Defense Experts to View Evidence

Updated WFTV article:

Casey's 'Dream Team' Examining Evidence

Posted: 11:51 am EDT July 13, 2010
Updated: 2:20 pm EDT July 13, 2010

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Casey Anthony’s 'dream team' of experts started arriving in Orlando Tuesday to look over evidence, but it could be a long time before the public knows anything about the evidence being inspected.

RAW INTERVIEWS: Mason | Dr. Lee | Baez
READ: Objection On Release Of Evidence
VIDEO REPORT: Experts Reviewing Evidence

Casey's attorneys are fighting to keep the list of evidence private. They turned over the list last week laying out what evidence they planned to inspect and a famous crime expert is looking over some of it Tuesday.

Both members of the defense and prosecutors were at the Orange County Sheriff’s Headquarters Tuesday. The defense team is there trying to keep the specific evidence they're looking at, which prosecutors already know about, secret from the public. Also, the sheriff's office is videotaping the evidence examination so there can be no question as to what happened there.

The defense team's experts showed up Tuesday morning for the first of two days scheduled for them to view key evidence, which was found with Caylee Anthony’s remains in the woods near her house. Taxpayers are paying for the experts and their travel from Connecticut, New York, and Nebraska, and possibly from the Netherlands, to go to the Orange County Sheriff's Headquarters to examine the evidence.

Dr. Henry Lee is among them. Lee caught fire from a California judge over the Phil Spector murder case. Lee was chastised by the judge over the disappearance of key prosecution evidence, the tip of the victim's fingernail, which could have proved that the victim had fought for her life.

WFTV reporter Kathi Belich asked Lee about it Tuesday.

“Are you worried that that could cause problems in the case against Casey if it comes up?” Belich asked Lee.

“No, no. I've done many cases after that. In Washington DC nobody mentioned that,” Lee replied.

Defense attorney Cheney Mason became angry when WFTV asked about whether he's concerned that Lee's problems in the Spector case will adversely affect his work in the case against Casey Anthony.

“Are you worried Dr. Lee's problems in the Phil Spector case will cause problems for your case?” Belich asked Mason.

“I think you’re the problem,” Mason replied.

The defense filed a motion Tuesday slamming the media in its effort to keep the items of evidence it's examining this week sealed from the public. One of the arguments it makes is that the media will not get to see the defense inspection of the evidence, but that's not really true; it's being videotaped by the sheriff's office and the judge said WFTV will get a copy of the videotape.

http://www.wftv.com/news/24241957/detail.html

Defense objects; experts examine; public waits

posted by halboedeker on July, 13 2010 12:41 PM

The Casey Anthony case was a top story on noon newscasts for several reasons.

The defense team filed an objection this morning to the release of the evidence its experts are reviewing. WESH-Ch. 2’s Bob Kealing read the words of defense attorney Cheney Mason: “At some point a balancing of the First Amendment right to report must be had against the eminently more important rights of the defense to effective assistance of council, due process and equal protection.”

Kealing added: “So far no word from Judge Belvin Perry’s office on a ruling.”

The stations focused on the forensic and science experts working for the defense team. Kealing mentioned that a defense attorney — either Mason or Jose Baez — said they may take another look Casey Anthony’s car today.

WFTV-Ch. 9 looked at the “dream team of experts,” but anchor Vanessa Echols added, “It may be a long before we know anything about the evidence being inspected.”

WFTV’s Kathi Belich noted that prosecutors know what the defense wants to examine at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. She added that the sheriff’s office “is videotaping the defense examination of evidence so there can be no question as to what goes on here.”

WKMG-Ch. 6’s Mike DeForest reported that the defense experts were looking at “about a hundred pieces of evidence, most of it collected from the woods near the spot where Caylee Anthony’s body was found.”

Casey Anthony is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee.

WKMG showed Dr. Henry Lee, the well-known criminologist, talking to reporters. DeForest also spotlighted Richard and Selma Schieveld-Eikelenboom, who are specialists in touch DNA.

That is “DNA left behind by a killer on something they handled with their fingers,” DeForest explained. “Based on the evidence we’ve seen so far, law enforcement has been unable to find any of Casey Anthony’s DNA on the duct tape that had been wrapped around her daughter’s head or any other evidence found in the woods near the toddler’s body.”

DeForest said it was unclear what the defense experts are looking for, but added, “This is their one big chance to identify any problems with the state’s physical evidence that will be used against Casey Anthony.”

WESH spotlighted Dr. Lee and the Eikelenbooms. WESH’s Kealing added that prosecutor Jeff Ashton attended but didn’t talk to the press. Defense attorney Mason said the examination would take all day and any follow-ups would require a request to the judge, Kealing reported.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2010/07/casey-anthony-defense-objects-experts-examine-public-waits.html

Casey Defense Team Reviewing 100 Items
Defense Attorney Says Inspection Will Take All Day

POSTED: 12:51 pm EDT July 13, 2010
UPDATED: 1:37 pm EDT July 13, 2010

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Members of Casey Anthony’s defense team are inside of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office this afternoon reviewing some of the key physical evidence that prosecutors will rely on to seek the death penalty against her.

Attorney Cheney Mason said he and the rest of the defense team will be reviewing close to 100 items of evidence. Mason said they will only be taking a look at the evidence – not testing or analyzing it. He said many of the items come from the scene where Caylee’s remains were found.

He acknowledged that he filed an objection to Judge Belvin Perry in regards to his releasing a list of evidence the defense team plans to inspect.

Inside the sheriff’s headquarters, Jose Baez shook hands with Yuri Melich, the investigator who has been on the case since the beginning.

Video | Baez Arrives | Special Section

Henry Lee, the defense forensic evidence expert, deflected prosecutors concerns that he misplaced a key piece of evidence in the recent Phil Spector case.

“Well, I was just in Washington, D.C., testifying and no one said, nobody mentioned that,” said Lee.

Also in attendance this morning was Richard Eiklenbloom, a Dutch trace evidence expert; his wife, Thelma, a Dutch coroner and defense evidence expert; and Jeff Ashton, a prosecutor.

Mason said that the first inspection will take all day, and if there is anything the defense team wants to examine further or test, they will have to make another request to the judge to do so.

http://www.wesh.com/news/24242931/detail.html

SO when will Judge Perry rule on this piece of TP??? Will he hold onto it until Thursday, or will he reply sooner??? I believe he stated that it was not up to the defense to deem what is newsworthy to the media...we all know they (the defense experts) will verbally tear apart the evidentiary reports during their private discussions...Wouldn't it be a hoot if they agreed with some of it...Guess we'll have to wait til the trial to find out...

Did Dr. Henry Lee manage to lose some vital evidence today while inspecting it?

Not a chance, eva.... he is being watched WAY too closely. Besides, they are videotaping it!! Hahaha!!

The defense sure doesn't want to talk about H. Lee's little "mis-step" in the Spector case, now do they?

Casey Anthony: WFTV defends Kathi Belich’s style

posted by halboedeker on July, 13 2010 4:01 PM

WFTV-Ch. 9 has posted fascinating raw footage of Cheney Mason lashing into veteran reporter Kathi Belich today.

Mason, an attorney for Casey Anthony, ripped the persistent Belich by saying, “I’m worried about you always bothering me.” He called her questions “too stupid.” Mason said he’d have to talk to Belich’s boss if she didn’t back up and leave him alone.

And that’s not all. Mason called her boss “stupid.” When Belich said she had obviously struck a nerve, Mason replied, “You are a nerve.”

So what does Belich’s boss have to say?

“I don’t know what all the hubbub is about,” WFTV news director Bob Jordan said. “Kathi was polite. Her questions were relevant and on point. His demeanor speaks for itself — as does Kathi’s.”

What about Mason’s complaint that Belich is bothering him?

“Kathi personifies the traits I look for in a dogged reporter,” Jordan said. “She’s not intimidated. She’s professional, polite.”

And what of Mason’s threat that he’d talk to Belich’s boss?

“Put my number in the paper. He can call me,” Jordan said.

His number is 407-822-8300, and Jordan said he would settle for the web.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2010/07/casey-anthony-wftv-defends-kathi-belichs-style.html

I couldn't believe how RUDE Cheney was.... who does he think he is that he can treat her that way?

I wish, though, she would stand up more for herself when they are so rude..... I guess she does the best she can, but when they snap at her like that, I wish she would have a really good, yet polite, comeback.... I wish she would ask them why they are being so rude to her when she is only asking a question of them. And when Cheney asked her why didn't she do her job, I wished to myself... she should be telling him she IS doing her job...

Anyway... both JB and CM are extremely rude to Kathi.... and it's uncalled for.

And good for Kathi's boss supporting his employee!!!!

Anthony Defense Team, Experts Review Evidence
Casey's Car, Duct Tape Amid Items Examined

POSTED: 4:29 pm EDT July 13, 2010
UPDATED: 5:29 pm EDT July 13, 2010

ORLANDO, Fla. -- In a rare moment, the lawyer trying to spare Casey Anthony's life, Jose Baez, shook hands with the detective who has been leading the charge for capital punishment, Yuri Melich.

Cheney Mason, an attorney for the Anthony defense team, said Tuesday that he expects to review around 100 items of evidence.

“We'll all be together looking at it, so it's all going to be done controlled and orderly,” Mason said.

Throughout the day, defense experts arrived, including Dr. Henry Lee. Lee’s involvement is controversial because prosecutors said he misplaced a key piece of evidence in the Phil Spector trial, an allegation he dismissed.

“I was recently in Washington, D.C., I testified to the world and no one mentioned that,” Lee said.

The team of experts includes a husband and wife from Holland who specialize in trace evidence.

Tuesday afternoon, the team’s entomologist arrived. Dr. Tim Huntington has testified about maggots and microscopic insects in more than 50 death cases.

Sheriff's officials said they have set up evidence in three locations. They're following the judge's instructions to videotape what goes on and most of all, preserve the evidence.

http://www.wesh.com/news/24246240/detail.html

How did defense examination of evidence go?

posted by halboedeker on July, 13 2010 5:56 PM

The public couldn’t see the most important part of the latest episode in the Casey Anthony saga, but it sounded like a medical story. If the public felt deprived, drama materialized elsewhere when a defense attorney ripped a reporter.

Defense experts had to “gown and glove up like surgeons before an operation,” WESH-Ch. 2’s Bob Kealing reported tonight. “These two sides — Casey’s defense and the sheriff’s department — not a lot of love lost there, but today, despite that, we’re told things are going smoothly.”

WKMG-Ch. 6’s Mike DeForest reported that defense attorneys Jose Baez and Cheney Mason gave a big thumbs-up when departing this afternoon.

Defense experts examined roughly 100 items of evidence in the Anthony case, including her car, and they will continue Wednesday, Kealing reported. Anthony is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee.

Capt. Angelo Nieves of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office explained the experts were wearing hair nets, gloves and lab gowns.

WOFL-Ch. 35’s Holly Bristow reported that defense attorney Cheney Mason said they would focus mainly on evidence collected from the spot where toddler Caylee’s remains were found. Mason said the defense experts would look at the evidence today, then “decide if they want something else.”

Bristow noted that entomologist Tim Huntington arrived after lunch, and that each piece of evidence taken out was being videotaped by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

At a hearing Thursday, Judge Belvin Perry will take up the defense’s motion, filed this morning, to keep the defense team’s list of evidence that was examined from being released to the public.

That hearing will explore whether Cindy Anthony’s 911 calls will be admitted at trial. Cindy Anthony, Casey’s mother, and Lee Anthony, Casey’s brother, will testify at the hearing.

WFTV-Ch. 9 anchor Bob Opsahl noted that taxpayers are footing the bill for the defense experts. “Even though the public is paying for this, the defense doesn’t want the public to know what they’re looking at,” Opsahl added.

But WOFL’s Bristow reported that it wasn’t clear who was paying for two experts from Holland. The Justice Administrative Commisson told Bristow it hadn’t received a request to pay for the services of Richard and Selma Schieveld-Eikelenboom. Later, Bristow said defense attorney Jose Baez wouldn’t answer her when she asked if the two are working for free.

The Eikelenbooms worked on the JonBenet Ramsey case. Offering analysis, Orlando attorney Diana Tennis told Bristow that the two are “here to find reasonable doubt in the science.”

WFTV’s Kathi Belich reported that evidence “from three possible crime scenes is being examined by the defense in separate bays at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.” She listed those scenes: the car, the house and the woods.

Belich said that defense attorney Mason “bristled and blustered” when she asked about controversial defense expert Dr. Henry Lee. “I don’t intend to answer your questions — they’re always too stupid,” Mason snapped at Belich.

In this story, someone always manages to supply fireworks.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2010/07/casey-anthony-how-did-defense-examination-of-evidence-go.html

Expert witnesses for Casey Anthony comb over evidence
Few details are released

Updated: Tuesday, 13 Jul 2010, 11:27 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 13 Jul 2010, 11:28 PM EDT
By Holly Bristow
FOX 35 News

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Casey Anthony's defense team and five of their expert witnesses spent all day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Orange County Sheriffs Office. And, they'll do the same Wednesday.

Jose Baez and Cheney Mason aren't saying what evidence their team of experts is looking at today, just that there is quite a bit. "I think its close to 100," said attorney Cheney Mason.

Mason told FOX 35 the team would mainly be focusing on evidence that crime scene investigators collected after a meter reader found Caylee Anthony's remains on December 11, 2008. "Are you guys actually going to be able to test stuff today, take samples or just look at it?" asked FOX 35.

"Look. The experts will decide if they want something else," answered Mason.

For the first time we saw the husband and wife forensics team flown in from Holland. They rolled in equipment they'll be using to examine the evidence.

Dr. Richard Eikelenboom is know for his advances in touch DNA, a science where a few skin cells can be used to identify a suspect. His wife, Dr. Thelma Eikelenboom is a coroner and forensic expert. She was brief when we asked what they'd be focusing on today.

"Just to look at some evidence. That's it," said Dr. Thelma Eikelenboom.

World famous Dr. Henry Lee has worked on dozens of high profile cases like OJ Simpson and Jean Benet Ramsey. His specialty, finding the tiniest of clues. "Yes well look at evidence first. The evidence we have to examine thoroughly," said Dr. Lee on his way into the sheriffs office this morning.

Criminalist and hair banding expert Nicholas Petraco and forensic entomologist Dr. Timothy Huntington arrived after lunch. According to Dr. Huntington's website he is one of only 15 experts in the world certified in the use of insects as evidence in legal investigations.

Anthony's murder trial is set to begin on May 9, 2011. She remains jailed on a charge of first-degree murder in the death of her daughter Caylee who was last seen in June of 2008, but she was not reported missing until a month later. Her remains were found in woods near the family's home on December 11, 2008. Investigators say the toddler's body was found with duct tape over her mouth.

http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/web_links/071310-Anthony-defense-brings-in-the-all-stars

LOL! Cheney better get a grip....... it's waaaaay too early for him to freak out.

VIDEO: Cheney loses his kewl!
http://www.wftv.com/video/24243769/index.html


Casey Anthony: WFTV defends Kathi Belich’s style
posted by halboedeker on July, 13 2010 4:01 PM

WFTV-Ch. 9 has posted fascinating raw footage of Cheney Mason lashing into veteran reporter Kathi Belich today.

Mason, an attorney for Casey Anthony, ripped the persistent Belich by saying, “I’m worried about you always bothering me.” He called her questions “too stupid.” Mason said he’d have to talk to Belich’s boss if she didn’t back up and leave him alone.

And that’s not all. Mason called her boss “stupid.” When Belich said she had obviously struck a nerve, Mason replied, “You are a nerve.”

So what does Belich’s boss have to say?

“I don’t know what all the hubbub is about,” WFTV news director Bob Jordan said. “Kathi was polite. Her questions were relevant and on point. His demeanor speaks for itself — as does Kathi’s.”

What about Mason’s complaint that Belich is bothering him?

“Kathi personifies the traits I look for in a dogged reporter,” Jordan said. “She’s not intimidated. She’s professional, polite.”

And what of Mason’s threat that he’d talk to Belich’s boss?

“Put my number in the paper. He can call me,” Jordan said.

His number is 407-822-8300, and Jordan said he would settle for the web.


http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2010/07/casey-anthony-wftv-defends-kathi-belichs-style.html

Defense Attorneys, Experts Continue Examining Evidence

Posted: 8:30 am EDT July 14, 2010
Updated: 9:16 am EDT July 14, 2010

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. -- Casey Anthony's defense team will continue to examine case evidence at the Orange County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday.

A team of experts hired by the defense arrived in Orlando on Tuesday and will join Casey's lawyers when they examine evidence.

VIDEO REPORT: Evidence Examining Continues

It is unknown exactly what evidence they are looking over, and when WFTV asked Casey's attorney Jose Baez to clarify he said they do not have to share that information.

"Why don't you want the media to know what you're looking at?" asked WFTV reporter Kathi Belich.

"This is a case. You don't bring the media into cases, it just doesn't work that way," replied Baez.

What is clear is that the experts are in Orlando to look at evidence collected from three different potential crime scenes. The evidence is being held in three different bays that are secured at the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Casey's attorneys and high-profile forensics expert Dr. Henry Lee are examining items found in Casey's car, specifically the trunk. That is where investigators say they found Caylee Anthony's hair.

Homicide detectives and crime scene investigators also collected evidence from the Casey Anthony's home, and also from a wooded area near the home where they found the toddler's remains.

Prosecutors and Orange County crime scene investigators are watching Anthony's defense team as they look through the evidence while wearing nets and other protection to make sure it is preserved.

A spokesperson with the Orange County Sheriff's Office says it is not uncommon for defense attorneys to examine what was found at a crime scene to build their case, however, the scope and magnitude of this particular two-day search is unusual.

The defense team has been told that they have until 5:00pm Wednesday to complete their examination of the evidence.

http://www.wftv.com/news/24253362/detail.html

I've see a few in my time and I'm thoroughly convinced that Mr. Cheney fits into my classification of "Pompass A**"...and I don't mean a donkey carrying around pom-poms...F. Lee Bailey was another one...They think they are above the law and way too smart for the general public to approach them...Kathy was just doing her job and if Mr. Chin, Chin, Chinny didn't want to answer her he could have given her a more civil reply...He already has enough strikes against him and pushing the envelope as rudely as he did he's gonna strike out...I definitely have changed my mind about him...I thought he was a smart cookie and could teach Bozo a thing or two about court procedure and Southernisms but I was wrong..."Gentleman" he is not...I can just see his mannerisms in court now!!! Judge Perry will cut him a new one...if you know what I mean!!!

two things.. i am NOT sure what the big freaking deal is if the public knows what evidence they are looking at??!! the prosecution knows, so who gives a heap..

IS the little fiasco with dr lee and his "evidence mishap" admissable in court on the stand to attack his credibility as an expert witness or even just his character??

i concurr-- mr cheney is an a-hole with a capital A!!

Experts Examine Casey Anthony's Car
Defense Fights Release Of Evidence List

POSTED: Wednesday, July 14, 2010
UPDATED: 12:09 pm EDT July 14, 2010

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A team of experts for the defense examined Casey Anthony's car on Wednesda,y, a crucial piece of evidence in the first-degree murder case against her.

The car is the same one Anthony's mother told a 911 dispatcher smelled like it had a "dead body inside" when she reported Caylee Anthony missing in July 2008.

The defense is hoping its team of experts will find something in the car that proves Anthony's innocence in Caylee's death.

"Any time you get a chance to inspect something you've never seen before -- only in photos -- it's a completely different way of looking at things," defense attorney Jose Baez said.

Caylee was 2 years old when she was reported missing. Her remains were found in December 2008 in a wooded area near the Anthony family's east Orange County home.

Anthony's defense is trying to keep specifics of the examination, along with the list of other pieces of evidence they have examined, a secret.

Dr. Henry Lee is one of the forensic experts looking through the dozens of pieces of evidence. He is most famous for his work on the O.J. Simpson trial.

Dr. Tim Huntington is a world-renowned entomologist. He was brought in to examine insects found at the crime scene and in Anthony's car.

In addition, two experts from Holland who specialize in touch DNA were brought in to help find any evidence that a stranger might have grabbed Caylee and left behind trace amounts of DNA.

The examination process is being videotaped and monitored by the sheriff's office at the request of the judge.

Anthony is being held at the Orange County Jail on no bond. Her trial is not expected to begin until next spring.

http://www.clickorlando.com/news/24254676/detail.html

Anthony evidence inspection day 2

By Jacqueline Fell, Reporter
Last Updated: Wednesday, July 14, 2010 12:02 PM


Expert teams inspect Casey Anthony evidence

ORLANDO -- A picture's worth a thousand words but in person is the real deal.

It's day two of evidence review for the experts working on Casey Anthony's defense.

Tuesday, experts spent all day looking at evidence at the Orange County Sheriff's office.

There are number of items the team of experts want to test and they plan to get to Casey's white Pontiac Sunfire today.

“Anytime you get a chance to inspect something you've never seen before obviously only in photographs
it's a completely different way of looking at things,” said Anthony’s attorney Jose Baez.

DNA, forensic, and criminology experts are in Orlando from all over the world for the inspection. It's the first time the defense has been able to look at what investigators collected.

“Sometimes you pick up on things that were missed. Sometimes things are a lot clearer,” Baez said.

The defense said the evidence list, which remains private for the time being, has nearly 100 items listed but at the end of the day, they may actually look at more.

“There are a lot of things there that we don't need to see. And sometimes what will happen is we'll see one item and say OK lets go look at this item now and see how it relates to that item,” Baez said.

Judge Perry has been on speed dial the past two days, just in case any issues arise between the defense experts and the state or the number of sheriff's investigators there. Baez said they haven't needed to call him, everyone has acted very professionally so far.

http://www.cfnews13.com/article/news/2010/july/122014/Anthony-evidence-inspection-day-2

Defense Attorneys, Experts Continue Examining Evidence

Posted: 8:30 am EDT July 14, 2010
Updated: 12:29 pm EDT July 14, 2010

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. -- Casey Anthony’s defense team was back at the Orange County Sheriff's Office Wednesday continuing to examine evidence. Defense experts started looking over the evidence on Tuesday and Casey’s lawyer said the experts found things investigators missed.

The defense team claims it made some new discoveries and they want more testing.

“I'll answer your questions. Let them go in and check in,” defense attorney Jose Baez said.

Baez ran interference Wednesday for other members of his team after WFTV asked them some tough questions a day earlier about defense expert Dr. Henry Lee; a California judge criticized Lee for mishandling key prosecution evidence in the Phil Spector murder case, which resulted in evidence disappearing.

The evidence they've chosen to look at in the Casey Anthony case was divided into three bays at the Orange County sheriff's headquarters, including evidence from Casey’s car, which her own parents described as smelling like a dead body and where investigators found one of Caylee Anthony’s hairs they say came from her dead body.

Another bay holds the evidence investigators found in the Anthonys' home, including duct tape and heart stickers that matched evidence found in the nearby woods where Caylee's remains were found. A third bay holds evidence found at the scene where Caylee's remains were discovered.

The defense claims they've made some discoveries.

“There's things you see that you can't see in pictures, that you can’t see in pictures that you see in person,” Baez said.

The defense won't tell WFTV what they've found that they didn't know before or the extent of their discoveries. They do not want WFTV to know exactly what they're looking at, even though the sheriff's office is videotaping and that tape will eventually be released.

At a hearing Thursday, the defense will try to convince Chief Judge Belvin Perry to seal the evidence they are looking at from the public. Prosecutors already know what the evidence includes, and so do sheriff's investigators.

http://www.wftv.com/news/24253362/detail.html

Who believes they found "something new"?