Casey Anthony: Jose Baez says that Caylee drowned
Casey Anthony in court today. Photo credit: Red Huber/Orlando Sentinel
“I’d like to tell you what happened,” defense attorney Jose Baez said in his opening statement at the Casey Anthony trial this afternoon.
Baez said the issue was how Caylee Anthony died and not how Casey Anthony, his client, behaved over 31 days.
Baez’s comment was an answer to prosecutor Linda Drane Burdick’s detailed opening statement about Anthony’s behavior after the toddler disappeared. Anthony is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee.
“This is not a murder case, this is not a manslaughter case,” Baez said.
Baez said Caylee died by drowning in the family pool on June 16, 2008.
Baez said that Casey was guilty of not doing the right thing and calling authorities.
Baez hinted at secrets and dysfunction in the Anthony family. Baez later said that George Anthony had started touching Casey inappropriately when she was 8. And he told jurors they would hear about bizarre family behavior.
Sex abuse changes people, Baez said. George Anthony could be seen sitting stoically in court.
Baez said these secrets would come out during the trial. After Caylee died, Baez said Casey went into denial. He said she made up lies to get by.