Casey Anthony, acquitted in daughter's death
/ File photo
Ask just about anyone and they have an opinion about the verdict in the Casey Anthony trial. It's a case that has captivated the country and sparked outrage, anger, scorn, judgment and intrigue.
According to a group of her peers, the 12 men and women of the jury, 25-year-old Casey Anthony is not guilty of murdering her precious 2-year-old daughter Caylee, a little girl who's life ended much too soon. Whether it was due to lack of evidence or perhaps jurors bought the defense's case that little Caylee's death was just a horrible accident, we just don't know, as jurors decided not to speak publicly after reaching their verdict.
Many court-watchers were stunned by the outcome, fully expecting Anthony to be convicted of the crime. Others were convinced jurors would never convict given the circumstantial nature of the case.
Prosecutors maintained Anthony, a single mother living with her parents, suffocated Caylee with duct tape because she didn't want the responsibility of motherhood. The defense said Caylee accidentally drowned in the family swimming pool. They argued Anthony panicked and hid the body because of the traumatic effects of being sexually abused by her father.
What we do know is the little girl was missing for a month before anyone ever knew. Casey was out partying and getting a tattoo with the Italian words for "beautiful life" in the days and weeks after her daughter disappeared.
It's these actions that many say point to her guilt. After all, a mother who's just lost a child should be overcome with grief, not out partying, right? "The justice system has failed Caylee," said Ti McLeod who lives near the Anthony family in Orlando. It's a story that undoubtedly resonates with mothers and even fathers who look at pictures of little Caylee and think of their own children. People want someone to be held responsible for the little girl's death.
Read this blog from the Orlando Sentinel about why one woman feels good about judging Casey Anthony.
Here's what some of you are saying about the case on CNY Central's Facebook page:
Terry Sakowski: "Casey Anthony got away with murder! I don't care how dysfunctional a family is; a true mother is not going to make partying and sex a first priority when her toddler is missing. Let's not forget that she was not even the person who made the 911 call on day 31! RIP, Caylee! You're in a much better place. We love you!"
Robin Mead Griff: "Great Justice System we have.....nice message sending out to all the young women.....get pregnant.,...have a child and when you are done with it just dispose of it like a old worn out rag doll. I am soo sickened by the parents out there that abuse their children and even now committ murder and get away with it."
Melissa Combs: "Is distraught how a mother that has carried their child in their womb for nine months could abuse neglect and kill their youngin. A mother is suppose to love and protect their youngins with all their might, fight, and breath."
Kathleen Davis: "She is guilty of not reporting her daughter missing!!! How can a mother wait a month before reporting her child missing. i just dont get it. im a mom of a toddler, and i couldnt imagine not reporting him missing even after a few min. This poor toddler will never get her justice that she deserves. Its a very sad day for her!!! R.I.P. little caylee!!!"
What was your reaction to the verdict? Do you think she's guilty? Do you think a lack of concrete evidence led to the jury's decision? Do you think they believed it was an accident? What do you think will happen to Casey Anthony once she's released from prison? Leave your thoughts below.
