The prosecution calls George Anthony. Prosecutor Ashton questions George Anthony on background. Began law enforcement at age of 23. He met Cindy while she was a nurse in a peds unit in Ohio. He was a narcotics officer and married in 1981. Left law enforcement a year after Casey was born to start auto business. Lee was seven and Cindy was three when they moved to Orlando.
He found out in May 2005 found out Casey was pregnant. Cindy and Casey sat him down in the living room. He was excited and concerned. He was excited about being a grandfather.He wanted Casey to feel excited and be happy about her pregnancy. He was not sure who the father was but did not address it. He states Cindy and him did everything to make this a happy time for her. He attended her ultrasound. He was concerned about her being a single parent. Casey was welcome to stay at home until she became self reliant. Home was 4937 Hopespring Road. Prosecutor Ashton shows pic of home on HopeSpring road and the pic is entered as evidence after confirmation from George Anthony. Casey worked until 2-3 weeks before Caylee was born. George chokes up when questioned about Caylee. Prosecutor Ashton helps him and asks when he first found out "it was time" for Caylee to be born. George Anthony attended birth of Caylee. He said experiences it was beautiful but embarrassing watching Caylee being born. Around the time Caylee was born, George asked about father of baby. He states their was a name brought up and the last name may have been Baker but she was also dating Jesse Gund. He met Jesse Grund the day Caylee was born. Jesse did not make the best first impression but the family opened up their arms to him, per George Anthony. It became known through DNA that Jesse was not the father. George states when questioned his role was the grandfather and sometimes the father. He was excited to have his daughter and granddaughter at home. Cindy helped out frequently and was a great grandmother. Caylee called him "Jo JO" as Casey used to call him Papa Joe and Cindy was "C C" or grandma.
Caylee, was per George, was advanced and could put alot of word together , she could work remote, load dvd, and go to cupboard and go get spoon and peanut butter and bring it to you. She could do puzzles and she could learn and sing a song after hearing it for one time.
George admits he thought Casey was employed and sometimes he did not. He wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. He at times would question her about her money. She told him that she was an event planner at Universal and worked part time at Sports Authority. In May of 2008. He says she at times would go to work at 2- and come home about 8p at times. It appears she had a job. Cindy was working M_F 7a-5p. George was working 2nd shift doing security. He worked Sunday through Thursday. George states, Casey said Zanny was babysitting for Caylee.
George is shown and admits that pic that is shown to him is Caylee. It is entered into evidence. He states it was taken around January 2008. June 16, 2008. George states he wakes up around 7am when Cindy has left or is going to work. He has coffee and spends time with Caylee. He would help her to the BR and assist her with brushing he teeth. He would help her with breakfast. It was "a great morning' per George. Caylees favorite videos were 101 Dalmations and Lady in the Tramp. He recalls first seeing Casey around 10am. He is not sure as he cherished "morning time" with Caylee.Casey left the house around , he remembers watching the food channel, Caylee was wearing blue jeans and pink top, and Caylee said she was going to see Zanny when asked. He questioned CAsey if she was coming home or staying over. Casey would sometimes stay over at friends. He buckled car seat for Caylee and hugged Casey and said "be safe." He never say Caylee again. Prosecuter Ashton asks George Anthony, point blank, "Have you ever sexually abused Casey." "Were you home when Caylee Athony died." George tearfully says "NO" He is asked if he was trained in CPR as law enforcement and he says "yes." He states he would have done anything to save his granddaughter. He denies use of the duct tape. He denies knowledge Caylee died June 16th.George is crying. Prosecution rests. Caylee is crying.
Cross Examination"
Jose Baez questions George when he found out Casey was pregnant. He admits she was 7 months pregnant. George states he told Ricky (his brother) it was his and Cindy's business and they would handle what was going on with Casey. Baez is trying to show pic of CAsey at wedding in Myrtle Beach. Objection as Baez did not ask George to identify pic and Baez did not admit it into evidence. Sidebar per Judge Perry request.
George states he never say a paycheck. He states he finances were her business. They were very good about helping her with emergencies. He hoped he spending money on Caylee and he needs. He admits he never spoke or met the nanny. He is questioned "For two years, Casey dropped off Caylee to someone you never met." Baez states "for most of her life." Baez asks did you go to Sport Authority to see if she was working. George states he was going to take her to lunch and check if she was working. Judge Perry admonishes George and Jose Baez about "talking over each other."
June 16th. George admits to having breakfast with Caylee.She would swim almost daily. She would wake up and say "JO JO swim" daily. George says almost daily."You and Cindy were having problems, right" 'No." per George. "When Caylee was born , you moved out , didn't you" Objection and sidebar.
Question repeated. George states he moved out end of November or December. Lee moved out, as well. "The issue why you moved out was Casey did not want you around." George says no and admits it was a gambling and a Nigerian Bank scam. George denies there was tension between he and Casey when he moved back. George admits it is his testimony that Casey and Caylee left around 12:15 or shortly thereafter.
He is questioned in regard to his testimony and what Caylee was wearing. He is then asked what Cindy was wearing and is unable to testify to Cindys' dress the same day. He states Cindy may have already been at work.
George is being questioned in regard to the gas can and duct tape on the can. There are questions and sidebar.Questioning is resumed before there are more objections and another sidebar.
Baez is insinuating that George was "prepped" by prosecution and is questioned about length of time of conversation with prosecution. Objection, overruled and Judge Perry holds up questioning and sifts through paperwork.
Judge Perry tells jury it is entirely lawful and proper for a client to meet with their attorney and should not be discredited in their testimony.
George is questioned about his workmans comp issue. Baez is questioning George about seeking expert opinion 24 hours after Caylee reported missing. George attempts to state George Kelly is a workman's comp attorney and was sought in reference to is injury. Objection and sidebar.
George is questioned about the duct tape. Baez states he did not tell Prosecutor Ashton about the duct tape. George states he has had many duct tapes and tapes. Baez tries to question him about the duct tape being from Publix.(grocery store) Baez is met objections and requests to approach the bench and Judge Perry states "No". Baez moves on to questioning about the car impound. He is questioned whether or not he mentioned his granddaughter and daughter was missing, when he picked up the car. George states he said in a soft voice "I hope that is not my daughter or granddaughter."Baez rests.
Prosecution redirects and asks George about his Sports Authority. He states he asked a store agent and manager and it became known she did not work there. He states it was not a good conversation with Cindy as it was felt to be an invasion of privacy. He let it go. George testifies George Kelly was an attorney for in 1996 and early part of 2000. They had been personal friends of theirs for 20 years. He came to their house the day after Caylee was reported as missing as a friend and as a legal opinion. George testifies he was tired and had not eaten and did not know what to do. George is thanked for his testimony.Adjourned for today. It is interesting to note Nancy Grace and Geraldo Rivera , among others are in the courtroom.
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