We Remember Caylee Marie Anthony

We Remember Caylee Marie Anthony
Last Photo of Caylee: 6.15.08

Monday, November 23, 2009

Casey Anthony Attorney Todd Macaluso Under California Bar Investiagation--The Back Story

**8.7.11:  SEE UPDATE  AT END OF PAGE:  CASEY ANTHONY SPOTTED AT MACALUSO'S MANSION**
Casey Anthony mysterious new addition to the defense team, Todd Macaluso, literally brings "Hollywood" Drama to case.

Following are details surrounding Todd Macaluso and his unprofessional involvement in a civil suit brought against NutraQuest, manufacturer of Xenadrine and other ehedra supplements. The civil suit was awarded, however, Macaluso and others are being investigated for unprofessional and unethical conduct towards the company during the proceedings



A San Diego Union-Tribune reporter and Todd Macaluso, one of the lawyers who won a $12.5 million class-action lawsuit against a New Jersey business, NutraQuest, are being sued for authorizing published stories that defamed the company.


Xenadrine RFA-1 is the ephedra supplement Steve Bechler's widow Kiley links to her husband's death in her $600 million federal lawsuit. The Monmouth County company that sold the diet aid, Nutraquest (formerly known as Cytodyne Technologies), filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Oct. 16. According to the bankruptcy petition, Nutraquest had up to $50 million in estimated assets and up to $100 million in estimated debts.

At an Oct. 27 creditors meeting, however, Nutraquest general counsel Shane Freedman estimated the company sold at least $350 million and up to $600 million of Xenadrine RFA-1 between May 1997 and March 2003 - and that doesn't include sales figures for more than a half-dozen other products offered during those years, including Xenadrine EFX, a popular ephedra-free weight-loss pill.

Creditors want to know what happened to money from the sale of 20 million bottles of Xenadrine RFA-1.

Some fear Nutraquest filed for bankruptcy to duck court judgments, protect president Bob Chinery's personal assets and thwart future lawsuits. Since Bechler's death, the company has taken steps that have raised questions: It changed its name and sold its inventory and customer list to a subsidiary of the company that owns the Long Island lab it contracted to manufacture Xenadrine RFA-1 (Phoenix Laboratories of Hicksville, L.I., is also a defendant in the Bechler suit).

"This is a shell game," says David Meiselman, Kiley Bechler's attorney. "We will pursue Chinery until we satisfy any future judgment."

Freedman defends the bankruptcy filing. "Knowing the people here the way that I do, I can tell you this," he says. "You're dealing with honest, credible people who care about consumers."

The company was formed in 1997 by Chinery, who Freedman says had a "conceptual" role in the development of Xenadrine RFA-1 even though he has no formal degrees or training. Congressmen expressed concern about Chinery's lack of credentials during a hearing on ephedra in July, but Freedman calls his boss "a tremendous American success story" who rose from humble beginnings to head his own company.

Chinery learned the ropes by working for Cybergenics, his brother's supplement company, according to Freedman. Scott Chinery, who had one of the world's leading rare guitar collections and owned a Batmobile from the 1960s show, died of a heart attack in October 2000 at age 40. (In 1994, Scott Chinery and his company agreed to pay $1.45 million to settle charges by the Federal Trade Commission that it made false and unsubstantiated claims about body-building and weight-loss products.)

Meiselman and other lawyers representing plaintiffs who claim they've been damaged by Xenadrine RFA-1 say Nutraquest is an irresponsible company that failed to warn consumers that ephedra can cause serious ailments - and may even be fatal for some people.

Freedman says that while the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) allows companies to sell ephedra and other supplements without testing them for safety and efficacy, Nutraquest conducted seven studies on Xenadrine RFA-1 and spent "tens of thousands of dollars in research.

"We've helped a lot of people lose weight and improve the quality of their lives," Freedman adds.

Nutraquest was forced to seek bankruptcy protection because of 70 lawsuits pending against the company, he says; the vast majority are product liability cases. Most of the lawsuits, he says, lack merit, and some were filed by lawyers who are nothing more than ambulance chasers.

"We're a very small company. As with other industries, we became inundated with lawsuits. We simply don't have the resources or the financial ability to continue to defend all these lawsuits across the country," Freedman says. "We felt it would be best to resolve everything in one forum."

The name change and assets transfer, according to Freedman, resulted from a long-term plan to license off some of the business to Evergood Products - Nutraquest, which at its peak only had 10 employees, couldn't handle skyrocketing sales growth.

It's too early to say how much money will be available for creditors, the Nutraquest lawyer adds. Revenues from the sale of Xenadrine RFA-1 and its other products were eaten up by legal fees, advertising and marketing, clinical testing, salaries and other operating costs, he says.

The bankruptcy filing stays all litigation, which gives Nutraquest an opportunity to reorganize and rebuild. Research is already underway on a new line of products.

Bankruptcy isn't Nutraquest's only weapon against attacks; this summer the company filed a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times for a June article that questioned the research behind Xenadrine RFA-1 and other supplements. In July, Nutraquest sued a San Diego Union-Tribune reporter and Todd Macaluso, one of the lawyers who won a $12.5 million class-action lawsuit against the New Jersey business, saying they worked together to publish stories that defamed the company.

(As this story was being researched, Freedman also threatened "immediate legal action" against the Daily News for "any irresponsible or inaccurate reports.")

"They are trying to chill the media and attorneys, but that's not going to happen," says Macaluso, who represents Ernie and Patricia Bechler, Steve Bechler's parents, and is a frequent subject of Freedman's anti-lawyer comments. "They are trying to use the First Amendment as a sword to go after critics."

Chapter 11 isn't a shield from New Jersey law-enforcement and regulatory agencies, and in July, New Jersey Attorney General Peter C. Harvey hit Nutraquest with a civil lawsuit that says the company deliberately withheld information about potentially life-threatening side effects of Xenadrine RFA-1 and Xenadrine EFX. Nutraquest denies the allegation and Freedman says it will vigorously fight the action.

"My goal is to remove ephedra-based supplements from the shelves of New Jersey," Harvey says. "I think these products are dangerous, especially for young adults."

The biggest debt listed in the bankruptcy papers, an $18 million court judgment, stems from a California class-action suit brought by Macaluso and other lawyers that claimed Nutraquest misled consumers about the safety of Xenadrine RFA-1. California judge Ronald Styn ordered Nutraquest to pay $12.5 million plus attorneys' fees and injunctive relief to California consumers.

In his May 30 ruling, Styn said the company manipulated and exaggerated research to fit marketing needs, and he had especially strong words about Chinery.

"Mr. Chinery's lack of candor can be seen throughout the trial," Styn said in his opinion. "Cytodyne has consistently failed to produce documents that could have explained things, pushed researchers to make studies come out favorable to them and paid money to key people involved in providing information to them to ensure the information was favorable to them."

Freedman calls Styn's decision "completely unsupported by testimony or evidence" and says his company has never attempted to manipulate the outcome of research on its product.

A federal judge in Utah ruled in 2000, Freedman points out, that his company's advertising and marketing claims do not misrepresent the results of published research. (U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball called Xenedrine's ad copy an exaggeration, but said that in the "freewheeling" world of supplements, overstatement is the norm.)

Nutraquest's legal problems didn't end with Styn's ruling, however. His decision was quoted extensively this summer by the very law firm that defended Nutraquest in the class-action suit. In a suit filed to recover legal fees, Mazzarella, Dunwoody and Caldarelli - Nutraquest's lawyers - echoed the claim that Nutraquest might be trying to hide assets by calling the spring reorganization "a device by which Chinery could evade his contractual obligations and debts."


The firm filed the suit as leverage in a dispute over legal bills, Freedman says; the action was dropped soon after it was filed and a settlement was reached. Lawyers at Mazzarella, Dunwoody and Caldarelli did not return calls to the Daily News, but in a Sept. 19 letter to Freedman, MDC's Dana Dunwoody wrote, "We have determined that our initial assertions were incorrect and that any claims against Mr. Freedman and Mr. Chinery are without merit and are hereby retracted."

Nutraquest's other battles won't be resolved so quietly. Kiley Bechler's attorney Meiselman says he won't allow Chinery to use the bankruptcy filing to dodge his responsibilities.

"Our intention is to go after Mr. Chinery and his assets," Meiselman says. "We will make sure he is going to have to work the rest of his life to satisfy any judgment we may get against him."


UPDATE 8.7.11:


IT IS BEING REPORTED THAT CASEY ANTHONY HAS BEEN SPOTTED AT A MANSION IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA OWNED BY TODD MACALUSO.   



FOR MORE ON THIS ARTICLE--- CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON CASEY ANTHONY RESIDING IN TODD MACALUSO'S MANSION?


Thursday, July 30, 2009

Casey Anthony: Cindy Anthony and Lee Anthony Deposed By Prosecution; Lee Anthony's Attorney No Longer On Case

Casey Anthony's brother, Lee Anthony, faced some tough questions from prosecutors Thursday morning.
Lee Anthony did not respond to reporter's questions when he arrived with his attorney, Tom Luka, who said they would comment when the deposition is completed.
Lee Anthony will likely be asked about what he heard and saw in the months leading up to his sister's arrest on murder charges in the death of her daughter, Caylee.
Cindy Anthony completed a round of depositions on Wednesday. She is considered a key witness for attorneys on both sides of the case.
Defense attorney Jose Baez said Cindy Anthony wasn't as volatile as she's been in the past.
"It was very professionally done deposition, and everybody's tempers were kept in check," Baez said.
"She's a loose cannon, and you have to rein her in and get her testimony very concise. You want to advance your case using her," defense attorney Richard Hornsby said.
Hornsby said he believes Cindy Anthony is critical to the state's theory of motive, and they need to get her story on the record in case it changes at trial. He also said he believes Baez will use her to prove Casey Anthony is not guilty.
George Anthony was scheduled to be deposed earlier this week, but that was rescheduled to a later date.

Lee Anthony's Attorney, Tom Luka, Exits Case

The attorney for Lee Anthony said he is exiting the case as his "representation is no longer necessary."

After eight hours of deposition, Tom Luka said Anthony "spilled it all and nothing was different."

As a result of his testimony, Luka said Lee Anthony has what's called "use immunity" from prosecution, though he said Anthony never did anything to warrant being charged in connection with the case.

Casey Anthony: Is Cindy Anthony Attempting To "Concoct" Zanny the Nanny? Anthony's Refuse Polygraph

Newly released documents raise questions about why for months the defense held on to more than two dozen items belonging to or related to Caylee Anthony.

On Thursday, Attorney Jose Baez strongly denied that he was trying to withhold evidence from investigators for his client, Casey Anthony.

Outside the Orange County Courthouse Baez was on the defensive regarding a single document among more than 1,000 released on Thursday.

It is a laundry list of items, his spokeswoman said, they took from the Anthony home in September such as books, baby toys, puzzle pieces and Spiderman toothbrush.

Baez was asked if he was he withholding potentially important evidence.

"Absolutely not and indication of that would be false and ridiculous," he said. "We did the ethical thing and there should be proof of that."

In September 2008, Baez spokeswoman said the defense took items with Casey Anthony's permission to do their own DNA testing. When they heard the FBI was interested in the items, they said they proactively turned them over in December.

She characterized their actions as good, solid defense strategy.

Also, an FBI document released on Thursday from June 2009 indicates that Casey Anthony's parents, George and Cindy, and her brother, Lee, declined to take polygraphs.
Baez would not talk about why.

There also was a police report from August 2008 that indicated Cindy Anthony may have been trying to establish that "Zanny the nanny" really existed.
"I remember months ago, Casey telling me that Zanny had given her this hair straightener ... "

( I recall Casey bringing this bit of information to the forefront during one of the first jail visits between Casey, Cindy and George, which is on one of the first video tapes to be released)

Cindy continues, "I began to remember that Casey had brought home videos that Zanny had given her," Cindy Anthony said in a statement to the Orange County Sheriff's Office. "That led me to remember that Casey used to take Bambi movies to Zanny's apartment for Caylee to watch."
Investigators have never been able to confirm that "Zanny the nanny" ever existed. Casey Anthony accused "Zanny" of kidnapping and possibly killing Caylee.

Also included in the documents released were hundreds of tips to the Orange County Sheriff's Office and Crimeline from Central Floridians who turned out to search for Caylee Anthony.
"My aching heart and prayers are with your family," wrote a tipster named Jill, who took it upon herself to research the locations of the 27 different women named Zenaida Gonzalez.
There was a tip about a sighting of Caylee Anthony at a Dollar General Store in Lula, Ga. An inmate also claimed Casey Anthony told him where Caylee was.

An eerie finding was also received in September 2008 by a man who was searching behind Hidden Oaks Elementary School and discovered a green trash bag filled with bones. That was three months before Caylee's body was found in the same area. The September discovery was only animal bones.

Here are documents released today.

Friday, July 17, 2009

One Year Ago..Caylee Anthony

It was one year ago that we first heard of the missing two year old toddler missing from Orlando, Florida. We heard the 911 call in which Cindy Anthony, the grandmother of Caylee, admitted that the car that belonged to her daughter, as well as Caylee's mother, Casey, was found and that it "smelled like a damn body in the car". Thus, began an investigation that continues to this day. Casey Anthony, now 23, was adamant that she had dropped little Caylee off with the baby sitter, one that we know now never existed. A stream of lies upon lies flowed with ease from Casey's mouth. Lies to cover up lies. Grandparents, Cindy and George Anthony, immediately became media whores whenever there was a camera. Their stories, like Casey's, changed like the weather. Casey was bonded out of jail, returned to jail, bonded out again, then finally, a grand jury indicted her in October '08 on first degree murder. Casey has been in solitary cell ever since. Casey has not had a visit from her parents since October 15, 2009, except for the casual glimpse of them during a court hearing.

The beautiful 2 year old, with the big brown eyes, who became known as "America's Angel" was found less than a quarter mile from the Anthony home in December 2009. Discarded as trash, by her mother, Casey. Duct tape wrapped around her little skull, which kept her mandible intact. On the duct tape, over little Caylee's lips, was residue from a heart shaped sticker, the sticker found at the crime scene, which implies that this horrendous act was performed after her death.

We all know the story thus far. Let's continue to keep Caylee in our hearts and prayers. Never forget. We are the only voice for Caylee. Casey took Caylee's voice when she duct taped her mouth, murdered her, and then proceeded to drive around with Caylee in her car for several days before dumping her like garbage.

Rest in peace, sweet Caylee. We will never forget you. May you be forever young, and an angel among angels. All those that have never met you, pray for you each day and keep you close in their hearts.


Friday, June 19, 2009

Caylee Anthony Autopsy Report Details Caylee's Death



Caylee Anthony Autopsy Report

Caylee Anthony: Forensic Report

Caylee Anthony: FBI Report of Examination

Caylee Anthony Autopsy Report to Be Released-Judge Strickland Rules Against Anthony's

George Anthony Makes Emotional Plea to Judge Strickland Regarding Release of Autopsy


The family of Caylee Anthony gathered in an Orange County courtroom on Friday to try to seal the autopsy results of their slain granddaughter, but a judge turned down the motion.

George Anthony delivered an emotional plea to Judge Stan Strickland asking that the results of the autopsy be held until the Casey Anthony trial begins. He said the public could misinterpret and sensationalize the findings. After George concluded his "crocodile tears" plea to the court, prosecutors asked George Anthony how many television appearances he had made recently, including Larry King appearances. George indicated he had made three appearances on Larry King Live and an appearance this week on CBS' The Early Show. George's demeanor dramatically changed when approached by the prosecutor. George shook his head as he walked back to his courtroom seat beside wife, Cindy. The prosecutor was making a direct example that the Anthony's are continuing to make Caylee's death public by appearing on media outlets and shows. Therefore, not allowing the autopsy report to be released would not hinder any of their privacy rights that they do not already partake in.

Raw video of hearing: George's Plea and Judge Strickland's Ruling

George Anthony's Plea


Hearing Images


Judge Stan Strickland's Ruling


Special Section


"Please give us some peace and show us some dignity by keeping this report sealed," George Anthony said. "Thank you, judge, for giving me this brief moment. It's all for her. This is for her today."
Cindy Anthony, the grandmother of Caylee, was also in the courtroom for the hearing and appeared to be crying during the testimony, holding her head in her hands.
Casey Anthony did not attend the hearing Friday. She is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee, who was 2 years old when she was reported missing in June 2008. Caylee's remains were found in woods not far from the Anthony family's home in Orange County.

Conway said he saw no reason for the autopsy results to be released, saying the information would cause needless additional pain and suffering to his clients.

Strickland said the results contained only factual information, and while he wished he could assist the Anthonys in the matter, he found no legal reason to stop the release of the autopsy findings.
"Legally, the anguish that they feel is just not the test for whether or not this information should be released," Strickland said. "I think it is information that the public has a right to see."
Cindy Anthony shook her head back and forth as the ruling was announced.
"I'm not happy to make the ruling. In fact, I wish I didn't have to, but it's something that I legally have to do," Strickland said.
Some X-ray images that were included in the autopsy report will be withheld.
Jose Baez, the defense attorney for Casey Anthony, asked that the release of the report be delayed for 48 hours to allow the defense team time to prepare. Strickland denied the request.
The defense made another request to remove descriptions of the X-ray images, but Strickland said both sides would have to agree on their removal before it would be considered by the court.
Caylee's autopsy report was released shortly after the hearing.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

One Year Anniversary Of Caylee Anthony's Murder/Disappearance / Brad Conway's Appearance on Good Morning America

Caylee Marie Anthony: One Year Later


Above: one of the last photos of Caylee Marie Anthony taken 6.15.08
Casey and Cindy originally stated that the last date Caylee was seen alive was June 8, 2008. That date would later be debunked by Shirley Plesea, Cindy Anthony's mother. Mrs. Plesea told detectives that Cindy had made a video of Caylee and Cindy's father during a Father's Day visit at his retirement home.

It was one year ago today, Tuesday, June 16, that George Anthony said he last saw his granddaughter, Caylee Marie Anthony.





It was one year ago Tuesday that George Anthony said he last saw his granddaughter alive. George and Cindy Anthony went on national television Tuesday morning and talked about the heartbreak they have gone through in the last year.



"It's been a tough year. Yesterday was a tough day. Today has been a tough day. Every day has been a tough day this year," Cindy said.



The Anthonys appeared on national TV and talked about their pain of losing Caylee Marie Anthony. George Anthony remembered the last few moments he ever spent with his granddaughter, Caylee.



"Last time I saw her was June 16, one year ago today. I woke up with her in the morning at 7:30 and got a chance to have breakfast with her. Just before 1:00pm that day I didn't realize that would be the last time I would see her," George said Tuesday.


This was the first we have heard George mention that he had breakfast with Caylee. In early interviews, George only stated that he saw Casey and Caylee headed out the door with their backpacks.


The Anthony's used the interview to offer their help to other families of missing children. They admitted that with the controversy surrounding their granddaughter's disappearance, some families of missing children do not want their help.

Caylee was last seen one year ago Tuesday, but she wasn't reported missing until one month later.


Casey Anthony, 23, is in the Orange County jail charged with Caylee's murder. Casey Anthony has pleaded not guilty and says a baby sitter kidnapped her toddler.


Caylee's remains were found in woods near the family's home on December 11.


VIDEO REPORT: Anniversary Of Disappearance


RAW VIDEO: Anthony's Attorney On GMA


ONE YEAR LATER: Casey Anthony Case


READ DOCS: Depos, Interviews Released 6/12

George and Cindy Anthony CBS Early Show Interview Video/Brad Conway on Good Morning America - Caylee Anthony: One Year Later




Brad Conway Speaks Out on Good Morning America 6.16.09:

Brad Conway Also Discredits Blogger Sean Krause Who Spoke With Cindy Anthony on Occasion Before Succumbing to Cancer Earlier This Year.
*(search my blog for further information regarding "Krause's" conversations with Cindy by typing "Sean Krause" in the search box on my blog page.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Caylee Anthony Autopsy Report Could Be Included in 1,000+ Documents To Be Released Friday

June 15th to Mark One Year Since Caylee Marie Anthony Was Last Seen Alive

below: Caylee Marie Anthony, in an undated photo
6/15/09 marks one year since Caylee was last seen alive

 CLICK LINK BELOW FOR UPDATED INFORMATION:

UPDATE: 6/7/11 -- FORENSIC EVIDENCE PHOTOS FROM TRIAL RELEASED TO THE MEDIA WARNING! GRAPHIC IN NATURE!



CAYLEE ANTHONY AUTOPSY REPORT RELEASED 06/19/09
READ: Exam | Skeletal | Remains | Bones

READ: County Forensic Report | FBI Exam

In the case against Casey Anthony, 1,000 documents are expected to be released Friday 6.19.2009

The documents could contain details gathered during an autopsy of Caylee Anthony's remains that were found on December 11, 2008, in a wooded area less than one mile from her family's east Orange County home.


The Anthony family is contesting the release of some of the information contained in the documents.


Brad Conway, the attorney for George and Cindy Anthony, filed a motion on Thursday to block the release of the autopsy findings.
Conway filed the motion on behalf of George and Cindy to restrict the autopsy release, because he wants the results either during trial or a hearing so that a coroner can explain the results.

crime scene where Caylee Anthony's remains were found almost 6 months after she went missing
crime scene where Caylee's remains were found 12/11/08

Brad also says George and Cindy have not seen the autopsy results by their own choice.


The documents may also contain Caylee's toxicology results and police interviews.


Prosecutors say unless a judge intervenes, the documents will be released Friday morning.

I will post documents as soon as they are available.  UPDATE 6.19.09  Documents posted above.


some sources

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

UPDATE: Missing 5 Month Old Cortez Rose--Found

Little Cortez Rose has been safely found. Child no longer missing or endangered.

Missing 5 month old baby boy Cortez Rose from Madison,IL
please click to enlarge


There were new clues Monday night in the search for a baby boy and his suspected kidnapper. A SARAA alert remained in effect in the disappearance of 5-month-old Cortez Rose of Madison, Illinois. One potential clue did not pan out. Surveillance video from a bus stop up the road in Granite City turned out to be video of someone else. Police still had other leads.



The boy's family was out trying to scrape up more."We're going around everywhere trying to find him," said the boy's Godmother, Tyanna Staple, showing pictures of Cortez and his suspected kidnapper, Danielle Medina, 17, to customers at a local grocery store.

The boy's mother, Makeela Rose, 16, cried as customers said Medina looked familiar but they hadn't seen her with the baby. She hasn't seen her little boy since Saturday.

She admitted letting Medina take the boy for a walk in a brown and tan stroller. The stroller had yet to be recovered Monday.

Medina came to the area from New York with her boyfriend a few months ago, authorities said.
She left a home in 15-hundred block of 5th street in Madison with the child and never came back. Medina has been staying with Makeela Rose since Friday, June 5, 2009-less than 24 hours before the abduction. Reports are also confirming that Medina has been "wanting a baby of her own" and has told several people that she was pregnant when in reality she was not.

"I'm hurt. It's my fault," the boy's mother cried. "I'm like, 'there he goes'. I never should have left him leave with her. And I should have just taken him with me like I started to [do]."

Medina is short, about 5'0" tall, 120lbs, with black and orange bangs in her hair.

She's now wanted on an arrest warrant for aggravated kidnapping in Madison County; bail set at $500,000.Cortez Rose has birthmarks on his right shoulder and right ankle. Authorities say he was wearing and red shirt and his diaper when he disappeared.

People have reported Medina and the baby at a bus stop in Granite City and most recently at the Orr-Weathers and Norman E. Owens housing developments in East St. Louis.

Authorities were focusing their search there Monday and getting help from the neighbors."...knocking on doors on some suspect houses where we think the abductor might be hiding at or staying at right now and her boyfriend," said Madison police chief, Steven Shelby.

"Me and one of my friends, we've been scouting the areas, trying to see if the young lady maybe put the baby in a trash [dumpster]," said resident, Derex Brooks. "And not just that - going door to door, trying to find out her whereabouts."

"I just hope if she watches [the news] and she sees how hurt I am and she brings my baby back," the baby's mother said through tears.

The case hit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's website.

Authorities said they did not know of a motive. They did not believe Medina intended to harm the baby.

Her past felonies in New York include child endangerment.

photo/poster courtesy: National Center of Missing and Exploited Children

some sources: KTVI

Friday, June 5, 2009

Nevaeh Buchanan's Body Possibly Found

Missing Michigan Girl, 5 Year Old Neveah Buchanan's Body Possibly Found

Neveah=Heaven spelled backwards
Authorities in Michigan believe that they have found the body of a 5-year-old girl who disappeared while bicycling last week.

Nevaeh - "Heaven" spelled backwards - Buchanan, 5, was last seen May 24 outside her apartment in Monroe, Michigan.

Sheriff Tilman Crutchfield of Monroe County said the body appears to be that of Nevaeh Buchanan, who was last seen May 24 outside her apartment complex in Monroe, southwest of Detroit.

The perpetrator remains at large, Crutchfield said.
"That person, to our knowledge, is still out there in the community," he said. "In my opinion, it is a very sick or disturbed person we are looking for, a person that is able to abduct and murder an innocent 5-year-old child."
Crutchfield said the body was found buried in a rural area alongside a river. "There was a material present on the grave site ... that appeared to be some type of cement or concrete," he said at a news conference.
CNN affiliate WDIV reported that a father and son were fishing at the river when they "spotted a block of poured cement and noticed a bad smell." They chipped away at the cement and saw skin.
Ryan Bickley, 15, told WDIV that his that father picked away the cement, revealing what appeared to be human flesh.
"He called me, and he was hysterical," Bickley said. "He saw flies around it and that it was starting to crack, and when he bent down the smell got really bad."
Bickley said his father quickly backed away and called police.
The teen's father, Guy Bickley, told WDIV that he was shaken up by the discovery.
"I've got two children," he said. "It's pure evil. It's not mean or psycho. It's just pure evil."
He added, "That poor little kid. It's terrible."
Crutchfield said he had no comment "on the cement issue other than there was some type of material present."
Authorities also found a shirt that matches the description of what Nevaeh is believed to have been wearing, he said.
Crutchfield vowed to use "whatever resources necessary" to find the perpetrator. The FBI is involved in the investigation.
The girl's family said they were having trouble accepting the news.
"I am not giving up hope yet, because I still feel that she is near me," Nevaeh's grandmother, Sherry Buchanan, told WDIV. "My son is a total tragic mess because of this. He has missed her every single day she has been gone, and now he is going to miss her for the rest of his life."

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Drew Peterson Update

Defense seeks lower bond for Drew Peterson, outlines his financial assets
No indictments in disappearances of Stacy Peterson or Lisa Stebic





Murder suspect Drew Peterson lacks “substantial” savings or investments and lives on his $6,000-a-month police pension, his attorneys said in a filing that seeks to reduce his $20 million bond.
Calling that amount “excessive and oppressive,” Peterson’s attorneys outlined his financial assets — which include his Bolingbrook home, two cars, two motorcycles and an ultralight aircraft — in a court filing that asks for his bond to be dramatically slashed.
The 55-year-old ex-Bolingbrook cop — who supports four young children — was charged earlier this month with drowning third wife Kathleen Savio in 2004. He remains in the Will County Adult Detention Facility, unable to post the $2 million required to be released on bail.
In asking that Peterson’s bond be cut, his attorneys also ripped the evidence that allegedly links the retired police sergeant to the slaying, which initially was labeled an accident before being reclassified a murder in 2008.
“The case against the defendant is not strong and can be described as a weak, circumstantial case at best,” his attorneys said in their written request.
Peterson is scheduled to appear in court Thursday to contest an attempt by Will County prosecutors to switch judges in his murder case.
But his attorneys also may attempt to reduce his bail so he can remain free until his trial.
Peterson lives on his police pension, which he uses to pay expenses and support his four youngest children, who range in age from 4 to 16 years old.
“His only source of income is his pension,” his attorneys said in their filing.
Their request comes as Will County authorities announced that the special grand jury that has spent 18 months investigating the 2007 disappearances of his fourth wife, Stacy Peterson, has concluded its probe without returning an indictment, officials said today.
The same grand jury on May 7 indicted Drew Peterson on first-degree murder charges in Savio’s bathtub drowning death.
The grand jury is being dismissed because its term of service expires Thursday — and that tenure can’t be extended, Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow said in a written statement.
The statement also confirms a story carried today in the Sun-Times that the grand jury last met on Tuesday.
The dismissal doesn’t signal the end of the investigations into the fates of Stacy Peterson and missing Plainfield resident Lisa Stebic, whose disappearance also was being reviewed by the grand jury, authorities said.
“It is critical to note that the investigations into the disappearance of both Stacy Peterson and Lisa Stebic are not concluded,” according to the statement. “Both investigations are being pursued vigorously.”
Stacy Peterson, 23, vanished on Oct. 28, 2007 from the Bolingbrook home she shared with Drew Peterson, who has been named by authorities as a suspect in the disappearance of his fourth wife.
The 38-year-old Stebic disappeared from her Plainfield home on April 30, 2007 while in the midst of a contentious divorce from her husband, Craig, whom police have described as “a person of interest” in their investigation.


Source:

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Cindy Anthony on Larry King / A Blogger's Open Letter To Cindy Anthony

Cindy Anthony:

Your statement on Larry King tonight (5.13.09) infuriates me to a point that is greater than I have been during this entire fiasco regarding your daughter Casey.

If Caylee's death - which in my opinion was caused by the hands of your daughter Casey - were not so tragic, the entire story would be a blockbuster comedy. The best of Hollywood screenwriters could not have written this script.  I can only imagine what is yet to come.  What Casey lacked, you certainly made up for, by making a total mockery of your entire family and the memory of your beautiful granddaughter, Caylee. Your tirades are despicable and each time you open your mouth, the entire nation expects you to lie.

How do you as a mother live - for two years - unknowing as to what her daughter is doing? Greater than that, how did you not have an idea of what Casey was capable of doing? No mother I know is that blind.

Regarding bloggers, you say you do not know them, nor if they have children and do not know why they fault you.

You say you believe and I quote, "..bloggers want to find fault with everything . They need to use that energy for something positive like I am, you know (sic)".

I will tell you who I am. I am a stay at home mother with two teen daughters. They are my pride and joy, the reason I am alive, above all, they are the beautiful in my life. I am a two time cancer survivor, although fighting cancer again. I am a widow of 5 years. Unfortunately, I know more than someone my age needs to know about life, only because I lived and learned it at an early age. I am very knowledgeable about "unconditional love", and know a great deal about a love that is much greater  than that, "tough love"-- a love that you should have learned for Casey long ago. There is a reason the bloggers are not fans of you. You are shallow and transparent, just like your daughter.  Casey is but a reflection of you and you of Casey, to an extent.

I surround myself with positive people, places, and situations. That is my coping mechanism. I do not hide in the confines of my home. I started blogging long ago to share instances in my life,wonderful memories, and to bond with others that walk the same path as I. My journaling/blogging began with my second pregnancy, when the internet was new, fun and exciting. I met so many wonderful women who shared like experiences.

That blog grew into the chronicling of my daughters' lives and their milestones. I then began to use blogging as an outlet when I found out my husband was a substance abuser. I turned to new found friends for help and information, not only for him, but mainly for me and how to cope. Most of those friends I had become acquainted with on the internet. As in 'real life' the internet is a wide world of people who are walking alongside us on the same path in life. Seek and you shall find.

I blogged  when I first was told I had cancer. I blogged about the treatments and progress and then finally remission.

I blogged about the sudden death of my husband and how it was to suddenly become a single mother with two small daughters.

I blogged about not being able to find my nephew one morning, only to then to blog later in the day  about the horror of his suicide after his older brother sadly and tragically found him dead inside a car.

I have blogged about my second cancer, a surgery that was supposed to "fix me". I then blogged about "mets" and how my cancer had spread. I blogged during several chemo treatments, and still do to this day.

I have blogged about  my daughters' achievements and how they have grown before my eyes.

I do not recall, however, blogging about finding fault with anyone. If anything, during the worst of times, the common theme seemed to be that I placed blame on myself. A loyal reader once noticed and helped me see that all the bad that had happened was not due to any fault of mine,  nor because of anything that I did or didn't say or do.

I chose to take my personal blog and blog about your daughter Casey and the disappearance of your granddaughter, Caylee. We, as America, were and remain, mesmerized by Caylee's beautiful smile and gorgeous big brown eyes.

When Caylee was first reported as kidnapped, we were horrified. The community of bloggers I know were even more horrified, terrified, and disgusted when we learned your daughter did not report Caylee missing after thirty one days and could possibly be behind this tragedy.

Yes, Cindy, we bloggers are mothers and grandmothers. We are sisters and daughters. 
The Caylee Bloggers are positive people. At this moment, other than the prosecution, we are the only ones publicly keeping Caylee's memory alive. We want --and demand-- the truth to be known.

We can not begin to understand you. Perhaps because we all see what you choose not to see. You do not appear to be a grieving grandmother. I do not see you behind closed doors, but when you are in front of the camera, you definitely do not appear to be. What a total ass you made of yourself at the deposition. Did you show your actions that way in the presence of Caylee? People who have nothing to hide do present themselves in that manner. 
You say bloggers find fault with everything and everyone. Look in the mirror Cindy, you seem to be describing yourself.

You have not helped your cause by changing your stories, "half-truths" and out-right lying to protect your daughter Casey.


The events and reports that have been revealed through discovery do have negative results upon the case and in turn appear to implicate Casey. Upon each release of documents, it is your conclusion and claim that it is all the fault of someone or something else.

If your faith in Casey is so great, why do you not visit her? If Casey has nothing to hide, it shouldn't matter what is captured on video. Personally, I could not imagine seven months without seeing my daughters. However, if I knew one of them had taken my ability to even see my granddaughter, not to mention my granddaughter's life, I KNOW  I could manage not seeing my daughter(s) as well.

What are you doing that is so "positive"?  We know you are spending time reading our blogs, how is that productive? You are not visiting Casey. Are you looking for Zanny? Were your "suicide notes" a positive thing in your life?

Through all the devastating loss I have experienced, I have never once thought of taking my own life. My faith guided me through the difficult times just as it has the best of times.  I also knew I had to be a mother to my children, a daughter, a sister, and a friend.

I have never, nor do I know of anyone who has made the comparison of the loss of a family member to that of  "losing my keys, or my cell phone". Now we know where Casey's materialism came from. What a despicable statement. Even from you.


Furthermore, until the day justice is served for Caylee, this is one blogger that will continue on.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

George and Cindy Anthony to Appear on Larry King Live Wednesdy, 5.13.09


Don't forget to mark your calenders, set your DVRs and/or reminders for Wednesday, May 13th episode of Larry King Live as guests are George and Cindy Anthony--continuing their "Reasonable Doubt Tour".



The Anthony's last appearance on LKL was, ironically, on Wednesday, December 10, the day before remains were found on December 11, 2008, that ultimately and unfortunately were identified as those of Caylee Marie Anthony, their missing granddaughter. Their daughter, Casey Anthony was charged with murder months before the appearance.


I will post the interview after it airs, for those who may not have the opportunity to view or record the show.


Updates to follow.......

Friday, May 8, 2009

Casey Anthony: Prosection Files Motion For Determination of Counsel

A Case of Musical Defense Attorney "Chairs" or Pin the Tail on the Death Penalty Qualified Attorney

Casey Anthony's defense will soon reveal a new attorney that will make her team qualified to try a death penalty case.

Casey has been in jail since October and is facing first-degree murder charges in the death of her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty. However, no one on Casey's defense team can legally represent her at trial.

INTERVIEW: Sheaffer On New Casey Attorney
VIDEO REPORT: Casey Lawyer To Be Revealed
DOCUMENT: Motion For Determination Of Counsel

Prosecutors filed a motion Thursday to determine if Casey Anthony has a qualified defense team (read motion).
Florida law requires a lawyer to have specific qualifications to be the attorney of record in a death penalty case.
Miami attorney Terrance Lenamon was qualified, but he's no longer involved with the case. Casey Anthony's attorney Jose Baez's spokeswoman said they have a replacement, who is a prominent lawyer, but the she wouldn't reveal the mystery man's identity.
WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer said, most likely, the new lawyer is not local.
"It seems that the defense loves drama and this is just another example of the drama that this defense seems to play out," Sheaffer said. "The defense appears to be very unstable."
Baez's publicist said they're trying to protect the new attorney's identity because they don't want him to be attacked by the media.
"It's not a staged production. Again, let's not lose sight of what all of this is about, which is defending Casey Anthony on the charges of murder," Sheaffer said.
Casey's new lawyer will attend her next court hearing on May 28, which is the same hearing where the defense will try to keep the public from seeing Casey Anthony's taped reaction when she found out Caylee's remains had been identified.
Casey's trial is not expected to start until at least October.

video courtesy WFTV

Drew Peterson: Upon Arrest: "I Knew I Should Have Returned Those Library Books"

Drew Peterson, the former police sergeant who authorities call the prime suspect in the disappearance of his fourth wife, Stacy Peterson, has been indicted on murder charges related to his third wife, Kathleen Savio, the Illinois state attorney's office said.

Drew Peterson was arrested Thursday on murder charges relating to his third wife, Kathleen Savio.

Illinois State Police said Peterson was taken into custody about 5:30 p.m. Thursday after a traffic stop near his home.
Police had staked out his home all day, said police Capt. Carl Dobrich, but waited for Peterson to leave to arrest him out of concern for his three children, who were inside the house.
Peterson, through his attorney, denied any wrongdoing in either case.
Wills County State's Attorney James Glasgow said he believes the case is strong and said Peterson is being held on $20 million bond.
"This is an extremely grave and serious matter and it is reflected in the bond," Glasgow said.
Peterson's attorney Joel Brodsky told CNN's Larry King he believed the bond was excessive and would seek a more "reasonable" bond, noting it was the most expensive bond he'd seen in 10 years.

Watch Peterson's attorney address his client's arrest »

Charles B. Pelkie, spokesman for the state's attorney in Will County, Illinois, said a grand jury indicted Peterson in the murder of Savio, whose death had been ruled an accidental drowning.
Brodsky said in a written statement that prosecutors won't be able to prove their case because "he didn't do it."

"There is no evidence that links Drew Peterson to the death of Kathleen Savio or anyone else for that matter," Brodsky said. "Drew did not harm Kathleen; he has said so from Day One. We're obviously disappointed a grand jury indicted him. But an indictment does not mean guilt."
Pelkie said the grand jury continues to meet and is studying the possibility of charges in Stacy Peterson's disappearance.

Watch family members react to the arrest »

After Stacy Peterson went missing in October 2007, media frenzy and police scrutiny on Peterson revealed Savio had died mysteriously a few years earlier during a nasty divorce.
Savio died just before the division of the marital assets was finalized, making Drew Peterson the sole beneficiary.

Savio was found in the dry bathtub of her home. At the time, the death was ruled an accidental drowning. But her family continued to insist that Savio died as a result of foul play.

The investigation into Stacy Peterson's disappearance brought renewed interest in Savio's death. Authorities exhumed Savio's body, further tests were conducted, and her death has now been ruled a "homicide staged to look like an accident."

Brodsky told King he believes the case has always been about circumstantial evidence and that he will bring a pathologist to trial who will say Savio died from an accidental drowning.

FindLaw: Read the indictment
WGN: Local coverage
Lots of suspicion, few leads in Peterson mystery

"I think the jury's going to see that, in fact, this always has been an accidental death and still is an accidental death," Brodsky told King.
Kathleen Savio's brother, Nick, told CNN affiliate WLS-TV he received a call from his sister saying Peterson had been arrested.
Watch police arrest Peterson »
"The state police had been telling us the day was coming," he told WLS-TV. "We kept hearing it for about eight months. I'm almost in tears here. It's been so hard for our family."
"Hopefully, we'll get the justice we've always been waiting for."
Martin Glink, attorney for the Savio family, said they were hopeful the grand jury felt there was enough evidence to charge Peterson.
"We're very happy that the wheels of justice have continued to move and they are pointing in his direction," Glink told WLS-TV.
The news was also bittersweet for Stacy Peterson's family, who continue to wait for news about her disappearance.
"We have anticipated this coming. We have dreamed about it. We have been patient over it," Pam Bosco, spokesperson for Stacy Peterson's family told WLS-TV. "Now that it's here, it's almost a little bit calm. We're waiting for the storm to calm now. The calm before the storm."
Bosco said while she had not heard about any charges relating to Stacy Peterson's death, she was hopeful those charges would follow.
"We always said from the very beginning that Kathleen and Stacy had one thing in common -- and that was Drew Peterson," she said. "So, hopefully, we'll have news soon about Stacy, too."
Ernie Raines is also relieved about the arrest. His daughter, Christina Raines, is dating Peterson and was living with him before his arrest. Ernie Raines told CNN's Anderson Cooper he was with his daughter and Peterson as recently as last week, when they talked about going to Las Vegas, Nevada, and getting married.
Thursday night he spoke with his daughter after the arrest.
"My daughter was terrified, very emotional, upset," Ernie Raines said. "And I tried to tell her from the beginning that this was going to happen, be prepared."
Ernie Raines said more than anything, when he heard about the arrest, he was relieved.
"I'm glad justice finally came -- before he hurt my daughter," he said.
Police put Peterson's three minor children in the custody of the state's children and family service department. His adult son was contacted, at Peterson's request, to take them, according to Capt. Dobrich.
Dobrich said Peterson cooperated with police during his arrest

Drew Peterson Exclusive: Evidence Documents Timeline of Stacy Peterson's Death

Documents show how prosecutors are building their case against the former Bolingbrook police officer Drew Peterson.






Call it the case against Drew Peterson. It's been over three years since his third wife Kathleen Savio was murdered and a year and a half since his fourth wife Stacy disappeared. Tonight, for the first time, Fox Chicago News has obtained documents showing how prosecutors are building their case against the former Bolingbrook police officer.

The documents were stolen from an Illinois State Police car then photocopied and dropped off for anchor Jeff Goldblatt. Inside is information never before seen by the public including a timeline of what happened to Stacy, a list of 59 leads, and the police report from the night of Kathleen Savio's murder.

"I was shocked by what was in there, I was really, really shocked," said Charlie Doman, Kathleen nephew. Doman received a copy of the documents after the Post Office found the papers, saw the Savio name, and delivered them to his mom.

But he adds his life has changed for the worse ever since the State Police found out he had the information. At one point he contends troopers threatened him to get the paperwork back. He says, "The female State Police said at first they were going to kick my door in and search every piece of paper in my house until they find what they were looking for if i didn't give them right then and there."

Doman eventually returned his copy. But you can see why police wanted them. The timeline alone lays out in great detail what investigators think happened to Stacy Peterson and what Drew did with her body. According to the documents, they note Stacy was dead by 10:59 am on October 28th. That night, they describe Drew removing the body with his step brother Tom Morphey in a "large blue round plastic container weighing approximately 150 pounds with screw on top with clear plastic protruding from outside."

As for what Drew did with the body, the timeline indicates they believe he may have disposed of it in a quarry in the Bolingbrook area.

Fox Chicago News contacted the State's Attorney's office about the documents. A spokesman told us he was aware they were stolen but did not think our story would compromise their investigation.

Pamela Bosco, a spokeswoman for Stacy's family, said she's been told the case is still active and investigators are still gathering evidence. When we told her about the missing documents, she replied, "when we want to go to court on this, we want to make sure it is done correctly and im sure the prosecution and ISP know this is an important case."

This is an important case for Charlie Doman as well. He feels coming forward will help expedite the investigation although he admits he fears the State's Attorney and State Police will be upset with him. When Jeff Goldblatt asked Charlie how he would respond if they say this tarnishes their case, he replied, "I think they need to step it up a notch then."



source

Drew Peterson Held on $20 Million Bond - - Raw Video of Drew Peterson's Arrest

Drew Peterson Has Been Arrested on a Grand Jury Indictment of 2 Counts Of Murder Related To The Homicide of Peterson's Third Wife, Kathleen Savio.

Drew Peterson was arrested around 5:35pm local time at an intersection shortly after leaving his home. After removing his children from the home and assuring their safety with a family member, law enforcement entered the Peterson home to execute a search warrant.
Peterson will remain in jail overnight and perhaps over the weekend, according to his attorney, Joel Brodsky. Brodsky also stated there will be a bond reduction hearing and that the bond against Peterson is unreasonable.

Raw Video of Drew Peterson's Arrest:









video courtesy: myfoxchicago

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Drew Peterson Arrested: BREAKING NEWS!!!


BREAKING NEWS: FORMER SGT. DREW PETERSON – ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE MURDER OF HIS THIRD WIFE KATHLEEN SAVIO

Local media reports say Drew Peterson was arrested Thursday in connection with the death of his third wife, Kathleen Savio.

Peterson will likely be charged in the death of Kathleen Savio, who was found dead in a bathtub in her home on March 1, 2004, according to CBS2chicago.com.

MyFOXChicago.com reported that Peterson was arrested at 5:35 p.m. Thursday after state police surrounded his car. Peterson was alone in his car at the time.

Six state police searched Peterson's home, MyFOXChicago.com reported.

Click here for photos.

Click here for more on this story from MyFOXChicago.com.

news just breaking....updates to follow

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Brittannee Drexel's Mother: "She could be dead..."


Click here to visit HelpFindBrittanee.com.

The boyfriend of a New York teenager who disappeared on spring break in Myrtle Beach said someone knows what happened to her, but he doesn't believe the male friends she visited there are involved.

John Grieco said his girlfriend Brittanee Drexel never told him about the group, including Peter Broswick — whose hotel room she went to shortly before she vanished the night of April 25.

Detectives believe Broswick may have been the last person to see 17-year-old Brittanee alive.

"She didn't make me aware of that because she was friends with them and she knew that I didn't necessarily like the fact that she was hanging out with a whole group of guys," Grieco told FOX News on Tuesday.

But Grieco said he doesn't think Broswick is involved in whatever happened to his girlfriend.
"I don't believe he had anything to do with Brittanee's disappearance," Grieco said. "I do believe there are people out there who know what happened to her."

Click here for photos.

When asked whether Brittanee could have hurt herself or left of her own accord, Grieco said "absolutely not."

"This is not a runaway case, and she did not do anything to harm herself," he told FOX.

Police released new surveillance footage late Monday of the Rochester, N.Y., high school junior going to the Blue Water Resort Hotel to visit Broswick and the group of boys he was staying with along Myrtle Beach's popular Ocean Boulevard strip.

Meanwhile, Brittanee's mother thinks her daughter could be dead after going on the spring break trip against her wishes.

Dawn Drexel told WHEC News 10 in Rochester that her daughter would never run away.

"I seriously think someone took my daughter or she may not be alive," Dawn Drexel said.
Brittanee Drexel, a junior at Gates-Chili High School, left the Bar Harbor Hotel, where she was staying with some girl friends, at about 8 p.m. on April 25 to visit Broswick.

Broswick, who is also from Rochester, left Myrtle Beach to return home to New York about 1 a.m. the night Brittanee was last seen, according to News Channel 15's CarolinaLive.com.

He and several others were questioned, but were cleared as suspects, according to Brittanee's mother.
"As far as I know, they’ve done what they needed to do as far as those boys are concerned back home," said Dawn Drexel. "They’re not persons of interest anymore."

South Carolina authorities focused their search over the weekend on an area just south of where the teen disappeared after pinpointing the last place her cell phone gave off a signal.
Brittanee's cell phone signal was captured April 26, a day after police say the teen was last seen. Myrtle Beach Capt. David Knipes told reporters the search hasn't yielded any new clues in the case.

Drexel has said she's concerned because the teen suffers from depression. Brittannee may have been upset because she and her husband are getting divorced, according to Dawn Drexel.

Family and friends spent the past week canvassing popular beach clubs and hangouts in the resort town without any results.

Brittanee has blue eyes and shoulder-length brown hair with blond highlights. She's 5 feet tall, weighs about 100 pounds and was last seen wearing a multi-colored shirt, black shorts and flip-flops.

Those with any information are asked to call Myrtle Beach Police at (843) 918-1300, 1-800-CRIME-TV or 1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678).

Click here to visit HelpFindBrittanee.com.

Jose Baez: Motion For Change of Venue Cited Due To Publicity--Baez States in Impromptu News Conference Held During News Hour

On Monday, Jose Baez filed a motion for change of venue regarding the trial of his client, Casey Anthony. (read motion).

Baez claims the jury pool in Central Florida is tainted and therefore Casey Anthony (read Casey's statement) cannot have a fair trial.

One of the reasons cited for change of venue was all the publicity and scrutiny the local media has placed on the case--making it high profile-- and drawing more attention with a new story leading the newscasts daily.

Baez revealed his reasonings when he spoke to the media during an impromptu news presser held at the beginning of the local news coverage.

Baez feels that Casey Anthony will not receive a fair and impartial jury from the Orlando area due to all the publicity. Baez is pushing for a change of venue because of too much local publicity. Prosecutors have never gone on camera for the case, but Baez does it regularly to react to evidence and other developments.

Baez researches news site web polls--Holds presser at top of news hour

Along with preparing for trial, Baez, who is not death penalty trial qualified, has been doing research regarding the local Orlando and surrounding area blogs and news websites. Appears he has a lot of time on his hands, or perhaps Casey is doing the research for him. She is quite good at 'Google-ing'.

Baez says his research shows that 84-percent of WFTV web visitors who answered a poll said they believe prosecutors should seek the death penalty against Casey Anthony. He said, in four months, more than 14,000 stories aired about the case, but only three-percent of them aired in the Miami area and even less in the Tallahassee area. Yet, he wants the trial in Miami.

Casey Anthony's attorney, Jose Baez, is pushing for a change of venue because of too much local publicity. Prosecutors have never gone on camera for the case, but Baez does it regularly to react to evidence and other developments.

As well as being disgruntled with the media coverage, Baez is also perturbed that it is taking too long for him to receive case discovery from prosecutors.

Even on Monday, after the motion filing, Baez timed his news conference so that he could do it live at the top of the five o'clock news.

Eyewitness News opted not to air it and Baez became upset about that decision.

Reporter Kathi Belich Calls Baez Out...Asks Tough Question

WFTV reporter Kathi Belich had an opportunity to ask Baez whether he helped cause the publicity problem, but Baez would not answer the question.

Jose Baez didn't like Kathi Belich's question Monday during his impromptu news conference. (raw video / images). She had only one question for him:

"Can you explain your complaints about publicity when you're the one holding news conferences all the time and going on national television?" Belich asked.

Baez never answered. But it appears he likes publicity as long as he likes what's been publicized, otherwise he's less fond of it.

Baez also filed a signed affidavit from Casey herself complaining about questions Eyewitness News asked her, such as did she kill Caylee? (see statement above)

Casey herself doesn't like the questions Belich has asked her in the past and it's one of the reasons Casey says she wants her murder trial moved out of the Orange County courthouse.

MORE ON THE STORY:

DOCUMENTS: Motion For Venue Change /Casey's Statement
BELICH vs. BAEZ: Raw Video / See Images
BAEZ PRESSER: Speaks After Venue Request
LEGAL ANALYSIS: Sheaffer On Venue Change Request
VIDEO REPORT: WFTV Confronts Baez


During Baez's news conference--held just in time for the five o'clock news--to complain about all the publicity in the case, Baez says he wants to move the trial to the Miami-Dade area or to Broward County.

"It simply is that the local coverage has been so constant and at times so inflammatory that members of the local community have already formed their opinions without having heard one piece of evidence," Baez said Monday.

"It's disingenuous. The bottom line is that every time you go on TV to complain about the case it just re-energizes the interest of the national media," WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer said Monday (watch full interview).

Sheaffer says moving some 200 witnesses, a judge and court personnel and dozens of investigators, for possibly a month, will cost tens of thousands of dollars. Finding a jury of a white woman's peers won't be difficult, but they can't know much or have an opinion about her.

Sheaffer says interest could wane and the judge might try to seat a jury in Orange County before moving on.

"The judge will confer with the chief judge, Perry. They would confer with the chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court," Sheaffer said.

videos and images courtesy: WFTV

Casey Anthony: Depositions and Discovery

Jose Baez held depositions on Tuesday regarding Casey's actions the day Caylee's remains were found. Also, 700+ pages of evidence documents were presented to Baez on Monday. Documents should be released to the media and public by week's end. State's Attorney to discuss and/or petition the court regarding Baez's motion for change of venue.

Casey Anthony's attorney deposed on Tuesday, Lt. Tammy Unser, a jail employee who was with Anthony when word came that her daughter's remains had been found.

Attorney Jose Baez also questioned under oath two supervisors about why Casey Anthony was videotaped in Orange County Jail on December 2008 when the remains of a child were found in Orange County. Those remains were later identified as those of Caylee Anthony, Casey's missing daughter.

WESH: Watch The Story

BAEZ TUESDAY: Afternoon Morning Images
RAW VIDEO: Detective Graves Talks To WFTV
VIDEO REPORT: Baez Questions Key Witnesses
DOCUMENTS: Venue Change Motion Casey's Statement

Baez states accused child killer Casey Anthony wasn't treated very well December 11, the day she found out that a little girl's remains were found near her house. The jail says it took her to the medical clinic in case she needed help and, in fact, she did ask for medication for the first time ever.

Casey Anthony was watching Channel 9 the morning she found out remains, likely her daughter Caylee's, had been found in the woods near her house. She was taken to the waiting area outside the medical clinic, one of the common areas in the jail where there are security cameras rolling 24/7, and her reaction that morning was videotaped.

Baez neglected to ask the judge to seal the statements of Lt. Tammy Unser and others who were aware of Casey's anxiety attack on December 11. So, even though the jail video has not been released, the public already knows how Casey reacted.

"Her hands started to sweat. She started rubbing them profusely. She was in waist chains and handcuffs and she kept saying, 'The waist chains are getting tighter and tighter on me, please loosen them,'" Jail Lt. Tammy Unser told Detective Philip Graves during an interview on the afternoon of December 11 (listen to interview).

"I disagree totally with the way she was treated," Baez said.

Baez questioned jail Lt. Unser and sheriff's office Detective Philip Graves, who investigated Casey's reaction on December 11 for the murder cases.

"There's been a lot of reports that you purposely put her in front of a camera at the jail. Is that true?" WFTV reporter Kathi Belich asked Graves as he left the State Attorney's Office.

"I can't comment," Graves said.

Baez seems to have backed off his accusations that Casey's privacy rights were violated, as he tries to keep the videotape out of the public eye and possibly out of the trial.

"We need to get to the bottom of everything that occurred in the case," Baez said Tuesday.

Eyewitness News asked Baez whether Casey's considering suing the jail.

"I'm not thinking of a lawsuit. If she feels she has a case after our investigation, she will have a right to pursue it," Baez said.

Baez questioned Lt. Unser for about two hours and said he needs to continue questioning her. He said we'll be surprised when we find out what he's learned so far about the jail taping, even though he says he doesn't know the whole story yet.

The same subject will take Casey back to court later this month.

On May 28, Baez, or one of a handful of attorneys will fight to make sure the public never sees the video of Casey's reaction to the news her daughter's remains had been found.
A petition to the court will be made that the videotape should be thrown out because Anthony was set up and her rights violated. He would not be specific about what he found out on Monday.

The depositions were not open to the public.

More Discovery Released to Defense

Also on Monday, prosecutors released to Baez 700 more pages of evidence, including public works logs relating to Dec. 11, 2008, which is the day meter reader Roy Kronk found Caylee's remains.

The new documents have not been made public yet.

Baez said he is frustrated with the slow release of critical information from the state attorney's office and would not rule out asking the judge to do something about it.

A state attorney's spokesman said they will be meeting in the next day or two to discuss how they will react to Baez's motion to move the trial out of Orange County, which was filed on Monday.

videos courtesy: WESH and WFTV, respectively

Brittannee Drexel: Surveillance Photos Released of When She Was Last Seen

Surveillance Photos Released of When Missing Teen Was Last Seen:



Brittannee Entering Hotel




Brittannee Entering Hotel








Brittannee Drexel Leaving Hotel

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Surveillance photos have been released of Brittannee Drexel, a missing New York teenager who hasn't been seen in over ten days.

Police now say what was thought to be a sighting of the girl last Wednesday, turned out to be a false alarm.

Brittanee Drexel was last seen on Saturday night, April 25, on Ocean Boulevard while on spring break with friends in Myrtle Beach.

The search continues, but police say there's a lack of information making things difficult.

They say they haven't been able to trace a cell phone signal since early in their investigation and there has been no ATM or debit card activity in the 17 year olds account, meanwhile other leads have come up short.

Surveillance photos released by police of Brittannee Drexel are from April 25, Saturday night - the last night she was seen - entering and leaving the Blue Water Resort. She left there about 8:45 that night.
Brittannee went to the hotel to visit a friend who is also from Rochester, NY-Peter Broswick- who was also in Myrtle Beach for Spring Break. Broswick is the last known person to see Brittannee. However, he checked out of the hotel in the early morning hours of Sunday, April 26, leaving behind a room deposit and other items.
Broswick has since returned to Rochester, NY, hired an attorney and is not speaking.

On Wednesday, April 29, someone saw a girl fitting Brittanee's description getting off a bus in Myrtle Beach - that transit bus came from Georgetown County.

The Myrtle Beach Police Department has since located the young woman who witnesses saw getting off the bus and authorities say it was NOT Brittannee Drexel.

Myrtle Beach police say between their department, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, as well as Brittanee's family - they should find the 17 year old.

"There's people all up and down the boulevard. So if she's here, she should be seen by someone. I don't know if it's something where she's laying low and just coming out at night, or not coming out at all, but she's certainly not popping her head out there where we can see her," said Captain David Knipes, with Myrtle Beach Police.

Police say even though last Wednesday's lead did not pan out, they remain hopeful they'll find Drexel safe and they say the dead end should not discourage people from calling in any information.

If you have any information, Myrtle Beach Police department has released a new tip line number. It's (843) 918 - 1363.

Jose Baez: Celebrity, Scrutiny and Controversy -- Defense Attorney On The Defense

The following is part 2 of a 2 part article published by The Orlando Sentinel delving into the back story of Jose Baez.

Again, not unlike Casey Anthony, herself, Baez has found himself in unsavory positions over the years, or just perhaps, "mis-truths" and embellishing facts. Nonetheless, the two seem to have a flair for well, "flair".

Now, with the the tragic murder of two year old Caylee Anthony quickly approaching the one year anniversary of Caylee's "disappearance", Baez attempts to defend Caylee's mother, Casey, amidst a sea of cameras, media, and the spotlight. An unconventional, or just dimwitted Baez, speaks whenever the opportunity lends, whether to his benefit or not. Mainly, not.

From the article:

Casey Anthony is not the first murder suspect Jose Baez has defended.

But representing her has brought him more public attention, scrutiny and controversy than any other case since he became a lawyer four years ago.

In the process, he has bristled at suggestions that his trial experience is limited and at questions about how he is paying for the expensive legal team he has assembled.

From his office down the street from the Osceola County Jail, he has worked on several hundred criminal cases conducted in courthouses across Central Florida. This semester he also taught a course in pretrial practice at Florida A&M University College of Law in Orlando.

He was a low-profile local attorney, however, until he started working for Anthony, the 23-year-old mother accused of killing her toddler daughter, Caylee. Before that, no one was asking him to appear on ABC, CBS, NBC and CNN or to jump aboard Fox TV reporter Geraldo Rivera's 70-foot ketch for an afternoon of sailing. wonder if either one of these doofs even thought to "search for Caylee" while they were out schmoozing it up. That's right, another page taken from Casey's "How I searched for Caylee" handbook. *started working for--you mean he's started? I thought someone had just pulled the string on his back and it became stuck...

Along with the celebrity have come insinuations that Baez is over his head in the Anthony case — sometimes from a law professor or someone such as former prosecutor Nancy Grace of Headline News.

Baez, 40, would not be interviewed for this story. His spokesperson issued a statement accusing the Orlando Sentinel of engaging "in a sensationalist persecution of a Hispanic lawyer…"Earlier, however, he suggested that the newspaper could get a balanced view of his legal abilities by talking to the judge and prosecutor in a Lake County child-murder case he defended last year.

Circuit Judge Mark Nacke would not comment. Judges rarely comment on attorneys because anything they say might suggest they are not impartial toward a lawyer who could appear before them in court again. I suppose Baez was absent when that little tidbit was discussed in class.....

Assistant State Attorney Bill Gross said it was the first time in his 30-year career that a defense lawyer had used him as a professional reference. He said Baez had done a competent job and showed promise."I've been doing this a lot longer than he, and I could recognize that he does have a lot of God-given talent. He is quite quick-witted, has an excellent ability to communicate," Gross said. "He did a very good job considering his relatively short time as an attorney."

Quick wit does not save one from prison, apparently.
Baez's client was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison for manslaughter and child abuse in the fatal beating of a 2-year-old girl. Baez fielded questions from reporters in English and Spanish because the victim was the granddaughter of Puerto Rican boxer Wilfredo Vázquez, a world champion.

William H. Stone, chief assistant public defender in Lake County, said he, too, was impressed."I heard nothing but glowing comments about his abilities and representation of his client," Stone said.

Disputes Over Bills, Support

Since he became a lawyer, Baez has been involved in several money disputes. They are mostly small --compared with the bankruptcy,-- bad debts and other financial issues that prompted the Florida Board of Bar Examiners to refuse his application to the Bar after he graduated from law school in 1997. He was not admitted to practice law until 2005.

Darlene Bryant, a court reporter in North Carolina, said she spent six months in 2007 trying to get Baez to honor a $275 bill for work she did for him."He finally paid after I got the state Bar Association involved," she said.

Baez also ended up being sued in April 2007 over an $837.62 bill for 1,000 of his plastic business cards, which are decorated with a golden crest. Sir Speedy Printing went to court and won after Baez refused an offer from the Orange County Bar Association to mediate.

Also, in January 2007, four months before he bought a $670,000 waterfront home in a country-club community on East Lake Tohopekaliga, Baez was held in contempt of court for failing to pay $4,000 in child support, according to Miami-Dade Clerk of Court records.

His office spokeswoman, Marti Mackenzie, told the Sentinel that Baez and his former wife have resolved their support issues.

Spotlight Follows Big Case

Baez's finances would be of little interest had the case of a lifetime not fallen into his lap in July.

When Casey Anthony picked Baez to defend her — based on the recommendation of someone she met in jail, her mother has told reporters — he took on a case that has attracted attention around the world.

Since then, he has appeared on Good Morning America and 20/20 on ABC, The Early Show on CBS, Today on NBC, Larry King Live on CNN, Geraldo at Large on Fox and others.

Last summer, he traveled to New York City, where he and his wife spent part of a day sailing with Fox's Rivera. Photos of the outing show a grinning Baez on deck with Rivera.

Heavy media schedules by defense lawyers raise the eyebrows of some seasoned lawyers.
University of Florida law professor Michael Seigel, a former federal prosecutor, said any lawyer who goes public risks being accused of tainting the jury pool.

"It's very dangerous," Seigel said "Unless you are very skilled at it, it can truly backfire. ... Most of the best attorneys around the country tend to be very quiet. They wait to try the case in a courtroom setting."

Setting a Tone For the Defense

Early on, Baez confounded reporters by taking on a media-relations company that used three anonymous — and often irritable — spokesmen calling themselves "Todd Black." Baez severed ties with Press Corps Media after one of the spokesmen turned out to be a felon who served time for trying to extort money from a TV reporter in California.

Mackenzie, who was hired to replace Press Corps Media, said in March that Baez had not known the felon's background.

Robert M. Jarvis, who teaches classes in legal ethics and law and popular culture at Nova Southeastern University Law Center in Fort Lauderdale, said the incident is just one of many twists in the case.

"I think he's a guy who's clearly in over his head. Handling a capital-murder case is obviously the most challenging thing a lawyer can do," Jarvis said. "So it's very surprising right from the get-go that a lawyer with less than four years of experience is handling this case.

... Right off the bat, you have to say this is a guy who is very cocky or who is really naive."

Baez does his own speaking in court, where he has annoyed state prosecutors with his motions.

He has demanded repeatedly that the state speed up release of evidence it has and make it available for analysis by his experts. He has sought to block release of photos and videos that he said could show his client in a bad light. He has sought sanctions for prosecutors he accused of moving too slowly on his requests. He complained to the judge when the State Attorney's Office sparked a Florida Bar investigation by sending it news releases from his former spokesman.

He often does not prevail. For example, when the state wanted to force Anthony to appear in court, Baez balked, saying she didn't want to appear in public. The judge ruled against him, requiring she attend every hearing.

What Baez makes clear in all his court appearances is that he intends to vigorously challenge the state's interpretation of what the evidence against his client shows.

Who Is Paying, State Asks?

A continuing controversy stems from the question of how Anthony, who had no assets when arrested in July, is paying for her defense, including the hiring of nationally recognized expert witnesses.

One of them, pathologist Dr. Henry Lee, testified for O.J. Simpson at his murder trial.

In March, prosecutors asked Circuit Judge Stan Strickland to investigate whether Baez was playing two potentially conflicting roles for Anthony: defense lawyer and story agent.

Assistant State Attorney Jeff Ashton speculated in a motion that Anthony's "seeming conversion from pauper to princess" could be based on sale of her photos and videos, which had appeared in national TV reports about the case. He further speculated whether Baez could be managing both her assets and her defense.TV networks admit that they often pay "licensing fees" for videos and photos, but they will not say whether — and whom — they paid to use photos and video of Anthony and her family.

Strickland refused to step in after Baez denied having any arrangement with Anthony to sell her story. Baez accused prosecutors of trying to intimidate and embarrass him.

Under the spotlight of the Anthony case, Baez had to retract a claim on his Web site that he won 32 out of 34 jury trials after starting work in 1995 with the Miami-Dade Public Defender's Office.

Acting on a complaint, a Florida Bar grievance committee ruled that Baez should have mentioned he was an intern, not a lawyer, when the cases were tried. I assume it was just a "mis-truth"

Baez Criticizes Sentinel

In refusing to be interviewed, Baez issued a statement chiding the Sentinel for writing about him. Commenting on recent coverage, it said "your discrimination against a young, hard-working Hispanic lawyer who represents a high-profile client borders on racism. I wonder what reactions this profile on a prominent Hispanic lawyer will have on your readership."

Baez often mentions his ethnicity when talking about his defense of Anthony. Talking to reporters outside the Orange County Courthouse in January, he said he was the first Hispanic lawyer to handle a case of such magnitude — a claim he has repeated since then.

Asked to evaluate the statement, Ramona Romero, president of the Hispanic National Bar Association, named several Hispanic attorneys across the nation involved in cases of national significance."I hope his defense work goes well," she said of Baez, "but for him to say it's the most high-profile case a Hispanic lawyer has ever handled I think is inaccurate."

Baez has characterized the scrutiny and criticism he faces as an unavoidable consequence of his job. He also describes himself as a standard-bearer for future Hispanic lawyers.

"And I will not embarrass those that come after me by doing something as foolish and as unethical as what ... I've been accused of," he said outside the courthouse in January.

Source: The Orlando Sentinel, article by: Henry Pierson Curtis; Amy L. Edwards, Sarah Lundy, Walter Pacheco, Bianca Prieto, Mary Shanklin and researcher Susan K. Thompson of the Sentinel staff contributed to this report.

Part 2 of 2

Remember Caylee

Song: "Mad World" Gary Jules "I find it kinda funny, I find it kinda sad. The dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had.. It's a mad, mad world.." Video courtesy Sean Krause '08 Sleep Well Friend, Justice for Caylee has finally begun ~SM 6.23.11

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