Quiet Observations, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!
Monday, January 2, 2012 at 5:25PM “There is no reason for a 2-year-old child to decompose in a field in a plastic bag with duct tape over its face.”
“I don’t understand people who think Elvis is still alive. I don’t understand people who think we never landed on the moon. I don’t get those people. So I don’t get these people [the jury] either.”
— Dr. Jan Garavaglia, on Sunday night’s program on TLC, The Learning Channel
Yes, I watched it, and yes, it was exceptionally well done, but did I learn anything new? Not much, really. It served to reiterate and fortify the state of Florida’s substantive and well grounded claims made against the mother of Caylee Marie Anthony, charged with her murder and found not guilty by a jury of her peers. I think, mostly, it allowed Dr. G to get some things off her chest. In the end, Caylee’s death was a homicide, regardless of the end result, and it tore at the very fabric of the Orange-Osceola chief medical examiner. This is a case that will forever haunt everyone involved, especially law enforcement, investigators on all levels, and prosecutors, who spent countless hours going to bat for Caylee. Yes, us, too.
God knows we’ve had countless what ifs to ponder; things that never made it into the courtroom and ones that did that didn’t pan out, like the phone call between Erica Gonzalez and the defendant on July 15, 2008, when Casey (I broke my own rule) was on her way to pick up Amy Huizenga at the airport. Gonzalez claimed she heard Caylee being scolded by her mother during that call, but that was impossible because, in his opening statement, Jose Baez said that Caylee was dead on June 16, 2008, a full month earlier.
CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE
Why wasn’t that phone call used to it’s fullest advantage at trial? Yes, Gonzalez was questioned on the stand by Assistant State Attorney Frank George, but she couldn’t remember the details at the time. OK, fine, but at that point, she should have been shown the document above to help remind her of what she told law enforcement. She wasn’t. Anyway, that was a key piece of evidence in my opinion, that went nowhere. As a matter of fact, it worked to the defense’s advantage. Why? Surely, a “grieving” mother would have no reason to make up a silly lie about scolding her dead child, right? What would be the point? Why talk to an imaginary person, something she did very well? The state should have expanded on it. (Watch Erica Gonzalez’s testimony here)
Sadly, there are no more points to make because it’s way too late for that. Case closed. I just needed to get that off my chest.
Of course, it’s never too late to remind everyone that, although the case may be closed, the memories are permanently etched in the minds of all of us who lived through it, and history will look as kindly on Casey Anthony as it has on Lizzie Borden, scorned to this day, yet dating all the way back to the 1890s. You know, the nursery rhyme about the 40 whacks she gave her mother that’s still recited. And like the one for Lizzie, I wrote one for you know who over a year ago - 6 months before the trial began, when no one knew the outcome would be similar to Lizzie’s…
THE BALLAD OF CASEY
For the rest of her life
Her name will be mud
For taking the life
Of her own flesh and blood.
For what lies ahead
Is a brewing storm.
Her Caylee long dead
Was fed chloroform.
I did change a few words from my original, but I hope it lasts a hundred years or more. Oh no, not because of me. I don’t care if anyone remembers who wrote it, I just want people to remember Caylee. Whether her mother murdered her or not, she was solely responsible for her death.
Moving on, we come to one of the prosecutors from the Anthony trial, Jeff Ashton, now retired. Today, he’s a best selling author and there are some misconceptions about him making the rounds on the Internet. I’m going to do my best to give you the truth. For sure, Ashton must have been working on his book during the trial, right? Perhaps, before it began, you think? I mean, how else could anyone explain how it was written and published in what seemed like record time? It was roughly 5 months after the trial ended that Imperfect Justice was on bookshelves across America. What gives? According to Suzanne Fox of VeroNews.com, the book wasn’t crafted until after the trial ended, and according to Ashton, not before he took his wife and children on a much needed vacation.
“When we started, I had no frame of reference,” Ashton said. “I figured the timeframe was short, but I didn’t really understand how short until the lawyer who vetted the book for HarperCollins told me that we’d done in three months what usually takes eighteen.”
“I couldn’t have taken on the book project if I was still working,” he added. “Even if the State Attorney would have authorized me to do it, there wouldn’t have been time.”
Of course, having Lisa Pulitzer, a seasoned professional crime writer on hand, helped tremendously. So did a very serious-minded editor, something I learned about while writing for Mike Boslet, Editor-in-Chief of Orlando magazine, during the trial. Get the job done.
That leads me to Ashton’s latest announcement that he’s going to challenge his former boss, Lawson Lamar, for the office of Orange-Osceola State Attorney. Alas, I would strongly consider voting for him except for one thing. I live in Seminole County, home of the 18th District Court. He’s in the 9th, and I can’t vote there. However, I can still offer my thoughts regarding his background and qualifications.
The Super Bowl comes once a year. Half of us don’t remember who won last year when the new one comes around. But after the big event, we look at the losing team as a bunch of, well, losers, not taking into account that they came in second in a field of 32 teams. Out of those teams, Number 2 stands out like a sore thumb. Why? In real life, Number 2 is not a pathetic loser. Yes, the Super Bowl is all about hype leading up to the main event and the media sucks it up like a sponge. Yes, it’s like any great battle, but so was the Anthony case, in a sense, and that one lasted nearly 3 years. Wow! What a build up and what a let down. The only thing is, we can’t obscure facts by skewing history and the truth.
Jeff Ashton was but one of three assistant state attorneys that took on the mammoth and monumental task of prosecuting Casey Anthony. That’s one third, folks, not one person. He was merely a co-prosecutor. Sure, the State should have won, but it didn’t, and we now have a retired prosecutor with a rather sterling 30 year career who is running for political office. I’m hearing some reverberations from several detractors around the Web. I do find it amazing that some people look upon him as a loser because of one case, but that’s the way we live today - for the here and the now, and everyone has personality conflicts. One thing we need to remember is that, during his 30 year career, he tried “some 70 homicide cases” and won all 12 of his “capital murder trials.” (See: Orlando magazine, Dec., 2011., The Prosecution Can’t Rest)
Ashton was the first prosecutor in the nation to gain the conviction of a rapist as a result of DNA evidence. In 1987, Tommy Lee Andrews was found guilty and sentenced to 22 years in prison. That was just over 24 years ago, when he was a young man around 30-years-old. A Florida appeals court upheld the conviction and the state became the first in the nation to affirm DNA evidence. That’s quite a statement, folks. And he’s not one to back away from anything.
Here’s my opinion — take it or leave it. Jeff Ashton is a fierce competitor. Here is a man who did his best for Caylee Anthony. What do you think he would do in the wake of that loss? Quit? Just write books? Do speaking tours? Sure, he could do that, and he should, but he now chooses to stick around and fight for future Caylees and everyone else in Orange and Osceola counties seeking justice. That shows you he’s dedicated and determined and not a quitter. I dare say he doesn’t know how to quit — not the driven man that I have learned to know and respect. Tomorrow morning at 11:00 am, I will be standing on the courthouse steps when he officially announces his candidacy and I will urge him on.
(Also see Orlando Sentinel)
Dave Knechel | tagged Erica Gonzalez, Lisa Pulizer, Mike Boslet, Orlando Magazine, Super Bowl, Suzanne Fox, THE BALLAD OF CASEY, TLC, The Learning Channel, VeroNews | in Casey Anthony, Caylee Anthony, Dave Knechel, David B. Knechel, David Knechel, Dr. G, Dr. Jan Garavaglia, Frank George, Human Interest, Jeff Ashton, Jose Baez, Marinade Dave, Marinade Dave Knechel, Marinade Dave’s Caylee Anthony Posts, Ninth Circuit Court, Ninth Judicial Circuit, OCSO, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Orlando Sentinel, marinadedave | Share Article | 1 Reference 
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Reader Comments (25)
A most informative post and a positive one at that. I would like to start this New Year out right by focusing in on everything positive in life. I started thinking over this long event that I followed closely from the moment I heard that infamous phone call made by Cindy Anthony. My mouth dropped open immediately as I so loudly heard the words " She's been missing for 31 days" "The Nanny took her".
We need to forget that which we cannot change and look to everything we have learned. As hard as it is to believe, we learned so much and gained some very positive things from this trial. It is endless to that which we have learned! Jeff Ashton was a very good teacher along with the many people out there fighting for Caylee Anthony. The two judges, attorneys, volunteers, Tim Miller and you Dave!!! You...continued the fight and Snoopy and so many wonderful people out there! We can't forget that. We must learn and grow from it. I believe we will. I choose to remain positive and fill my heart with all the love from the "Little Caylee Anthony's" out there that remain in all of our hearts!
Thankyou for this article!!! And Go Go Jeff Ashton!!! You are an inspiration!!
Thank you, SageMom! Finally, there's something positive to say about this convoluted case that was forever mired in sadness. No one really won this one. Certainly, not the state, but whatever victory the defendant savored came unglued as reality set in. She can never walk freely again; at least, not until she's no longer recognizable, but even then, she will have to constantly look over her shoulders.
This was quite a learning experience for all of us, including Ashton, I'm sure. Yes, he's seen it all, and just as the trial was about to start, or immediately after it did, I said to Ashton that it looked really good for him and the state. I'll never forget his reply for as long as I live. You never know, he told me, what's going to happen in a courtroom. You can never be overly confident. A trial can go either way, despite the evidence. He was right.
Dave, I agree with you. Jeff Ashton & the team fought for Caylee when her own family would not. He will make a fine states attorney. He is a very classy, hard working man unlike the scum he has had to deal with. Hope you are feeling well.
One thing I have to say is that Ashton is classy, except when he loses his temper, and I hope he learns how to harness it before any Plus, he's a media darling and an 'at the moment' guy. Will it last? I don't know, the Primary is August 24 and so far, it's now a 3 man race. Yes, he's dealt with lowest of the low, so he'll know how to deal with them if elected, but so has Lamar. He was the sheriff of Orange County once, and that's his claim to fame, plus, he was a state attorney. He can always taunt Ashton with his lack of leadership experience, something Lamar certainly had while sheriff.
Today is an up day for me, thank you! I've had my share of ups and downs.
Well said Dave. As always. I would say more but I have a sore froat.
I HATE sore froats, Carole. I'm sorry to hear that. Rest and drink lots of fluids. I hope you feel better soon. Sleep! And thank you for enjoying the post!
Dave ~~thanks for another great post. I am not sure that the Pinellas 12 would have grasped Erica's Gonzalez' testimony if she had testified to hearing Casey chastise Caylee en route to the airport. I think all the testimony from the prosecution's initial witnesses was long forgotten by the jury by the time they went out to deliberate.
Jeff Ashton did not lose the Anthony case. He was not a 'one man' show.
I noticed several flaws in the trial but that is from a layperson's perspective. First off, the state put on way too many of Casey's cohorts and friends. It was like over kill and rather monotonous as they basically testified to the same things over and over. Frank George seemed very inexperienced in questioning and cross examinating the witnesses he handled. I don't think he prepared his witnesses beforehand. (JMO and I am trying to be honest in how I watched things unfold)
The death penalty should not have been on the table. I heard that Jeff Ashton does not make the final decision on whether it should stay or go. It was the State Attorney or am I wrong?
I will say one thing for Jeff Ashton. He is exceptional when it comes to forensics in just about every category. You can tell that this man does his homework before he puts witnesses on the stand. There is no humming and hawing when he questions a witness and his professionalism stood out. When I watched the trial, he held my full attention but sadly not the jurys'. I think the evidence admitted and discussed was way over their head and it went in one ear and out the other. The jurors were more interested in the allegations made against George about the sexual abuse and was he having an affair with River Cruz. I believe these were the things that peeked their interest. I also think José Baez won the jury over, personality wise, because it certainly wasn't with the truth.
Once Jeff throws his hat in the ring, I will be watching from the sidelines in another country. I know little to nothing about the other contenders but I will root for Ashton. If he does win the majority of votes, I have every confidence he will go into his new job with a passion as he seems to be an achiever.
I doubt if her testimony would have helped, either, considering this jury, but I did want to illustrate that it wasn't ALL Ashton in the courtroom, therefore, the loss wan't his alone. Most assuredly, Ashton did not lose this case. I think with a different jury than this one, the state may have gotten a conviction, but there are too many ifs involved to ever know.
I never thought the DP should have been a part of this case. Now, if we find out it was Lamar who pressed for it, that could be exploited, for sure.
I also feel that Baez know how George would respond and he fell right into the trap; alienating the jury along the way. That was a slick move and the jury never warmed up to him.
Despite living in Seminole, it will be plastered all over the news, so I will keep a keen watch over it. I don't know about the other former prosecutor from Lamar's office, Ryan Williams, but I do know Lamar's no slouch. It will be an interesting fight and over rather quickly since all 3 are Democrats, so only one will come out the winner before the general election in November. No doubt, where Lamar is now lacking exposure, Ashton more than makes up for it, and what you see is what you get.
Thanks!
Dave, Good read, thanks.
We have the 9th circut of appeals court out here...OMG, what a group of loons. For years and years many of us have attempted to bring a balance to that judical circut, to no avail. If you ever have the time or interested in reading rulings that makes every Californian look nuts, read their past rulings.
You were correct to write that many of us will be effected forever by the Pinella's county 12's verdict.
I am interested of where she lands and with who, someday. A micro chip in her arm would have been nice. I do not believe her life is in any danger any longer.
Happy Happy New years to you Dave and to all who read her. Certainly has been an interesting 2011!
Hi, cali patti - Thank you! Loons? In California? You're joking! All kidding aside, yes, your state produces some strange rulings in the court system, but usually, other states catch up in one form or another. Maybe not as liberal, but still, strange. I know that the state itself is a far cry from many of its inhabitants, though.
Yes, this case will never be forgotten by any of us, and I do hope, no one else. It was, by far, the weirdest case I've ever watched let alone cover. Sadly, no microchip for Casey, but I think she'll keep her nose clean from now on. I don't know if any guy ever wants to get THAT close to her.
Happy New Year to you, too. Yes, it was a very interesting year and I'm glad it's over.
I am declaring 2012 to be The Year of the Chapeau!
Cali patti~ ~I thoroughly enjoyed watching the Conrad Murray trial out of California. I certainly liked the way Michael Pastor handled his courtroom. I thought that CA would rank right up there with the best.
I have a tendency to fall in love with judges... and here is one reason why.
In 2010, the Los Angeles Criminal Courts Bar Association honored Judge Pastor with its “Judicial Excellence Award.”
This is all off topic so please forgive... I am glad that Judge Stan Strickland is free from all the drama of the courtroom and wish him the very best . I had a soft spot for that man too. I guess I am attracted to intelligent men who are in a position of authority...not all, mind you...
Sorry for rambling on but I have been feeling right at home here lately...LOL
[Feel right at home, then. You can do that!]
I rarely post but read all the time. I have to say how well written this article is. Jeff Ashton and the entire Prosecution acted professional all the way and in my book, they are number 1. Think back on all the actions of the Defense Team and of course, the Defendant, not exactly classy people and then there's the Jury......Boy Oh Boy!! The Defendant was proven NOT GUILTY which by no means, means INNOCENT! I don't think it has as much to do with luck as it does the Good Lord making sure a certain someone gets whats really coming to them. I believe with everything in my being that she will get hers and it sure won't be the Bella Vita she had hoped for.
[Thank you, Shaye. I really appreciate your feedback and your comment!
There is no doubt in my mind that the defense team did not excel in honesty, but that's what criminal defense lawyers do. Mind you, not all are unscrupulous, but their job is to make their client look good. All legal, of course. I think sometimes people forget the word "criminal" before their description, and sometimes, by gosh, they defend real criminals! With Baez, he came out gunning for George because he knew that George would become unglued - and he did! While not a nice thing to do, and being a sleazy thing to do, of course, it was still a stroke of genius in the sense that it completely ruined George from that point on, because when he first took the stand, Baez shredded him to pieces and he never recovered. That translated into one discredited witness. One down.
No, Casey is no innocent girl, no matter what the verdict was. While spending the rest of her life in prison or fighting the death penalty, being free is, by no means, free. This woman is going to keep looking over her shoulders for many, many years to come. If you think about it, that's less security than she would have had locked up in a cell. To me, that's a life sentence in and of itself.]
Hey Snoop, You have an "in" with this blog owner sooooo, he won't mind us chatting. Yes, Calf. has quite a few very good judges however the 9th circut is an Appeals court and most of its major rulings are strange. Many of their rulings are later overturned by a higher court. To me it is like common sense left the 9th circut judges upon getting a law degree.
I forgot to ask, why, The Year of the Chapeau! Dave's new header? LOL!
Dave, I read the book by Jeff Ashton and I loved it. It was really informative. I truly hope he gets it, because I believe he can get things done alot better than they are being handled today. I think Jeff Ashton is a very compassionate man (seeing how he felt about Baez calling Cindy to his office and telling her how Casey said Caylee died and all of the bad stuff about George). Let's keep him in our prayers and more importantly, Caylee. Thanks for all that you do, Dave.
After careful consideration and for security reasons - my own - I have decided not to go down to the courthouse this morning to witness Jeff Ashton announce his candidacy for public office. My reasoning is quite simple and justified. IT'S TOO DARN COLD OUT THERE!!!
It is 9:30 am EST, windy with gusts and only 36 degrees F in Orlando. While I like Jeff, I don't like him THAT much! Especially with the way my health has been lately.
I wish him all the best!
Former Casey prosecutor Jeff Ashton announces state attorney bid-Video
Lamar's team has the second lowest conviction rate in the state, according to Ashton.
Ashton said he would change the way decisions are made about which cases go to trial, and he would hone the skills of the trial prosecutors.
"And half the time, victims are required to come to court. And, to relive the crimes that they have suffered is a waste of time," said Ashton.
Ashton said he would put five of the 12 managers back in the courtroom. He said his changes could actually result in more trials, but with successful outcomes.
Ashton also said he would use more of the technology available to be more efficient and cut down on infringing upon law enforcement officers' time, such as having to appear for depositions and cases.
Ashton said he would personally try cases as well.
There was no official response from Lamar's campaign, but WFTV learned that he's planning to hold a news conference on Friday.
The primary election is scheduled Aug. 14
Source
[Dang, Snoopy! He's sounding less like a prosecutor and more like a politician with each passing day. I'm glad I didn't go down there. I would have stood in the freezing cold for a half hour and been shaking like a leaf by the time I got back to my car. I didn't see many other people milling around besides his family, friends and media - and they were getting PAID to stand out there.
The Dr. G special was excellent. I was not aware that most of the teeth were still intact. After the show I felt that sickening feeling, knowing a beautiful two-year-old little girl was discarded like trash. Dave, I don’t blame you for staying home where you can keep warm. It is 20 degrees where I live in Pennsylvania, and it is windy. It is going to warm up on Friday………………….a hot 35 degrees is expected. As for Jeff Ashton, his book was great; hopefully he will be just as successful in politics, as he was in his legal career. Love your Casey poem and it is catchy.
Hi, Rob - 20 degrees is way too cold for me, but even at 36, it was unbearable. As much as I like Jeff, I don't like the frigid weather and that trumped spending a few minutes listening to him. Sorry.
I'm glad you found his book to be a great read. From getting to know him, I have the utmost respect for him. Still, if I could vote for him, I would vet Lamar and him equally. I can't, but I can keep local politics on my blog as this unfolds. As long as it's worth writing about, which it should be.
Thanks for enjoying the poem, too. When I was young and in grade school, I used to love to write poetry. Then, I lost my touch as the desire faded. I'm glad it's still in me.
Great post Dave - I did not see Dr. G's program but reading your summary helped all of us understand Caylee did not just drown but was murdered. No way she would have had her teeth without the tape.
It's cold here also Dave and now I can tell everyone why I just let the dog out in the fenced
area and not take our usual morning walk - Security reasons of course. Will probably do the same in the morning since it is predicted in the low 20's. We Floridians have a hard time with this type of weather.
[Hello, Nika1! Thank you for enjoying the post. Yes, those teeth wouldn't have been left intact without that tape there to keep them in place. Too bad the jury didn't grasp the concept.
You know, it's always colder where you are and I'm glad I'm not anywhere outside right now, there or here. It's downright cold and we're supposed to get a hard freeze tonight, although not as hard as yours I'll bet. We are supposed to be in the high 20s, too. YES! We Floridians do have a hard time with this type of weather, but aat least it doesn't last like up north. I don't expect it would be any better in the mountains.
So, are you better now from your accident. I'm sorry to hear about it, but I hope you were well enough to see the Gators beat Ohio St. Live, I mean. It was a good game to watch. Anyway, keep in touch when you can. I'd like to come up and visit sometime. It's very nice country your way, especially where you live.
Meanwhile Stay warm! Lock up tight. For security reasons, of course.]
Nika1~ ~are there citrus crops still on the trees? I love oranges and lemons and I'd hate to see the price of them sky rocket after this cold snap. We did get a white Christmas but then the rains came and mild temps and there is not a speck of snow to be seen now. It seems our temps are getting milder as each year passes.
Snoopy - We had a really cold winter last year but this is our first so far this year. Fruit could be damaged here but in central Florida it should be OK. Ours oranges etc. are used mainly for juice so they can pick them after the cold. We had a little snow last year and everyone went wild. LOL
So this is what all the hoopla was about. Jeff Ashton said tonight on the Dr Drew show that those depositions were not sealed. The doctors were originally on the defense witness list and due to testify. My question is, how could they testify before a jury about anything that had to remain confidential?
Casey Anthony's criminal defense team is going after Jeff Ashton.
In newly filed papers, the defense wants Ashton to explain why he shouldn't be held in contempt for releasing information in sealed court files.
Judge Belvin Perry sealed the depositions of two mental health evaluations for Casey Anthony. The defense says Ashton revealed details of the evaluations and depositions in his book, "An Imperfect Justice."
From the motion for rule to show cause, the defense writes:
"Mr. Ashton has published a book which further reveals the contents of the sealed depositions... Whether this violation was purposeful or simply a result of "Imperfect Memory," an objection violation of this Court's Order has occurred."
The motion says Ashton also told George Anthony about the sealed material at one point, and the court reserved ruling then on whether Ashton should have been held in contempt.
In the motion, Anthony's defense says Ashton violated the court's order "strictly for profit." The motion also says the "continued dissemination of Mr. Ashton's book is an ongoing violation of the Court's order."
Source
[I'm not sure of all the particulars, but Ashton said on Dr. Drew that only the transcripts were sealed, not the minds or notes of the people involved in the discussion. That's a big difference. The rest, I'll have to read up on.]
Nika1~ ~I think Dave's sister, Maggie, was wise in buying him a scarf and hat for Christmas. Now if we can push him out the door to try them out. LOL My sister-in-law spends the winters in Clearwater and she said tonight that it is not going to warm up before Wednesday. I told her if she runs into any of the Pinellas 12 to give them a kick you know where.
[I went out for about an hour today to do some shopping. It was cold and it got colder before I made it home. Unfortunately, I forgot the hat, but I don't think I really, really needed the scarf. It was probably in the upper 40s then. Tonight? Forget it! I'm not even going to crack the door open.]
It is 28 here now - 18 in the mountains!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have to take the doggie out one more time and keep putting it off. I did go to the gator bowl game and it was great. Also went to gator basketball tonight and we won. I am fine now - just cold.
[I think 28 was the lowest it got in the Orlando area. I'm curious about your dog's attitude about going for walks in freezing weather. I know they have fur, but still, it's downright cold out! One of our cats, Lucy, got out the other day. It was warm and all, but we don't let her out. She sat outside the door and, suddenly, the neighbor revved up his Harley and she wanted no part of that. She wanted the safety of the house, so in she went.
I've never been to a college hoop game that I can think of. That should be one of my next missions. I did know the Gators won, but they got off to a slow start. Good thing for Erving Walker and Kenny Boynton. Oh yes, and Will Yeguete with his rebounds!
Stay warm, Nika1!]
Hope you're nice and warm today Dave...I had to give in and turn on the heat yesterday as even though I'm a bit south of you we still got pretty chilly...Today it is downright cold for us Floridians., but thankfully it's not breezy...
I didn't get to see the Dr. G program...Thanks for the coverage...And as for Mr. Ashton, I don''t live in the area to vote for him either, but think I would if I could...
Well, Dave, hope you're back to feeling good and hope this year brings you more success...
[I'm nice and warm, Estee, and fortunately we don't need to turn up the heat very often in Florida. We turned the heat on Monday and Tuesday. Yesterday, it was chilly all day and I had to turn on the heat in my car for the first time this winter. Right now, at noon:30, it's 51 - not too bad.
Ashton and Dr. G were on the Dr. Drew show last night, and it shed nothing new on the murder case, but it was still interesting to watch. As for my health... Gee, two days in a row! I must be getting better. Thanks, and I hope you have a great new year, too!]
Reading The Ballad of Casey gave me the chills and just by going through line after line, I can feel such strong emotions on her case.
I may add more to the ballad later on, Cassie, but right now, that one pretty much says it all. Yes, it's sad and that case will continue to elicit strong emotions for many, many years to come. The purpose of writing it was only to keep Caylee in our minds for years and generations to come.
Thank you, and by the way, I might want to get some BCs printed. Perhaps you can put up a link to your site when you come back in.
Nice banner. I see you are ready for our Paris honeymoon Dave.... wonderful.
Thank you, Tiffany... Yes, I am getting ready, but it's too cold right now, especially atop the Eiffel Tower. The hotel concierge is expecting us, and will sprinkle rose petals all over the room before our arrival.
Hi Dave
Excellent poem - well said and very accurate!!
Thanks for posting this about Jeff Ashton. I have such high regard for him after watching how he conducted himself throughout this case - even before the trial started during the pre-trial motions, etc. What I learned about him during the trial was even more impressive. I like that he is an intelligent man and has had a role in getting the courts to allow more scientific testing and conclusions as evidence.
IMO Mr Ashton's dedication to being an advocate for victims shined brightly throughout this case. He spoke for Caylee in such a heartfelt, honest and intelligent way that I don't think Florida could've chosen a better prosecutor. I agree with you 100 percent that he did not quit and if he wins the election the citizens of Orange-Osceola will be extremely lucky.
I also believe that Mr Ashton, along with his team - including his former boss, did not lose this case in the court of public opinion. In fact, they won the hearts and loyalty of thousands of people all over the world that watched this story unfold. They proved that even though the system is flawed and sometimes appears to give all rights to criminals there are still those who fight with integrity for justice and for vicitims. Reading your article today prompted me to do some looking around on Youtube for some Jeff Ashton invterviews regarding his book.
I found this one that I think will not only shed some insight on Mr. Ashton's honesty and integrity but it show you a side of him that's very self-deprecating and charming as well. What he says at the very end will have you busting a stitch!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrEuszGafAo&feature=related
Having gotten through most of Dr. Wecht's current book, he was as stunned by the jury's "bizarre" verdict as the rest of us. According to him the notes they keep (not that they bothered to use them during deliberations) are destroyed after verdict. But they could presumably go back to their hotel room daily and write up separate notes, I'd think.
And, "Our" Dave's mentioned nicely twice in it. Good read with a few details I wasn't aware of and/or forgotten.