Judge Releases Caylee's Autopsy Over Objections

Despite an emotional plea from her grandparents that it would cause "endless pain" for the family, a Florida judge released the autopsy report of slain toddler Caylee Anthony to the media last week. The report revealed few new facts, but demonstrated the intensity of the forensic investigation in the case.

The remains of Caylee were found December 11, 2008 nearly six months after she disappeared.

The autopsy was conducted by Orange County Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jan Garavaglia.

"The roots growing into the vertebrae and bags indicate the body was placed there months prior to being found," Garavaglia said in her report. "There is nothing inconsistent with the body being placed there soon after the date of [Caylee] being last seen alive."

Autopsy Report Details

Some of the details in the report include:

• The remains were "completely skeltonized" and the bones were scattered by animals after the body began to decompose.

• Roots were found growing around the plastic bag and Caylee's vertebrae indicating she had been in the wooded area since shortly after she disappeared.

• The skull was separated from the other body parts.

• Duct tape was wrapped around Caylee's mouth and held her jaw bone in place, indicating the tape was placed their prior to decomposition.

• The remains showed no evidence of visible trauma.

Found with Caylee's remains were two plastic bags, a canvas laundry bag, a Winnie the Pooh baby blanket, a pair of multicolored shorts and two sets of cloth letters. On set spelled out "big" and the other spelled "trouble," Garavaglia reported.

Family Wanted Autopsy Sealed

George Anthony, Caylee's grandfather, had asked Judge Stan Strickland not to release the autopsy report to the media. "Our family's memory of precious Caylee Marie is all we have left of her," he said.

But Judge Strickland said according to the law, he had no choice. "Their pain means a great deal to me. I don't like the ruling I'm making, but it's one that I legally have to make," he said. George Anthony stormed out of the courtroom after the ruling.

The last time the grandparents saw Caylee was June 15, 2008. She wasn't reported missing until July 2008. Investigators believe she was killed shortly after June 15 and her body was left in a wooded area near the Anthonys' house. The remains were found December 11 by a county meter reader.

See Also:
Caylee Anthony's Autopsy Report Details Meticulous Investigation
Autopsy: Caylee Anthony's Skull Was Duct-Taped

Background:
The Caylee Marie Anthony Case
Timeline of Early Events
9-1-1 Call Transcripts

Forum:
Discuss The Caylee Anthony Case

^{Photo: Family Photo}