George's testimony at trial

[panthera]

I'm a long time "lurker" but first time poster. Love reading here! Just feel the urge to domment now about JB's repeated questions about the smell. He pressed and pressed GA to say the smell of decomposition got worse. When GA opened the trunk, he fully expected to find a dead body, but instead, to his relief, he saw only a bag of trash. At that point, in his mind, the smell was from trash, not decomposition. Interesting how the mind can work to protect when the reality is too overwhelming. GA may have seemed to be refusing to answer, but his answer was really, IMO, a glimpse into the workings of his mind.

Good thoughts, and welcome!
:welcome:

I agree, after the trash bag was removed, he likely thought the odor would go away and his worst fears weren't true. Otherwise, I don't believe he would've just taken the car home and gone to work as if nothing had happened.
MOO

 

[paralegalntraining]

http://www.wftv.com/video/18206395/index.html

That would be great if the SA would play this jail visit while GA is testifying, just to give a little taste of the dynamics how they truly are. This is excellent to counter the conspiracy theory that is being spewed around...

 

[KPCrimeNY]

The more I watch these people live on TV I realize that the whole unit of them is really disturbed and disfuctional.

I want to believe GA. He is making it hard though, the way he answers and acts at times. I also remember having alot of thoughts early on about somebody in this family being involved somehow someway. Not to the extent of the lifetime movie that was presented in Opening Statements though.

IMO GA is trying to hard to sound like the old detective too.
I have a new acronym for the A's isntead of KISS it's KISAF!
Keep It Simple Anthony Family
They all need to use 1 or 2 words at a time. Yes/No/Don't Recall. These long drawn out stories are hurting more IMO.

The fact that these two guys that KNOW decomp when they smell it and did nothing really bothers me. SB being with the tow company for the Sherriffs and the Old detective GA. I can understand family first, Grandpa, Dad etc. Common Sense though...If it smells like decomp and walks like decomp it ITS DECOMP!!!

How different would this all have gone down if the cops were called and that car became a crime scene right there at the tow yard?

 

[otto]

I don't think it's true in every case, i.e. "nurture and nature", and some are truly born with this disposition into a family. We see many times, a family where 3 or 4 children are raised, in the average type of home and family no issues that are paramount or known yet one will turn out quite badly and the other 3 just fine.

In this case, however, I do think that we can perceive moreso, as outside observers with all the media focus on the family that more was untoward then met the eye. Usually a family's issues are not so focused upon with jaundiced eye as when a child ends up dead and someone is accused of murder within the family.

Then the skill of perceptions becomes far more one that our own biases as well as subtleties in the family itself, becomes pronounced.

We are seeing all of this in this case, imo.

"There but for the Grace of God go I" is what comes to mind .

This could be anyone's family.

Good point. Casey could have straightened out her life if she had gotten past her personal insecurities and her dependence on her parents. All she really needed to do was get a real job, get a real apartment, face the reality of her life, build her own future and learn some morals. Instead, I think she envied the lifestyle that she perceived others to be enjoying and made the biggest mistake of her life in thinking that all she had to do was elliminate her child and life would be good.

 

[otto]

I'm a long time "lurker" but first time poster. Love reading here! Just feel the urge to domment now about JB's repeated questions about the smell. He pressed and pressed GA to say the smell of decomposition got worse. When GA opened the trunk, he fully expected to find a dead body, but instead, to his relief, he saw only a bag of trash. At that point, in his mind, the smell was from trash, not decomposition. Interesting how the mind can work to protect when the reality is too overwhelming. GA may have seemed to be refusing to answer, but his answer was really, IMO, a glimpse into the workings of his mind.

I agree in part. I also think that George is very wary of Baez trying to put words in his mouth, and I think he is always trying to second guess where Baez is going with every question he asks. Baez wanted George to say that the smell was stronger in the trunk ... and who knows where he was going after that, but George did the right thing in asserting that after opening the trunk, his primary thought was relief - not that the smell was stronger.

George is in an extremely difficult situation and has to be so careful in what he says. Baez wants to trick him into taking responsibility for Cayley's murder while at the same time George is required to testify. I can't imagine how difficult that must be. I think many people would have a brain freeze from the stress alone, so when George starts repeating what he has said, refusing to accommodate Baez, it could be more of a defense mechanism kicking in. Personally, I think he's doing really well ... and could even see him as a witness coach in the future - since he will have developed every coping mechanism required for extremely difficult witness testimony.

 

[AZRiverRat]

Where was George on Father's Day evening???

Cindy and Casey were watching the video of Gpa at Mt Dora....Caylee wondered why the girls were crying....

WHERE WAS GEORGE ON FATHERS DAY NIGHT???

 

[carole]

Where was George on Father's Day evening???

Cindy and Casey were watching the video of Gpa at Mt Dora....Caylee wondered why the girls were crying....

WHERE WAS GEORGE ON FATHERS DAY NIGHT???

He was at work.

 

[AZRiverRat]

Did the cadaver dogs go INSIDE the Hopespring Drive house?

 

[KPCrimeNY]

There was a question from JB to GA today. I can't find it.
It was about GA spending the night at the house during a certain week.
If he had spent every night that week at the house.

Anybody remember?
Is there anything more to this?

 

[otto]

http://www.wftv.com/video/18206395/index.html

That would be great if the SA would play this jail visit while GA is testifying, just to give a little taste of the dynamics how they truly are. This is excellent to counter the conspiracy theory that is being spewed around...

Thanks for posting that video. It's interesting to see George so open and forgiving of Casey while he must know, in the back of his mind, that he'll never see his granddaughter again. He seems to be apologizing as though he feels that he let her down and now sees the results.

 

[ExpectingUnicorns]

I agree in part. I also think that George is very wary of Baez trying to put words in his mouth, and I think he is always trying to second guess where Baez is going with every question he asks. Baez wanted George to say that the smell was stronger in the trunk ... and who knows where he was going after that, but George did the right thing in asserting that after opening the trunk, his primary thought was relief - not that the smell was stronger.

George is in an extremely difficult situation and has to be so careful in what he says. Baez wants to trick him into taking responsibility for Cayley's murder while at the same time George is required to testify. I can't imagine how difficult that must be. I think many people would have a brain freeze from the stress alone, so when George starts repeating what he has said, refusing to accommodate Baez, it could be more of a defense mechanism kicking in. Personally, I think he's doing really well ... and could even see him as a witness coach in the future - since he will have developed every coping mechanism required for extremely difficult witness testimony.

I must, respectfully, disagree about George being such a good witness that he should be a witness coach. IMO, he doesn't stick with yes, no and short answers. He is so gun shy of giving prejudicial testimony that he anticipates each question as a land mine. He even goes so far into protective mode that it give the appearance of lying even when he's telling the truth.

And about the tape on the gas can . . . How about this; George did put it on neatly to begin with. But when you use the can to pour the gas out you have to unseal the tape to vent the air so the gas will flow. Could someone have used it and not resealed the tape as meticulously as when George originally put it on? And if the defense is attempting to make a connection between George and the tape then that has already been accomplished. So what is the big deal about first picture and second picture? The salient point that George had access to and used the tape has already been made. I don't understand the associated drama. What area does George think he's protecting here? And what further does Jose think he has to expose. There must be some subtlety that I'm missing!

 

[OneLostGrl]

Sure. George said that when he got in the car, there was a smell of decomp that concerned him enough to check the trunk. When he opened the trunk the smell was stronger, but when answering Baez questions, he refused to say that the smell was stronger in the trunk. At that point he was still trying to defend Casey by insisting that there wasn't a body in the trunk - it was only garbage - and he was somewhat relieved.

IMO He was not protecting Casey but his "image", I think in his head ignoring that smell after not seeing them for so long makes him feel like he wasn't a good parent. Like in that one depo where he was saying he used to walk casey and lee to the bus and be there to get them off the bus in the afternon, imo he thought that's what a good parent does. The pros. then said Weren't you working during the day.. how did you get them off the bus. THEN he finally admitted to letting them go to the bus and get off the bus alone (which is fine, IMO). I think he really wants to be seen as a good parent and he realizes he wasn't so he makes up these little stories to appear like they were a "normal" family.

 

[1Chump]

I'm a long time "lurker" but first time poster. Love reading here! Just feel the urge to domment now about JB's repeated questions about the smell. He pressed and pressed GA to say the smell of decomposition got worse. When GA opened the trunk, he fully expected to find a dead body, but instead, to his relief, he saw only a bag of trash. At that point, in his mind, the smell was from trash, not decomposition. Interesting how the mind can work to protect when the reality is too overwhelming. GA may have seemed to be refusing to answer, but his answer was really, IMO, a glimpse into the workings of his mind.

See that right there is why I don't think the defense needed to even bring up any alledged sexual abuse. Between George and Cindy they can show the family tends to deny until they can no longer deny.

You also have Casey staying away from the "scene" of the crime. Easier to not face reality when you stay away from the one place where the memories of Caylee's life and alledged death would be overwhelming.

 

[LancelotLink]

IMO, I really think George is doing the best he can. I truly DO NOT, for one moment think he had anything to do with Caylee's death. I think he was put in this situation, like all the others, by one person and one person only and that is Casey. Not only did he lose his granddaugther, but he has to deal with his daughter as well. I'm sure his emotions are all over the place. To have to take the stand in front of EVERYONE, has to be hard. His own life is unfolding before everyone who is watching this trial. All his secrets are being let out of the bag, and really, who doesn't have hidden secrets? He is NOT the one on trial here, Casey is and somehow the defense is trying to pin it on him. His only crime, is having Casey..lol.. ok, I'm just kidding, I think? :waitasec::crazy:

I think alot of George's dancing around may have to do with the fact that they both actively tried to thwart the investigation and protect Casey in the beginning, middle and up until two days ago really. Or 6 weeks ago. :floorlaugh:

 

[Hot Dogs]

And about the tape on the gas can . . . How about this; George did put it on neatly to begin with. But when you use the can to pour the gas out you have to unseal the tape to vent the air so the gas will flow. Could someone have used it and not resealed the tape as meticulously as when George originally put it on? And if the defense is attempting to make a connection between George and the tape then that has already been accomplished. So what is the big deal about first picture and second picture? The salient point that George had access to and used the tape has already been made. I don't understand the associated drama. What area does George think he's protecting here? And what further does Jose think he has to expose. There must be some subtlety that I'm missing!

I believe that I adequately explained this in post #300. George was shown a photo of the gas can with duct tape that is not in evidence. We have never seen this photo because it is not in evidence. This photo was not shown on the screen for us to see. Apparently, the prosecution did not immediately recognize this photo as being not in evidence because they didn't object. George did not have to say anything about this photo but he did anyway before the Judge declared it not in evidence.

Looking at George's testimony on this unseen (for us) photo we can tell that he is seeing a different piece of tape which is larger and applied sloppy over the vent hole. He says that he didn't put that piece of tape on there, and essentially acknowledges that he would have used a smaller piece and applied it neatly.

Q Do you recognize it as being a gas can of yours?

A Yes.

Q …was that one of the gas cans that was involved in the incident on the 24th with Casey taking the gas cans? Was that one them?

A Yes. I mean, this is the gas can. It looks — – looks like the one that was taken on the — the one that I reported taken from my shed.

Q Now, that gas can appears to have a piece of duct tape on it. Do you recognize that?

A I didn’t put the duct tape on there.

Q Do you recognize it, though?

A I recognize this can, but I didn’t put that duct tape on there. I wouldn’t do a sloppy job like that.

Q Okay. Have you ever seen that piece of duct tape on that can before?

A Not this particular size, no. No, sir.

Q Have you seen that duct tape in a different size?

A I put duct tape on there one time myself because the plastic cap that was on there was broken off. But when I did it, it was very methodical when I put it on there because it was very neat.

Q All right.

A I didn’t do that right there.

Q You didn’t do that.

A No. I didn’t.

Q …So at some point you say you had put a piece of duct tape over the vent of the can; is that correct?

A Yes. I did. Yes.

 

[thedeviledadvocate]

IMO He was not protecting Casey but his "image", I think in his head ignoring that smell after not seeing them for so long makes him feel like he wasn't a good parent. Like in that one depo where he was saying he used to walk casey and lee to the bus and be there to get them off the bus in the afternon, imo he thought that's what a good parent does. The pros. then said Weren't you working during the day.. how did you get them off the bus. THEN he finally admitted to letting them go to the bus and get off the bus alone (which is fine, IMO). I think he really wants to be seen as a good parent and he realizes he wasn't so he makes up these little stories to appear like they were a "normal" family.

Many have been trying for 3 years to figure out the Anthony family. The jurors will not have the advantage of 3 years of study, they will only have the testimony given on the stand to rely on. GA on the stand looked combative, evasive, and at times he did not look truthful. CA did much better on the stand than GA at this point, however, she has not been cross examined yet.

Just as the state will slowly and methodically build their case, the defense will slowly and methodically bring up all the inconsistancies in GA's depositions etc. By the end of the trial, the jury may very well believe that GA is a terrible man (terrible men can still love their granddaughter), and in an effort to hide what an awful man he is, did and said many terrible things. As always my entire post is my opinion only.

 

[Turnadot]

Many have been trying for 3 years to figure out the Anthony family. The jurors will not have the advantage of 3 years of study, they will only have the testimony given on the stand to rely on. GA on the stand looked combative, evasive, and at times he did not look truthful. CA did much better on the stand than GA at this point, however, she has not been cross examined yet.

Just as the state will slowly and methodically build their case, the defense will slowly and methodically bring up all the inconsistancies in GA's depositions etc. By the end of the trial, the jury may very well believe that GA is a terrible man (terrible men can still love their granddaughter), and in an effort to hide what an awful man he is, did and said many terrible things. As always my entire post is my opinion only.

IMO, GA was terrible on the stand. The first time, he came across as a sympathetic figure, but the second time he was, as you say, evasive and combative. I don't think it damaged the State's case very much but it dinged it a little.

I disagree with the part I bolded simply because during these three years the defense team's strategy has been scatter shot, especially Baez's ludicrous opening statement. In three years, there's never been an indication that the defense team are oganised enough to be methodical about anything. The trial hasn't been different. After the opening statement, it's been downhill from there. If the past is an indicator, the defense team will continue sinking.

We shall see though, you could be right.

 

[Mystic]

I see that many think that GA was difficult on the stand. I actually thought he was very good, if anything it appeared he was being careful to ensure he was answering what he 'thought' the question was. JB doesn't seem to be able to construct a question properly whether some are purposely done or not. He makes statements, changes the question mid-stream.... dunno but I couldn't understand what he specifically was asking. So I don't blame GA for taking his time at all, asking what he meant etc. And the big blow to me and which I hope the Jury picked up was that JB was badgering him regarding a different picture then what was in evidence at that point. That in and of itself will in my hopes give the Jury some idea as to why GA was responding as he did. JB is no Mason Perry as much as it appears he would like to be. I wish the Judge would stop that nonsence and tell him to be 'clear' in questioning any and all witnesses.

 

[RR0004]

Q. So it had duct tape and then when she brought it back, it didn’t?

A. Yes.

... didn't have any duct tape? So what happened to the duct tape that he put there to block the vent or fix the lid, and why is there duct tape on it later? If he didn't put some duct tape on the can, how was he trying to establish that the tape he applies is methodical ... what is the comparison he is talking about"

Q. So at some point you say you had put a piece of duct tape over the vent of the can; is that correct?

A. Yes. I did. Yes.

Q. When would you have done that?

And then ...

A. I put duct tape on there one time myself because the plastic cap that was on there was broken off. But when I did it, it was very methodical when I put it on there because it was very neat.

IIRC, the duct tape that ended up on the can was longer. I remember discussion here about Casey perhaps putting it on the can when she was busy cutting off pieces of tape to bind Caylee with.

 

[RR0004]

PLEEEEEEZZZZZ!! Can someone tell me what day Ashton used his hypothetical with George....was it on Friday or Thursday???!!!

ETA: nevermind...I think I found it. Is Jose only going to make George write on that dumb chart? Don't think he isn't playing with his head...and his emotions!!

ETA:!!!! I think it may have been better if I hadn't found this. Baez's line of questioning is totally ridiculous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!