A second bond hearing was held for Casey Anthony, mother of missing child Caylee Anthony, as a result of her attorney challenging the consitutionality of her being held without bond. Family members and investigators were called to testify about Casey and the investigation.
Testimony of Cindy Anthony
Cindy was asked about her relationship with her daughter, which she answered that Casey was her bestfriend. She also said Casey had lied to her before, but they were always able to get to the bottom of things.When asked if she had ever witnessed Casey abusing Caylee, she said that she never saw any abuse, but just the opposite. She described Casey as a mother who always showed love and patience towards her daughter.
She also said she had heard Casey mention her friend and Caylee's babysitter Zenaida Fernandez-Gonzalez (Zanie), for at least three years, but had not met her or ever spoken to her.
There were tense moments during the hearing when she was asked to disclose personal information about her finances and if she would be able to afford the cost of her daughter's bond.
George Anthony's Testimony
Casey Anthony's father, George Anthony, was asked by Casey's attorney much of the same questions asked to Cindy Anthony. His answers did not conflict with any of the answers given by his wife and son. The prosecution did not question Mr. Anthony.
Lee Anthony's Testimony
Lee Anthony, Casey's brother, took the stand and described how close he was to Casey. He answered their relationship was based on unconditional love and they could tell each other things they may not feel comfortable telling anybody else, even their own family members.He also testified that on July 15, he pleaded with Casey, prior to Cindy Anthony calling 9-1-1 to tell whatever she knew about her missing child. He said Casey maintained for 45 minutes that she knew the whereabouts of Caylee and that she was safe. Casey told him she would take the family to her the following morning.
He said before the police arrived Casey broke down and said she hadn't seen her daughter in 31 days.
When asked by Casey's lawyer if given the time with Casey alone, did he believe he could find out what Casey knows about her missing daughter, to which he answered, "I have no doubt in my mind".
Orange County Investigator Yuri Melich's Testimony
Orange County Lead Detective Yuri Melich testified that when searching Casey's car, which is owned by her parents, that he smelled what he described as decomposition. He also testified that strands of hair, which could be Caylee Anthony's hair, as well as dirt and a stain were found in the trunk of the car. The car was sent for forensic testing.Meilch described Casey as a "person of interest" rather than a suspect in the disappearance of her daughter, Caylee. He discussed tips the police had received including a cell phone photo which showed a mark and bruises on Caylee's body and under her eye. A witness he interviewed also mentioned seeing the child with bruises.
When cross examined, he said there was no direct evidence which proved Casey Anthony had anything to do with the disappearance of her daughter.
Bond Set at $500,000
Judge Stan Strickland set Casey Anthony's bond at $500,000 plus ordered home confinement with electronic monitoring, a complete psychological evaluation within 30 days, and ruled she must turn over her passport if her bond is posted and she is released."Not a bit of useful information has been provided by Ms. Anthony as to the whereabouts of her daughter," Judge Strickland said. "And I would add that the truth and Ms. Anthony are strangers."
