up the missing child. She had to know at some point people would wonder where this child was. But not KC, she lives in the moment. She left her abandoned car minutes from a place that her parents drive by frequently after telling them that she was out of town. Not a smart thing to do for someone trying to cover something up. It is clear to everyone that KC is either crazy or as testified by her childhood friends "not smart enough to do this".

Considering all of this evidence, how is it possible that someone who has been labeled a bad liar, a bad thief, who has been caught multiple times with her reckless behavior, etc. How is it possible that she can turn around and create the perfect murder? A murder so perfect that an EXPERT medical examiner can't determine HOW Caylee died. A murder so perfect that not ONE piece of KC's DNA is left at the crime scene. Not one hair, fingernail, fingerprint, footprint, etc? Think about it Mr. Juror. You watch CSI and forensic shows. The best of best murders and serial killers ALWAYS leave something behind. A fiber, sweat, something??

The state would like you to believe that their EXPERT Forensic tech can accidentally leave DNA on duct tape, but they can't get any DNA from the "not so bright" KC? The same girl that has been caught on video committing fraud. Caught on Camera dancing at fusion and urinating in a parking lot. You have all seen the photos. This girl is now more careful then Forensic experts who do this for a living? How is this possible? You all know what the answer is...it is not. My client is guilty of a lot of things, but creating the perfect murder is not one of them. "

That would at least get a hung jury if not off the death penalty all together. Just my opinion. Although, I know in my heart she did it. I honestly think she is crazy or like CA says a sociopath. A mom always knows.

WHile I do see where you are going with this and you have made some excellant points, this was in no way a "perfect murder. the state would simply argue that the reason COD could not be found is because of the amount of time it took to find Caylee, at the point she was found all that was left were a bones that had been scattered many yards. As far as there being no DNA, footprints, hair, and so forth, it can be simply argued that 6 months had past and had been exposed to the elements. That doesn't make this a perfect crime, it just means that Casey got lucky for awhile, however things that would take longer to sucome to the evidence such as the duct tape which matches similarly to that from the Anthony's, the garbage bags, the laundry bag, ect does link back to Casey and that the ONLY reason for the lack of direct evidence is the time it took to find Caylee. Which Caylee would have been found sooner had Cain done his job back in August, which he has been punished for, which leads us again to Casey just being lucky, but as we all know her luck ran out on Dec 11 when Karma decided to reveal its self!

 

[kaRN]

WFTV published a report today regarding a "death penalty attorney" named Lenamon that left Casey Anthony's legal defense team. The publication quotes Lenamon as follows:

"We had a difference in what I believe should have been done with the approach that is mental health related," Lenamon told CNN's Nancy Grace during an interview Tuesday night." Lenamon explained he would have had Casey plead not guilty by reason of insanity.

See http://www.wftv.com/news/19448158/detail.html

If Lenamon really said that he believes Casey should plead NG by reason of insanity, then I think this is very irresponsible and may even be an attorney ethical violation. Most people would interpret "not guilty by reason of insanity" as meaning that "Casey killed Caylee, but was insane when she did it." This would mean that Casey's former attorney, who has presumably "seen all the evidence" and discussed attorney-client protected information with his client and fellow defense team members, is announcing to the world that Casey "did it." He's doing it at a time when Baez has apparently chosen to pursue a defense strategy of "she didn't do it." If Lenamon is really her former attorney, then this former member of the defense team is hurting his former client's defense and possibly her chances of being put to death by the State of Florida. I don't know what thread to put this in, so I started a new one.

Insanity is a medical diagnosis and needs to be substantiated as such by someone other than a lawyer. KC isn't insane. She's a sociopath. Lenamen had no basis for his defense strategy and theres nothing in KC's past to support the claim. Andrea Y was found guilty first time around and she was receiving medical treatment.
It was unethical too, I agree.

 

[LiveLaughLuv]

IMO, the defense has no defense which is why we can see Baez grasping at straws. He may just do what he did with the check fraud case. Wait until the eleventh hour and plead Inmate Anthony guilty. If the Inmate goes along. I think she will take it as far as she can. I remember in her police interview when she stated, my mom already told me she will never forgive me if something happened to Caylee. So, is this why during Caylee's memorial did CA say to Inmate Anthony, I forgive you!

We must remember, those jurors are made up of people just like us, those who have respect for the judicial system. When they hear Baez come up with his half baked defense, they will become angry at his "cockiness", they will see Inmate Anthony has no remorse, they will see how he is disrespectful toward the very same judicial system he took an oath to abide by. He will be despised by many. If Inmate Anthony takes the stand, we will see the rage precious Caylee saw/felt that fateful evening her life was taken, JMHO.

He has nothing by way of RK, IMO..Jill Kerley's testimony will not come in since it is only her thoughts, her feelings and nothing factual to back it up.. I find myself feeling as if Jose Baez will do anthing he can to get a "mistrial" and I do hope that doesn't take place. What would happen if a mistrial takes place? Every chance he gets, Baez will take the opportunity to say things like, every day I see evidence of my clients innocence. I wonder where he's looking...:angel:

His last motion shows the direction he's taking. He will use the relationship between CA and Inmate Anthony. It's truly a love/hate relationship. Jealousy is one reason, rage another. I'm hoping the verbal arguement which turned physical will be told (especially since CA is adamant this did not take place) for I feel this is the night Caylee was murdered. Inmate Anthony took all her agressions out on Caylee that she felt for CA. I feel that as well as the statement from TonyL about wanting sons and no daughters when he has children was ringing in her ear that night as well. Feeling as if Caylee was the reason she couldn't have an ongoing relationship with TonyL. Either way, unless Inmate Anthony decides for the good of herself, to honestly tell what happened to Caylee, she should think about pleading guilty and save the gory details of Caylee's last moments alive. CA/GA/LA could then beg Judge Strickland for leniency when Inmate Anthony is sentenced again, begging him to save her life and give her a LWOP sentence instead of a death sentence. A mother knows her child, their traits, their capabilities and IMO, deep in her heart, CA knows Inmate Anthony is responsible for Caylee's death and CAs words will help convict Inmate Anthony, TonyL's, GA's and possibly LA's words will all convict Inmate Anthony on the murder of Caylee, that I will be grateful for.:furious:

Justice for Caylee is the ultimate goal and the SAO's will get Caylee her Justice.

Justice for Caylee

I hope I made sense...:waitasec:

JMHO

 

[Aedrys]

I agree with you LiveLaughLuv, except on one thing. Casey is so delusional and egotistical that she probably still thinks she can get acquitted. The defense's strategy of keeping her out of the loop as much as possible continues to work no matter how many hearings take place. We can see this as her attitude has remained the same, if not angrier because how dare the state say such awful things about her - leading her to ask her attorneys to make it stop, like they could actually do that.

Unless Baez is able to somehow convince her that a plea is the best route to go - the exact OPPOSITE of what he's been telling her so far, I can't see her be willing to plea this out and have it not go into a court room, where she wants to see her parents tortured even more than they already have been. Remember, this is still some big game to her, and I don't think she sees herself the winner if only she goes down and her parents get to live free. She's probably hoping that Cindy will be a martyr and that gives her hope that she might still be able to get out of this somehow. Whoever said it was right - if Cindy does go down for Casey, Casey will laugh and sashay out, talking about what a fool and idiot her mother was for doing that (I added more, but the gist is the same).

 

[gamom]

WHile I do see where you are going with this and you have made some excellant points, this was in no way a "perfect murder. the state would simply argue that the reason COD could not be found is because of the amount of time it took to find Caylee, at the point she was found all that was left were a bones that had been scattered many yards. As far as there being no DNA, footprints, hair, and so forth, it can be simply argued that 6 months had past and had been exposed to the elements. That doesn't make this a perfect crime, it just means that Casey got lucky for awhile, however things that would take longer to sucome to the evidence such as the duct tape which matches similarly to that from the Anthony's, the garbage bags, the laundry bag, ect does link back to Casey and that the ONLY reason for the lack of direct evidence is the time it took to find Caylee. Which Caylee would have been found sooner had Cain done his job back in August, which he has been punished for, which leads us again to Casey just being lucky, but as we all know her luck ran out on Dec 11 when Karma decided to reveal its self!

I hear what you are saying. If I were defending this case and you brought up your points, I would remind the jury that although you say its "luck" some would say it was "perfect". The fact that Caylee was buried behind her grandparents house and was not found for 6 months is amazing. I would also argue that even IF you found the body sooner their is no guarantee beyond a reasonable doubt that you would find anymore DNA. I have seen DNA found years later and be able to convict someone. I saw a case where they dug up someone who had been deceased for 10 years and were able to find DNA to convict. "The fact that the tape is "similar" tells me that it is not the same. My black toyota is similar to my neighbors black toyota, but it is not the same. Nor would a juror have me killed me for crimes that he did with his car. The same for the garbage bags, the laundry bags etc. None can be directly connected to the Anthony's house. The state can just show that they are "similar" brands and styles. However, I would argue (If I were defending this case) That the body was found in the same neighborhood as Anthony's. This means if the REAL killer lives close to the Anthony's they would of course be shopping at the same stores and places. It would make sense then that the brands of tape and bags would be similar in style. They came from the same places. I buy my trash bags from Publix. How many of my neighbors buy theirs from Publix? Considering it is the closest store to my house, I would assume the majority of them do.(reasonable doubt) So Mr. Juror, I ask you, while the state says the evidence is all similar to that found at the Anthony's house, have they convinced you beyond a reasonable doubt that similar in this case means the same? Before you answer, let me remind you that the state is trying to KILL my client. Have they convinced you that she deserves to be killed? I would sure hate to be killed for buying the same brand of duct tape that my neighbor also bought because it was on sale."

If the defense gets one juror to believe this...they win.

 

[logicalgirl]

I hear what you are saying. If I were defending this case and you brought up your points, I would remind the jury that although you say its "luck" some would say it was "perfect". The fact that Caylee was buried behind her grandparents house and was not found for 6 months is amazing. I would also argue that even IF you found the body sooner their is no guarantee beyond a reasonable doubt that you would find anymore DNA. I have seen DNA found years later and be able to convict someone. I saw a case where they dug up someone who had been deceased for 10 years and were able to find DNA to convict. "The fact that the tape is "similar" tells me that it is not the same. My black toyota is similar to my neighbors black toyota, but it is not the same. Nor would a juror have me killed me for crimes that he did with his car. The same for the garbage bags, the laundry bags etc. None can be directly connected to the Anthony's house. The state can just show that they are "similar" brands and styles. However, I would argue (If I were defending this case) That the body was found in the same neighborhood as Anthony's. This means if the REAL killer lives close to the Anthony's they would of course be shopping at the same stores and places. It would make sense then that the brands of tape and bags would be similar in style. They came from the same places. I buy my trash bags from Publix. How many of my neighbors buy theirs from Publix? Considering it is the closest store to my house, I would assume the majority of them do.(reasonable doubt) So Mr. Juror, I ask you, while the state says the evidence is all similar to that found at the Anthony's house, have they convinced you beyond a reasonable doubt that similar in this case means the same? Before you answer, let me remind you that the state is trying to KILL my client. Have they convinced you that she deserves to be killed? I would sure hate to be killed for buying the same brand of duct tape that my neighbor also bought because it was on sale."

If the defense gets one juror to believe this...they win.

All very good arguments. Now, before this goes to the jury, how many of your neighbors have their daughters decomp in the trunk of their car?

 

[OKaraMia]

KC has made it very clear...she will NEVER fess up.

I seem to recall a video interview with her, perhaps a jail visit...
Where she states something to the effect of..."people opening their big mouth" and how shes not...she sort of stops herself and says...she wont admit to blah blah...
anyone remember this?

 

[logicalgirl]

KC has made it very clear...she will NEVER fess up.

I seem to recall a video interview with her, perhaps a jail visit...
Where she states something to the effect of..."people opening their big mouth" and how shes not...she sort of stops herself and says...she wont admit to blah blah...
anyone remember this?

I remember that really well, but she's spent some time clanking into court with chains binding her arms and legs, and she's had more than a few conversations with Ms. Lyons who in my mind said Casey - cut the bs, let's see how we can save your life, Baez has dropped the "his girl" line, she must be listening to news reports on that little transister of hers - I suspect reality may be slipping in.

I think at some point they will sit her down and say - you aren't going to win this. The proof is there - you need to plead guilty. Then they'll leave her to have her tantrums, and being as how she likes to please (and remember, these lawyers are all she has now) I think she will. I think we've seen bravado from Casey, but not bravery.

 

[butterfly1978]

I hear what you are saying. If I were defending this case and you brought up your points, I would remind the jury that although you say its "luck" some would say it was "perfect". The fact that Caylee was buried behind her grandparents house and was not found for 6 months is amazing. I would also argue that even IF you found the body sooner their is no guarantee beyond a reasonable doubt that you would find anymore DNA. I have seen DNA found years later and be able to convict someone. I saw a case where they dug up someone who had been deceased for 10 years and were able to find DNA to convict. "The fact that the tape is "similar" tells me that it is not the same. My black toyota is similar to my neighbors black toyota, but it is not the same. Nor would a juror have me killed me for crimes that he did with his car. The same for the garbage bags, the laundry bags etc. None can be directly connected to the Anthony's house. The state can just show that they are "similar" brands and styles. However, I would argue (If I were defending this case) That the body was found in the same neighborhood as Anthony's. This means if the REAL killer lives close to the Anthony's they would of course be shopping at the same stores and places. It would make sense then that the brands of tape and bags would be similar in style. They came from the same places. I buy my trash bags from Publix. How many of my neighbors buy theirs from Publix? Considering it is the closest store to my house, I would assume the majority of them do.(reasonable doubt) So Mr. Juror, I ask you, while the state says the evidence is all similar to that found at the Anthony's house, have they convinced you beyond a reasonable doubt that similar in this case means the same? Before you answer, let me remind you that the state is trying to KILL my client. Have they convinced you that she deserves to be killed? I would sure hate to be killed for buying the same brand of duct tape that my neighbor also bought because it was on sale."

If the defense gets one juror to believe this...they win.

Thats a great argument and although the body was dumped in the same neigborhood, which means the killer could live and shop at the same places, the duct tape was a specific brand only sold in Ohio (and please do not ask me to link it but I have read it).. and the Anthony's lived in Ohio, So I would argue that yes those facts are true, however a killer from the same neigborhood would have also have once lived in Ohio, or at best visited would be hard to beleive, thats were the jury would have to use logic.

 

[AZlawyer]

Thats a great argument and although the body was dumped in the same neigborhood, which means the killer could live and shop at the same places, the duct tape was a specific brand only sold in Ohio (and please do not ask me to link it but I have read it).. and the Anthony's lived in Ohio, So I would argue that yes those facts are true, however a killer from the same neigborhood would have also have once lived in Ohio, or at best visited would be hard to beleive, thats were the jury would have to use logic.

The tape was not only sold in Ohio. It was manufactured in Ohio. But the As had not lived there for a very very long time anyway.

 

[The World According]

Whatever bakery number strategy they were working on yesterday they better start back at one.

If this is true that George knew and even participated in making up the Zanny the Nanny story, imo this is a disaster of biblical proportions for Casey.It may be just another disturbed woman trying to insert herself into the case. We will see what the prosecutors let us know. What's next? Martians? I bet Andrea doesn't have a motion for this little gem.

 

[gamom]

All very good arguments. Now, before this goes to the jury, how many of your neighbors have their daughters decomp in the trunk of their car?

:waitasec: I personally think that is huge. IF the Jury gets to hear this it is damaging to the defense. BUT...I know JB is saying it is junk science. So I am sure he will argue that it not be admissible. It will be brought into question because there is no sufficient history that establishes that the practice of taking what decomposition gases are present and using them to determine Post Mortem Interval (the time of death) is reliable. Some people will say that this practice has research behind it showing that it may actually be more precise in determining PMI than the historical visual grading of the overall body stage. ESPECIALLY when there is no body to look at. The problem is it has never been used in establishing PMI in a trial. Especially a death penalty trial.

Here is a clipping from another site that I think the defense will use to argue this:

Pipitone said the state does have scientific evidence that it could use, including chemicals indicating a decomposing human body were found in the trunk of Casey Anthony's car.

"They're going to have to present evidence to convince the court that such tests are generally accepted by the scientific community. And since you've called me, I've inquired. I'm not aware of a single case that's been admitted anywhere," Mason said.

"So this is hocus pocus science?" Pipitone said.

"Yes. I'd just have to agree with that," Mason said.

"How can I put this person on trial for her life when the scientific evidence has not been used anywhere else?" Pipitone asked Rahter.

"They have to show that it's accepted in the scientific community. It's hard, a high hurdle in Florida to pass," she said.

"So that's going to be tough for the prosecution?" Pipitone said.

"Yeah, but it's helpful that it's corroborated," Rahter said.

A hair pulled from the car trunk was consistent in length and color with Caylee's hair, showing signs of decomposition, Pipitone said. DNA tests reveal the hair came from Caylee or any of her maternal ancestors, from her mother to her great-grandmother, Pipitone said.

"Is that not evidence of death?" Pipitone asked Mason.

"I don't believe it necessarily is. They can certainly argue it, but I don't think it proves it's a death. It's proving it's an old hair with some tissue that has decomposed," Mason said.

"He's good. He's tearing apart the state's case here, and basically says there is no case," Pipitone said.

taken from: http://www.clickorlando.com/news/18022813/detail.html

However, in my opinion, if the evidence is allowed, I think this will be enough to connect the dots and convince the jury. It is the one area that allows no room for doubt, in my mind since the car was obviously in her care, not stolen and she admitted to the smell. However, if not I think reasonable doubt could be there. Not if I was a juror, but I would have convicted OJ too.