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Juror #3281 is next to be screened. She recalls child missing and found by utility worker in field; that there was duct tape over her mouth. Also recalls protesters outside Anthony home harassing grandparents. Doesn't recall hearing anyone discuss the case. Has not formed opinion of guilt or innocence of Anthony. Juror can set aside what she's heard and render decision solely based on the law.
George for the state. Juror does not watch Grace, Rivera. Gets most her local news from WTSP. Doesn't recall reading anything in St Pete Times or online about the case.
Baez for defense. She recalls seeing the grandfather angry when protesters were outside his home. Reiterates when asked that she has not formed any opinions on the case.
Judge talks with juror about death penalty. She does not have an opinion about it. Is not opposed to it for any philosophical or religious reasons. Juror understands and can vote for the death penalty if warranted.
Out of 8 total screened jurors today, 5 were retained, bringing total retained potential jurors to 16 now.
Judge believe they can get through remaining jurors tomorrow. Said to be prepared for a short lunch.
State has no questions for juror on DP issue. Finnell does. Same info she's gone over with every other juror. Will let you know if any unusual answers. Juror says she's not sure whether she'd consider mercy (she is a bit confused about Finnell is asking). Will consider age, background, character in mitigation. Can disregard victim impact statements in making penalty decision.
General voir dire for the state by Frank George. Juror has put on hold an elective surgery; says that's not a hardship for her. Cameras in the courtroom do not bother her. Juror is divorced for 5 yrs, nerved served on a jury before. She facilitates/manages an IT project, but not technically proficient. Says no experience with LE/SAR dogs.
Mason asks her thoughts when realizing this was case she was called for. She says being sequestered out of county, nature of case, time away from job. She has daughter and 2 young grandchildren; a child "who's no longer with us." Said that would not affect her in judging Anthony. She is implementing a software application for case management for Pinellas County judicial system. Mason asked if she'd ever suffered a loss. She said, yes, her mother and asked to speak privately about (sidebar).
State does not challenge; defense challenges for cause. Judge denies defense's challenge. She is the 16th juror retained.
Juror #3178 is next. She saw some coverage early on (knew Anthony didn't report Caylee missing for 31 days). Says she's not a news junkie. Basically, juror says she thinks Anthony "did it," but says she can set that aside and judge fairly. *Nothing* could make her vote for DP, she says. Juror is excused for cause.
Juror #3175 (last of the day) Juror says from news and newspaper that Caylee was missing and her mom was suspected. Recalls there were pictures of Casey partying and drinking while Caylee was missing. She recalls grandmother reported her missing and said car smelled like a dead body; that Caylee was found by public service worker near home with duct tape and sticker over her mouth. Also heard medical examiner had not found cause of death but ruled it murder. Heard a pizza box was supposed to have smelled up the trunk.
Juror has heard discussions of others where they say Anthony is guilty. Juror herself "firmly" believes her to be guilty as well and cannot set aside that opinion of guilt. She is excused.
***Baez has a couple of matters to take up with the court. First, he wants state to be made to hand over list of the order of their witnesses. Long story short, Judge Perry says he can't order such a thing. Secondly, the parties want to know whether they can use visual aids in openings. Judge says if they agree on it, he probably won't have any issue with it, either, but can't say with absolute certainty without knowing what it is. Court recessed til 8:30 tomorrow morning.
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