Friday, May 20, 2011

Outburst:Elizabeth Ann Rogers, Criminal Record

Pinellas County Sheriff's Office

Subject Charge Report

The data on this site provides arrest and booking information and should not be relied upon to determine an individual's actual criminal record. This data may not reflect charging decisions made by the State Attorney's Office or the outcome of criminal trials. An acquittal or dismissal of a criminal charge does not necessarily negate the validity of an arrest. To obtain the final disposition of any criminal charges, contact the Clerk of the Court's Office.



Name: ROGERS, ELIZABETH ANN

DOB: 7/2/1981

Docket #: 1176796

Arrest Date: 2/11/2006 11:08:00 PM

Race: WHITE

Sex: FEMALE

Name Docket No. Booking Date Arresting Agency

ROGERS, ELIZABETH ANN 1176796 2/11/2006 11:52:36 PM PINELLAS COUNTY SHERIFF

Address City State Zip Code

1100 PINELLAS PT DR ST PETERSBURG FL 33775

Race Sex DOB Place of Birth Arrest Age

WHITE FEMALE 7/2/1981 FL 24

Eyes Hair Complexion Height Weight

BLU BLN MED 511 200



Scars, Marks & Tattoos





Cell Location/Status Commissary Account Balance SPIN Booking Type

RELEASED - 2/14/2006 3:34 PM

PROBATION $0.00 1484782 MISDEMEANOR



Aliases





Charges

Charge Number: 1

Agency Report Number: SO06039068

Offense Description: BATTERY - STRIKE OR TOUCH

Statute: 784.03(1)/M

Court Case Number: CTC0604049MMANO

Bond Assessed:

Bond Amount Due:

OBTS: 5205110448





2011 Pinellas County Sheriff's Office

Trial Day 11, Friday May, 20.2011

It's the eleventh day of jury selection in the Casey Anthony murder trial.  Judge Perry says he'll swear a jury today. CaseyAnthony is in the courtroom along with her attorneys. The prosecution team is also in the courtroom.Judge Perry takes the bench.
The next potential juror is brought in, a white male in his 50’s.Judge Perry questions this new potential juror about his knowledge of pretrial publicity. Judge Perry questions this new potential juror about his knowledge of pretrial publicity. The potential juror says he has formed no opinions of the defendant's guilt or innocence. He insists that he can follow the law and be fair.The juror says he has a strong moral disposition against death penalty, stating “ I am actually quite offended that they do it in my name." The potential juror leaves the courtroom. Because of his death penalty views, he is excused for cause. Neither side has any questions on the publicity issue. So Judge Perry now moves to the issue of the death penalty.
There are about 15 spectators in the courtroom this morning for #CaseyAnthony jury selection. Roughly a dozen of them are reporters.
This juror leaves the courtroom. Because of his opposition to the death penalty, he is excused for cause (over defense objection).
The next potential juror is brought in. He is a white male in his 50’s. Perry begins questioning him on pretrial publicity. Because the State has no questions for this potential juror, Baez begins the defense portion of t pretrial publicity voir dire. Perry now moves to the issue of the  death penalty with this potential juror.The State has no death penalty questioThe voir dire of this potential juror is now concluded. There are no challenges, so he is still in play as the 17th possible juror.ns, so Finnell begins the defense portion of the death penalty voir dire. Prosecutor George begins the State's general voir dire of this juror. Mason begins his general voir dire of this potential juror. Judge Perry then calls for a 10 minute recess. #CaseyAnthony remains at the defense table. Judge Perry is back on the bench.  Defense requests a sidebar shortly after. Sidebar ends and the next potential juror is brought in.
The potential juror is a white female in her 30’s. This is the last potential juror from the first week of questioning. The judge questions this potential juror regarding pretrial publicity. Drane Burdick begins the State's portion of the publicity voir dire. Baez begins the defense publicity voir dire. Judge Perry now moves to the death penalty portion of this juror's voir dire. Neither side has any death penalty questions. The potential juror is excused for cause, based on her answer that she could not accept Casey Anthony 's decision not to testify. The next potential juror is brought in. She is a female and the first to be questioned from yesterday's new panel. Judge Perry begins the pretrial publicity portion of this juror's voir dire. Ashton begins the State's pretrial publicity voir dire for #CaseyAnthony jury selection. The defense has no publicity questions. So, the judge moves on to his questioning regarding capital punishment.
DRAMA: A LAGE WHITE WOMAN IN A FLOERED DRESS WITH NO SHES STANDS UP AND YELLS "SHE KILLED SOMEONE ANYWAY!"SHE HAS NO SHOES ON.  SHE IS QUICKLY REMOVED FROM THE COURT. CASEY APPEARS STUNNED. THE WOMAN SAYS " I AM SORRY" AS SHE IS ESCORTED OUT.
The court is in recess.
Judge Perry is back on the bench and brings woman back in court. Judge Perry asks the woman why she should not be held in court.She says she was in another court room hearing for her boyfriend.  She says she is bipolar, borderline personality disorder and goes to a methadone clinic daily.. She says she is mentally incompetant and states she has a 3 year old at home. She lists her meds at Seroquel, Thorazine and Methadone. So is she an opiate abuser as well? Judge Perry sentances the sniveling idiot to 2 days in jail instead of 179 days, for contempt. She is escorted out of the courtroom.
Ultimately, Judge Perry decides to excuse this potential juror. The next potential juror is brought up for questioning. At first, this new juror says that sitting on this jury would be a hardship. Then she says that it would actually be an emotional hardship.Judge Perry begins the pretrial publicity portion of this.potential juror's voir dire. Prosecutor George begins the State's pretrial publicity voir dire for Casey Anthony jury selection.Baez begins his publicity voir dire for #CaseyAnthony jury selection. Judge Perry now moves to the subject of the death penalty for this potential juror. The State has no questions for the potential juror, so Finnell begins her voir dire, questioning on the death penalty. Prosecutor George now begins the State’s general voir dire of this potential juror. The attorneys go sidebar to question the potential juror about some things privately. Casey Anthony remains sitting at the defense table.This juror is similar to Casey. Trouble with the law, history of writing bad checks and  a high school dropout.Neither side objects to the perspective juror so she stays in play as potential juror,
Recess for lunch.
CaseyAnthony has just been escorted into the courtroom.All of the parties are present, and Judge Perry has just taken the bench. The next potential juror has taken the stand and Perry is now questioning him.
The new juror has stated his opinion that #CaseyAnthony is guilty. Judge Perry questions him about that stated opinion. Despite his opinion, the witness thinks he can be fair in the #CaseyAnthony case "because of the stakes of this case." Drane Burdick questions this juror on the issue of pretrial publicity and his current opinion. Baez begins the publicity voir dire. There are more people in court than usual for Casey Anthony jury selection, with about 30 to 35 spectators at the moment. Judge Perry has now moved to the issue of capital punishment.This potential juror says he's against the death penalty for religious reasons. Neither side has questions for him and he is asked to leave the courtroom. The potential juror is excused for cause. The next juror, a female, is brought to the stand. She believes Casey Anthony is guilty. After some brief questioning by Judge Perry, neither side chooses to question her. She is asked to leave the courtroom..The potential Casey Anthony juror is excused for cause and the next juror is brought in.The new juror says that she doesn't feel she's qualified to sit in judgment in the #CaseyAnthony case. Neither side has any questions for the potential juror, and she is asked to step out of the courtroom. Due to this juror's claim of emotional distress, she is excused for cause, and the next juror, a male, is brought in. Judge Perry questions this juror about his knowledge of pretrial publicity.The State has no publicity questions for the potential juror. Judge Perry moves right to the penalty phase questioning.The State has no death penalty questions, so Finnell begins the defense death penalty voir dire.
The courtroom continues to fill up with spectators for Casey Anthony jury selection. There are now about 45 to 50 present in court.
Drane Burdick begins the State's general voir dire. The potential juror is a 25 year old male.Mason begins the general voir dire questioning for the defense. There is not objection the potential juror so he stays in the running to be on Casey Anthony‘s  jury. Perry calls for a 10 minute recess. #CaseyAnthony jury selection will continue when they get back.Mason and the last potential juror did a lot of trading quips back and forth, during which, Casey Anthony smiles at least twice. Judge Perry returns to the courtroom. The next potential juror is brought into the courtroom for Casey Anthony jury selection..The judge begins to question this potential juror about the issue of pretrial publicity. There are now about 55 to 60 spectators in court watching #CaseyAnthony jury selection. Ashton has one questions for his publicity voir dire. The defense has no questions in this area, so Perry moves to the death penalty issue.
The juror says that she doesn't believe in the death penalty. She is subsequently excused for cause (over defense objection). There is one more potential juror to be questioned today for Casey Anthony jury selection. Before the potential juror can enter, the judge calls the attorneys to a sidebar.
Back from sidebar now the next potential juror is brought in. She is the last scheduled to be questioned today. Perry questions this final juror about her knowledge of pretrial publicity on the Casey Anthony case. Prosecutor George now begins his publicity voir dire. Baez begins the defense publicity voir dire for Casey Anthony jury selection.The judge now moves to the topic of the death penalty. Ashton begins the State's death penalty voir dire. Finnell questions shortly on the death penalty issue. Prosecutor George comes up next to begin the State’s general voir dire. Baez begins general voir dire for the defense now. The potential juror leaves the room. Neither side challenges. She becomes the 20th juror .Perry calls the attorneys back to his chambers for a moment. #CaseyAnthony remains at the defense table.  The judge and the attorneys are in chambers to discuss a matter with one of the potential jurors. We don't know what this pertains to.Of the 20 potential jurors who have made it through round two of Casey Anthony jury selection, 9 are men and 11 are women.. For a moment, Judge Perry enters the courtroom (without his robe). He retrieves paperwork from his bench, then disappears back into chambers. While everyone else is in the back with the judge, Casey Anthony chats with defense attorney Freyer. The attorneys have reentered the courtroom. Baez crouches down next to Casey Anthony to talk to her. Finnell asks a court officer if there's a more private place they could talk to her. Still, all defense attorneys stay in the court room. Finnell talks to Case yAnthony, while Baez and Mason stand nearby. Casey Anthony and her defense team has just left the courtroom for the holding cell/chambers area.
The woman from the previous #outburst today, Elizabeth Ann Rodgers, is escorted into the courtroom. She is crying. Judge Perry is back on the bench now. Rodgers is now represented by counsel. Perry is setting aside his previous contempt ruling, and asks again why this woman should not be held in contempt of court. Rodger is dressed in Pinellas County Jail garb. She sobs, and explains once again why she said what she said, citing stress. Rodgers says she didn't actually take her meds this morning, as she said she had. She says she has been in a 2 year abusive relationship. Rodgers' attorney asks that she not be held in contempt.
Judge Perry says, "while it is a public trial, you do not have a right to stand up and say things” Perry decides not to alter his previous decision and finds Rodgers in contempt of court, sentencing her to 2 days in jail. Rodgers is escorted from the courtroom. Court is once again in recess.
CaseyAnthony and the attorneys are back in the court. Judge Perry is back on the bench.
The state uses a peremptory to strike juror 3308. That juror is then moved back to the end of the alternate list. The defense then uses its last strike to remove potential juror 1340. Baez then makes a motion requesting additional preemptories but Perry denies the request. The two sides have each agreed to strike one alternate (3281 for prosecution, and 4123 for the defense).The remaining jurors would remain. With this, it seems that there will be 5 alternates on the  jury. Baez notes that the defense does not accept the panel as seated. He makes a "vigorous" objection, which is denied. The judge questions Casey Anthony directly. She says she has conferred with her attorneys, and is satisfied with her input in the process.
The 12 jurors for Casey Anthony are 1398, 1019, 4055, 1319, 1429, 1025, 1007, 3015, 3185, 3310, 3016, and 3140.
The 5 alternates for the Casey Anthony jury are 3093, 3170, 4013, 4192, and 3308.
Judge Perry has called a brief recess to get the jurors into court to be sworn in for the Casey Anthony trial.
Judge Perry has left the bench, and the attorneys have turned their chairs around to face the gallery.Courtroom spectators have been moved to the rear rows, so that the new jurors can be brought into the room and sworn in. Judge Perry returns to the bench. He warns the spectators that he will tolerate no outbursts. Perry also warns that anyone who attempts to follow the jurors "may be guilty of jury tampering, and will be dealt with severely!" The jurors for the Casey Anthony trail are escorted by court officers into the first few rows of the courtroom. The jurors rise, and are sworn in to be jurors for the Casey Anthony trial. The judge gives the jurors some preliminary instructions.
The main 12 jurors for Casey Anthony are 5 men and 7 women. The alternates are 3 men and 2 women.The judge says he will now meet privately in the back with the new jurors. They are escorted from the courtroom. Judge Perry leaves the bench to go speak privately with the jurors. He will return shortly. In the meantime, court is in recess.Those who remain in the courtroom are comparing notes and jury totals. Judge Perry returns to the bench. Perry thanks Pinellas County for its hospitality in helping with Casey Anthony jury selection. "Words are just adequate to say thanks."
Perry says openings for the Casey Anthony trial will now be heard at 9:00 am on Tuesday, May 24. Court is adjourned for the day. Casey Anthony is escorted from the courtroom. FL v. Casey Anthony will begin on Tuesday at 9am.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Trial day 3

110 jurors have been interviewed. 39 have been kept for further interview. Jose Baez again brings up an issue. He states there is a TV on in the cafeteria. He states he does not know what control the Judge has on the TV issue. Baez asks fr jurors to raise hands again , if they heard media or case discussed in court. Judge Perry is obviously perturbed with Baez. He tells Baez, I told you we will address it later (in second interview)

Casey Day 2 of not sitting next to Baez. After Baez outburst and accusation she is acting like a two year old

http://www.cayleedaily.com/2011/05/casey-atty-tells-her-shes-acting-like-a-2-yr-old/comment-page-5/

With one comment Jose Baez did more damage to Case, in my opionion, than te 578 chemicals of decomp and the 31 days of Caylee missing.

Judge Perry prepares to read charges again. Casey is preparing herself to read charges again. Judge Perry introduces. court , staff ,defense and prosecution . As Judge Perry reads cares, she takes in a deep breath and exhales slowly. She hangs head.She is upset. Her nose is reddened and closes her eyes when hears the charges she killed Caylee. She never raises her head. This is the most emotion she has expressed since the beginning.

Attorney Finnell renews her objection to the fact minorities are underrepresented in the jury panel and asks to have the panel stricken. What the heck. They are throwing the race card and Casey is white. I don't know if this is funny or pathetic.Needles s to say. Judge Perry denies her request.

Potential juror #113 is kept despite his attempt to be excused. WM, 30's

Potential juror #114, WF, 60's retained for further questioning.

Potential juror #116 AAF,20's,  mother, retained.

Potential juror #117, WF, 50's states has not been away from husband in 42 years. She is retained. (She might like this)

Potential juror, 117, WF 50's, states has not been away from husband for 42 years. She is retained.

Potential juror 120 WF, 60's.multiple concerns, school reunion, visit grandchildren and has pets. She is retained.

Potential juror #125 is a white male in his 40s. He will be compensated by his employer. He also coaches Little League baseball.Retained.

Potential juror #131 is a white female in her 50s. She needs to have lab work done on a regular basis. Judge Perry says they can do that.She had a kidney transplant and can do this testing anywhere. She will be compensated by her employer. She will return

The attorneys have just been let back in the courtroom. The defendant is not yet present.

 There is a problem with one of the jurors speaking about the case to outsiders. Judge Perry is asking him to explain his actions.The juror is facing contempt charges. He says he just wanted to get out of jury duty.He claims he didn't know he was doing anything wrong. He wanted to find out more about the case to avoid jury duty.Judge Perry finds him in contempt of court and must pay a $450 fine. He must pay $50 per month.

The potential juror who was told to call his employer and report back says his employer will pay as long as he is needed.

A potential juror from yesterday is reporting back to Judge Perry. He was supposed to go on an anniversary trip with his wife.He is supposed to take the LSAT this fall and is enrolled in a prep class during the summer. The attorneys argue there is no hardship.He will be called back for additional questioning later this week.

After complaints from the defense, Judge Perry announces he will go to a local homeless shelter to find more minorities.The court is working on checking the driver's licenses of the people at the homeless shelter. Judge Perry asks Jose Baez , this is his complaint so does he want Judge Perry to go through with checking drivers licenses. Jose Baez states "yes." One of Jose Baez's attorneys covers his mouth and is laughing.

Potential juror #137 is an African-American woman in her 40s. She has no hardships and is asked to return later this week.

Potential juror #139 is a white male in his 50s. He has no hardships other than his nephew's wedding next weekend. He is asked to return.

Potential juror 146 is a white female in her 60s. She has no hardships. She is asked to return later this week.Potential juror 149 is a white male in his 40s. He has no hardships. He has nothing on his calendar in the next few months. He will return

.Potential juror 152 is a Hispanic female in her 20s. She would not be compensated by her employer. She would have to rely on her parents.She will return.

Potential juror 155 is a white female in her 60s. She has no hardships. She will not be compensated by her employer. She is asked to return

Potential juror 156 is a white female in her 50s. She will be compensated by her employer. She has no plans for the summer. She will return.

Potential juror 158 is a white female in her 30s. She has no hardships. She won't be compensated by her employer but that is not an issue.They question her. She will return.

Potential juror  160 is a white female in her 40s. She says it would be an inconvenience but there would be no hardship.She will be compensated by her employer. She has elective outpatient surgery scheduled in May. This can be rescheduled. She will return.

Caylee from Zanny the Nanny. Jose will stop at nothing.

Forty more potential jurors arriving. They have approved 61 to head to second round of questioning..Judge Perry asks both sides if they want to interview all forty.  Jose's team states they want to talk to all. They will head into overtime today. Recess while jurors enter.

The new panel of jurors is entering the courtroom. In all, there are 40 of them. Judge Perry takes the bench. As the case is called, some of the jurors are shaking their heads as they realize whose trial this is.The jurors seem to be paying strict attention to the judge.Judge Perry is doing a great job of explaining the court procedure and charges and their duty as a juror. He is eloquent in citing their civic duty.It is reported that once agian the poteential juror pool is overwhelmingly Caucausion.The defendant's hands are clasped together. I t is reported that several jurors are now staring at Casey as the indictment is read Casey and her attorneys chairs are facing the gallery and the potential jurors..Casey appears to be quivering and finally takes a tissue to wipe away tears as the indictment continues to be read.It is reported the jurors are now leaving the courtroom.All 40 jurors are now gone. The attorneys return their chairs to their normal positions.Court is in a brief recess pending the start of individual voir dire. Casey is obviously in some distress, and is helped from the courtroom. The judge tells the jurors that if the defendant consents, the process can continue without her.Court is momentarily in recess.It appears something is wrong with Casey's right hand, possibly her wrist.When Casey was escorted out of the courtroom, the court deputies held her as if she was in serious pain.The defendant returns to the courtroom. She appears to be holding or stroking her right wrist/arm

Potential juror 169 is a white male in his 50s. He has no hardships. He will not be compensated by his employer.He has a trip planned in June

Potential juror 170 is a white female in her 40s. She is self-employed but has no financial hardship. She is asked  that can be rescheduled if needed. He is not excused and told to return later in the week.

Potential juror 188 is a white female in her 40s. She has several trips coming up. She is also the bookkeeper for a family business.

Potential juror 190 is a white male in his 50s. He has no hardships. He would be compensated by his employer for his service. He will return

Potential juror 188 is excused despite objections from the defense

.Potential juror 200 is a white female in her 30s. She has no hardships. She will return later in the week.

Trial Day 10, May 19, , 2011

Yesterday jury selection ended early due to what Jose Baez called "a private matter" but both sides said jury selection today will start on time.The entire defense team is already in the courtroom, including Jose Baez. The prosecutors have also just arrived. CaseyAnthony has just been escorted into the courtroom. Baez is smiling, speaking to court officers. He then steps to the back of the room, chats with Perry, who just stepped in for a moment. Baez has now returned to the defense table were Casey Anthony is sitting. He seems to be in good spirits this morning.There are about 20 spectators in the courtroom this morning (mostly reporters). That's a few more than we normally have at this hour. Judge Perry takes the bench. Both sides say they are ready to proceed with Casey Anthony jury selection. Judge Perry goes over some housekeeping matters related to some prospective jurors. It appears that there are only 11 more prospective jurors at this time. Prosecutor George accepts the hardship situation of the four jurors the judge has mentioned. Baez agrees, so all 4 are excused. Today is the last day they have access to a new pool of jurors. Otherwise, they'll have to wait until Monday for fresh jurors.
The first juror of the day has been brought in. She is a white female in her 60’s. Judge Perry questions this juror about her knowledge of pretrial publicity in this case. Because she has formed the opinion that Casey Anthony is guilty, this potential juror is excused for cause.
The next potential juror has been brought in. He is a white male in his 40s. The judge questions this potential juror about pretrial publicity. Drane Burdick begins the State's publicity portion of the voir dire.Baez begins the defense publicity voir dire. Judge Perry moves to the issue of the death penalty.Ashton has no death penalty questions for the potential juror, so Finnell begins the defense portion of the death penalty voir dire. Prosecutor Drane Burdick begins her general voir dire.
Baez asks Perry for a sidebar. The potential juror is being included in this discussion. The sidebar ends. Baez begins his general voir dire. The potential juror leaves the room. The defense takes a moment and then says they have no challenges. Neither does the prosecution. We now have 12 jurors. Judge Perry calls for a 10 minute recess. Perry returns to the bench and calls for the next potential juror. The next potential juror is a white male in his 30’s. The judge begins the pretrial publicity phase of this new juror's voir dire. During the recess, one of our field producers had a chance to chat with Jose Baez. Baez wouldn't talk about yesterday, but is certain. ly showing no signs of ill health and is in good spirits. Prosecutor George begins the State's pretrial publicity voir dire. Baez now begins the defense’s publicity voir dire. Judge Perry now moves to the issue of the death penalty. Neither side has questions for the death penalty portion of voir dire. Prosecutor George begins the State's general voir dire. Baez now begins his general voir dire.The potential juror leaves the room and neither side challenges. Perry calls for a 5 minute recess.
There are now 13 jurors in the pool and 8 more to be questioned.
Judge Perry has returned to the stand. If needed, Perry will bring a new panel of potential jurors and ask about financial hardship as a group, rather than individually. It sounds as if Perry now plans to swear in the first 12 jurors tomorrow morning.Perry reminds the attorneys they may back strike until the jury is actually sworn.He will decide on the number of alternates before days end.
The next potential juror is a white female in her 60’s. Judge Perry begins to discuss the issue of pretrial publicity with her.Neither side has questions on pretrial publicity. Judge Perry moves on to talk about the death penalty. Ashton only has a few questions for the State's death penalty voir dire. Finnell comes up after to do the questioning for the defense. Ashton now begins general voir dire for the prosecution. Mason now begins the defense’s general voir dire. Mason finishes his questions and the juror moves outside the courtroom. Neither side challenges the potential juror.
Once again, Perry discusses jury scheduling with the attorneys. He plans to swear in the final jurors at 3:00 pm on Friday.The judge calls a 5 minute recess so that the attorneys can discuss the juror situation.After briefly huddling together in the courtroom, all of the attorneys then go back to chambers to see the judge .Perry is back on the bench now and calls for a lunch recess until 1:30p.
After lunch a new panel of 30 prospective jurors will be brought in. Once questioned for hardship, they’ll begin the second round voir dire. According to Judge Perry, he's hoping/planning to swear in jurors on Friday. They would then be transported to Orlando on Sunday. The parties are slowly starting to assemble in the courtroom. No sign of Casey Anthony yet. In preparation for the new panel of prospective jurors, reporters and other spectators are being moved to the back of the courtroom. Also in preparation of the new jurors, the attorneys are all turning their chairs around to face the gallery. ‎Casey Anthony has just entered the courtroom. Judge Perry takes the bench. Court for Casey Anthony jury selection is in recess again, pending the arrival of the new jury pool. The panel of prospective new jurors enters the courtroom. There are 29 potential jurors and they are sworn in.Judge Perry has taken the bench. After introducing the parties in the courtroom, Judge Perry begins his preliminary instructions. The potential jurors seem to be giving Perry their full attention. He tells them that the case could last 8 weeks. Judge Perry reads the indictment. While he does so, Casey Anthony looks down, with her hands clasped. One of the court officers has just passed a note to the judge. Once he sees it, he suddenly announces a brief recess. Prospective jurors are being allowed to go to the restroom, but are otherwise staying in the courtroom. Judge Perry returns to the bench and resumes his preliminary instructions.
Starting with the first potential juror, Judge Perry asks each prospective juror if it would be a hardship for them to serve. So that he can hear better, the judge steps down to the podium and asks each juror if it would be a hardship to serve. Because they are not near any microphones, it is very difficult to hear the juror responses. 9 out of the first 10 claim hardship. Perry now moves to the second row of potential jurors. Nearly every juror says serving for 8 weeks would cause a financial hardship. One potential juror says he would have no financial hardship, but has a family hardship because of his elderly parents. Another potential juror takes care of a terminally ill boy with only 60 days to live. 7 of the 10 in the second row claim hardship. Perry now moves to the last row of potential jurors. Most claim a financial or family hardship. One potential juror was recently widowed, and is dealing with those kinds of issues. Most would not be compensated by their employers. Of the 9 jurors in the last row, 5 claim a hardship of some kind. Out of the 29 jurors, only 8 have not claimed a hardship of some sort. Several potential jurors are told to check with their work to see if they'll be compensated. Most who claimed hardship are being excused. There are now 9 jurors left in the courtroom. Perry asks them if they have heard about or formed an opinion about the Casey Anthony caseOf the 9 potential jurors remaining, one says that he has never heard of the Casey Anthony case. The other 8 have all heard of the case. Of those 8, 2 say they have already formed an opinion for the #CaseyAnthony case. The potential jurors then leave the courtroom.
The next potential juror has been brought up and Perry is questioning her on pretrial publicity.The prosecution does not question the potential juror on this part of the voir dire. Baez comes up to question for the defense.Perry now moves on to the death penalty portion of the voir dire. The State has no death penalty questions, so Ann Finnell begins the defense portion of the death penalty voir dire. This juror is a white female in her 50’s.Before beginning the general voir dire, Perry asks the potential juror to step out of the room. Perry then announces that potential juror 4053 from the new panel will not be compensated, so the judge excuses him for hardship. Perry now calls a 5 minute recess.
Judge Perry back on bench. The potential juror returns to the stand for her general voir dire. Drane Burdick begins her questioning. The potential juror returns to the stand for her general voir dire. Drane Burdick begins her questioning. Baez begins his general voir dire. The juror leaves the room. Neither side challenges her, so she is passed and becomes the 15th juror.The next juror is brought in. She is a white female in her 40’s..Judge Perry questions the juror about her knowledge of . pretrial publicity of this case.George begins the State's pretrial publicity voir dire. Juror says she mostly watches local television. Jose Baez begins defense questioning of pre-trial publicity. Judge Belvin Perry is advising the juror on death penalty. The prosecution has no death penalty questions. Finnell begins to question on that topic for the defense. Juror does not have a strong opinion on the death penalty. George begins his general voir dire. Mason begins the defense general voir dire. The judge and attorneys go to a sidebar with this juror to discuss the death of her mother, something she testified was "traumatic." The sidebar ends. Mason's questioning is now finished. The sidebar ends. Mason's questioning is now finished. The juror leaves the room. The defense challenges her for cause, based on what she has just said in confidence about her mother's death. Mason claims she can't be impartial and that she may be biased toward the prosecution due to her work. Judge Perry denies the cause challenge. She is then passed and becomes the 16th juror
. The next juror is 170 (3178), a white female in her 40s. Judge Perry questions this juror on her knowledge of the case. She says she actually thought the case was already over. . Judge Perry now questions this juror on the death penalty since she said during her hardship voir dire that she was against it. The juror is still against the death penalty: "There's nothing that would change my mind on the death penalty." Neither side has any questions for this juror. After she leaves the room, she is excused for cause on the death penalty issue.
The last juror for today is 162 (3175), a white female in her 30s. Judge Perry questions this juror on her pretrial knowledge of the case. This juror tells the judge she firmly believes Casey Anthony is guilty and can't set that aside.The juror leaves the room, after which she is excused for cause.
 The judge says that there are 4 more jurors from the first group of potential jurors, plus 8 more from the new panel today. Drane Burdick says there may also be a disqualification issue with one of the new jurors.  Mason requests the judge to order or "strongly suggest" that the State give the defense a list of the next day's witnesses each day. The judge says he has no power to do that, under FL rules. Perry: "You need to have whatever files you need to have there . . . but I have no authority to order them to do that." Baez suggests that the State share "at least a block of witnesses." Perry says "That's beyond my pay grade. I can't order that." Baez discusses preliminary guidelines and "how to proceed with opening statements and demonstrative aids...the use of exhibits in openings." Drane Burdick enters the discussion, also seeking guidance.  The judge urges the parties to agree on the opening exhibits. Judge Perry says he will help if he can, but he will have very limited availability over the weekend. Court is in recess until 8:30 a.m.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Trial May,18,2011

Good morning.  CaseyAnthony has just walked into the courtroom.We have 11 jurors (5 men, 6 women). The prosecutors have used 6 peremptory challenges (4 left).The defense has used 9 peremptories (1 left) .Baez and Mason have just entered the courtroom, immediately followed by Clay Sims. Judge Perry takes the bench.Baez says he has a motion he'd like to bring up at this time, "relating to the jury issues." The defense begins its motion, bring up concerns about the way jury selection is being conducted. The defense argues that the way jury selection is being conducted, it will be clear to alternates that they are not part of the main panel.The attorney citeJudge Perry is now quoting case law that he believes supports his actions during voir dire.Judge Perry is quoting  case law in which judges apparently abused their authority regarding jury selection procedures. Ashton says that the original plan was even less favorable to attorneys and argues that the defense should have challenged before now. Ashton also notes he could find no case law barring the separate swearing of core jurors and alternates. Perry calls the #CaseyAnthony trial "a very exceptional case." He defends his decisions, saying he has made sure to protect her rights.At the same time, according to Perry, he has balanced #CaseyAnthony ‘s rights with those rights of prospective jurors. Ultimately, Judge Perry denies the defense motion, saying "We will continue with the process." IN THIS CASE BAEZ DEMONSTRATES HOW IN EXPERIENCED HE IS OR HE IS SETTIING UP FOR AN APPEAL. IMO
.Perry says the next juror came into the courtroom and heard about 20 seconds of the defense argument earlier. He sends for the juror.The next juror is on the stand. He is and African American male in his 30’s. Perry is questioning this juror about his pretrial publicity knowledge. Drane Burdick begins the State's part of the publicity voir dire. Baez begins the defense's publicity voir dire, but only has a few questions. Perry now moves to the question of the death penalty. Ashton now begins the State's death penalty voir dire. Finnell begins the defense death penalty voir dire. Attorney Finnell seems to be on the mend from her bad cold. Her voice sounds a lot stronger today. Before proceeding to the general voir dire of this juror, the judge calls a ten minute recess. Judge Perry has returned to the bench. The potential juror is brought back in.
Prosecutor Drane Burdick begins her general voir dire. When asked if he or anyone close to him has been arrested or convicted of a crime, this potential juror asks to speak about it privately. Judge Perry and attorneys are now at a sidebar, questioning the potential juror in confidence. The sidebar ends. Drane Burdick resumes her general voir dire. Baez begins the defense general voire dire. The voir dire of the potential juror is complete, and he leaves.
 Perry reminds the attorneys there are 15 more potential jurors remaining. Perry asks the attorneys how they'd like to proceed at this point. Baez says that he is trying to ensure that his client gets a fair jury. The judge says part of the problem is "we will not have a facility after tomorrow. I cannot work in a parking lot." The State asks for a brief recess prior to its decision whether or not to excuse this last juror. Court is in recess for 5 minutes. While Casey Anthony remains at her seat, all of the attorneys huddle together with some court officers then the courtroom to talk to Perry. Judge Perry comes back to the bench and asks the attorneys to come to sidebar.The judge and attorneys are at a sidebar. Perry returns to his bench to retrieve a paper, then returns to the sidebar. Sidebar ends and Perry calls for a recess until 1. The last potential juror was struck with a peremptory challenge from the State before the break. Before leaving the stand, Perry said he had spoken to the Pinellas County chief justice, and they will continue to use this courtroom. Whatever it takes, we will have opening statements at 9 on Monday morning at the Orange County Courthouse,” said Perry before leaving.Prosecutor Frank George has just entered the courtroom, followed moments later by Jeff Ashton. Cheney Mason comes in shortly after. Mason is now deep in conversation with prosecutors Ashton and George. Attorneys Mason, Finnell, Ashton, and George are now heading back to see Judge Perry. Finnell and Mason return to the courtroom. Drane Burdick enters the room. No sign of #CaseyAnthony yet. The attorneys are once again all in chambers (except for Dorothy Clay Sims). The court reporter also heads back to chambers.The attorneys all return to the courtroom. The defense team then leaves the room to go to the holding cell area to confer with their client. Casey Anthony enters the courtroom and shortly after Judge Perry takes the bench. Drama, something happened. Court is in now in recess until 8:30 tomorrow morning. An unexpected turn for the day. When asked what just happened, Ashton says "the judge just said we were in recess until 8:30 tomorrow morning," but Perry did not say why. Did Casey fire Baez. Is there a plea deal?
Per reports, Baez was not at lunch .The Defense team was separated at two different lunch tables for the first time.  I wonder if it was woman versus men as the women on the team seem to be all the interaction with Casey. Remember Baez telling her she is acting like a baby.
http://www.cayleedaily.com/2011/05/casey-atty-tells-her-shes-acting-like-a-2-yr-old/comment-page-5/  Karen Levy, Orlando Court coodinator sent our message.  "jury selection is in recess until tomorrow. No other explanation will be given." The drama continues.If it is an appeal, no formal judgement would be given overnight.
Although, Baez used the word "accident"  when interviewing the potential juror today, in regard to the death of Caylee , I don't believe the adjournment is due to a potential plea.
Wesh TV, Orlando , is reporting Baez is ill. Is he trying to stall the process or did he contract something from Attorney Finnell, who had been ill this week?
http://www.wesh.com/casey-anthony-extended-coverage/27939069/detail.html
It is reported that Attorney Finnel pulled herself away from the lunch table today and spoke on her cell phone during the entire lunch period.