Lawson Lamar
State Attorney
Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida
415 North Orange Avenue
Orlando, Florida 32801
(407) 836-2400
PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT:
Danielle Tavernier
Public Information Officer
(407) 836-2361
October 21, 2008
State of Florida vs. Casey Marie Anthony
In light of the decision of the Grand Jury to indict defendant Casey Marie Anthony in connection with the death of her child and lying to the police, the State of Florida late yesterday afternoon filed a Nolle Prosequi in case number 48-2008-CF-10925-O that charged the defendant with the Neglect of her Child.
The neglect charges were premised on the theory that her child, Caylee Marie, was still alive. As the investigation progressed and it became clear that the evidence proved that the child was deceased, the State sought an indictment on the legally appropriate charges.
We remain prepared to proceed to trial on the charges in the indictment.
While the State understands the importance of this information to the community, this office does not want to create the type of publicity that would lead to a change of venue. Therefore, we will not comment further on the case itself. No calculation has or will be made on potential sentences if these charges result in convictions.
Remember, these charges are only allegations and do not constitute a proof of guilt. Ms. Anthony has the right to a trial by jury and is cloaked with the presumption of innocence.
Until legal discovery is disclosed to the defense, there are no public records.