Betrayal and Raw Emotion
The verdict in the Casey Anthony case has brought forth emotion rarely experienced by the masses. The coverage continues, mostly repeating excerpts of the trial, jail visits, and other sound bites and the reading again, and again, of the ‘not guilty’ verdicts.
Protesters and even a few supporters of the verdict have been diligent in making themselves heard. Rumors continue to circulate that death threats and other harassment of the family, lawyers, jurors, Casey, and other familiars of this case continue to make the media, as well as the recurring call for boycotts and creation of new laws.
Why has this case, brought such raw emotion to the surface? What is it about Casey, Cindy, George, and in a cameo, Lee that has made those that follow this case in large part have such strong emotions in regards to the guilt or innocents of all the members of this family?
What was it about Caylee that made her a member of America’s family, the wide eyed, cherub, that now is the nucleus of legislation dubbed, ‘Caylee’s Law’
To understand why this case became the media monster it has, one has to go back to the beginning, back when we first heard of Caylee, when we first saw Cindy Anthony make the pleas for the return of her granddaughter. We have to look at all the drama and intrigue that was created by the family, because this, in my opinion, was the root of how this case went completely out of control.
When Cindy made her first appearances with the media, she seemed to be like any other loving family member of a missing child. She offered information, always ending with the plea for help, for anyone with information to come forward. This was the first Cindy Anthony we met, we related to, and felt sympathy for, slowly, methodically this Cindy Anthony became less the grieving grandmother, and more the unrelenting defender of her daughter.
This defense knew no bounds. Every lie Casey told was excused. Anyone that questioned even Cindy or George’s first interviews or observations, became the enemy. But it didn’t end there…it went further, it went into accusing obviously innocent people. It turned to attacking volunteers, with such comments as, “Get off your asses and look for my granddaughter” followed with other disturbing remarks, such as giving the dog’s tooth brush for comparing DNA.
Is there any wonder why, those that felt a bond to Cindy, to her pleas, and a growing love and concern for Caylee would later feel betrayal?
That is what this rage boils down to, betrayal. People rallied around the Anthony family, they searched, prayed, donated time, money, supplies, they offered their love and support, only to be verbally attacked when they dared questions the many changing stories of Casey Anthony.
But the changing stories were not exclusive to Casey alone. After a period of time, it seemed to be a family trait, to either completely deny something previously stated, or to attempt to spin it in such an illogical way, it was insulting to the intelligence of those that began to hang on every word in hopes of finding out the truth.
While I do not support hostile demonstrations, it was in many ways inevitable that this was going to happen. When a person feels betrayed, the emotion is completely raw. Many times under such stress, people have done things that are and would be completely out of character. This is, also, the reason that ‘Crimes of passion’ have been considered a mitigation factor, in criminal cases. Once betrayal is thrown in the mix with a ‘mob mentality’ it becomes a toxic mix of acute emotion and rage. This is what we witnessed in front of the Anthony house in the early weeks of this case, and what we experienced again, though somewhat muted, after the verdict, and when Casey was released from county jail.
Caylee Anthony’s life may have been short, far too short, one thing for sure, she touched many lives. Her legacy may be the creation of laws that would bring justice to parents that otherwise would dodge any punishment for the unreported death and dumping of a child. I know, I for one will never hear ‘You are my sunshine’ without thinking of this precious little girl.
Even the most destructive fire will eventually burn itself out, and that will become true in this firestorm, as well. New cases, sadly will present, and the media is going to follow the next intriguing case with the same fervor as this and others have been covered.
The one positive note, that draws at least this part of the saga to a close, has been, ironically, the actions of the public. The inspirational final walk for Caylee, that ended at her memorial went without cruel chants, nasty remarks or any form of harassment. It was simply the way the community sought closure, and the way they said goodbye to America’s brown-eyed girl.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Respect the Jury’s Verdict
Respect the Jury’s Verdict
Since the reading of the Casey Anthony verdict, it was no shock to me the outrage the verdict reached. I have read many message boards, Facebook, Twitters, that share in the disbelief of the jury’s quick decision that acquitted Casey Anthony of any wrong doing in regards to the death, of her child and the dumping of her remains.
Casey was found guilty of lying to investigators, which amounted to time served for the most part, and a fine. This for many, did not even come close to representing the justice that so many wanted for a two year old girl that became America’s child.
The anger and outrage has been met by some with distain. Often those that hold contempt for this verdict have been scolded as being ‘Un-American’ supporting of ‘Lynch Mob Justice’ and ‘Not understanding the way the law works’ Of course, I disagree completely with such characterizations.
In regards to being ‘Un-American’ or ‘Not understanding the law’ I find these arguments some what amusing, considering some of the same people that accuse such things, have themselves disagreed strongly with jury verdicts of guilty. Their scolding about respecting the jury is lost when the defendant they believe to be innocent is judged otherwise by a jury. Some of these same people have accused past juries of the very same this jury has been accused of…failing to go over evidence, buying into speculation, ignoring common sense. Of course, in our system of justice, at the very least a conviction has the possibility of appeal. Once a person is acquitted, that is it, and for many justice will never be served.
I also find that in reference to ’Lynch Mob Justice’ as being for the most part hyperbole. While I am sure there are a small percentage of people that are unstable enough that would make threats, and even a smaller percentage of those that may act on them, for the most part, the Lynch Mob is looking to make changes in laws, or boycott businesses and media outlets that would allow Casey Anthony, her attorneys, or family to profit in any way from this case. Protesting is also a basic right of our society, but suddenly when it comes to what some believe to be a poor verdict of not guilty, these people become an ’Un-American, Lynch Mob’.
The bottom line is that when a not guilty verdict is reached, aside from being angry, attempting to make changes in the law, and boycotting various businesses or products, there is not much more that can be done.
Like the jurors in verdicts of guilty that have caused anger, these jurors should be shown the respect of not being harassed. If they choose to address the media, their comments of course can be addressed and are open to civil discussion and interpretation in regards to the decision reached.
There is nothing ‘Un-American’ about disagreeing with a verdict. It does not make one disrespectful of the law, nor does it make someone ‘filled with hate’. Should this be the case, then look in the mirror to any and all those that have disagreed with any verdict in the past that was reached, and be mindful in the future, when a verdict is reached that was different than you thought it should have been.
Since the reading of the Casey Anthony verdict, it was no shock to me the outrage the verdict reached. I have read many message boards, Facebook, Twitters, that share in the disbelief of the jury’s quick decision that acquitted Casey Anthony of any wrong doing in regards to the death, of her child and the dumping of her remains.
Casey was found guilty of lying to investigators, which amounted to time served for the most part, and a fine. This for many, did not even come close to representing the justice that so many wanted for a two year old girl that became America’s child.
The anger and outrage has been met by some with distain. Often those that hold contempt for this verdict have been scolded as being ‘Un-American’ supporting of ‘Lynch Mob Justice’ and ‘Not understanding the way the law works’ Of course, I disagree completely with such characterizations.
In regards to being ‘Un-American’ or ‘Not understanding the law’ I find these arguments some what amusing, considering some of the same people that accuse such things, have themselves disagreed strongly with jury verdicts of guilty. Their scolding about respecting the jury is lost when the defendant they believe to be innocent is judged otherwise by a jury. Some of these same people have accused past juries of the very same this jury has been accused of…failing to go over evidence, buying into speculation, ignoring common sense. Of course, in our system of justice, at the very least a conviction has the possibility of appeal. Once a person is acquitted, that is it, and for many justice will never be served.
I also find that in reference to ’Lynch Mob Justice’ as being for the most part hyperbole. While I am sure there are a small percentage of people that are unstable enough that would make threats, and even a smaller percentage of those that may act on them, for the most part, the Lynch Mob is looking to make changes in laws, or boycott businesses and media outlets that would allow Casey Anthony, her attorneys, or family to profit in any way from this case. Protesting is also a basic right of our society, but suddenly when it comes to what some believe to be a poor verdict of not guilty, these people become an ’Un-American, Lynch Mob’.
The bottom line is that when a not guilty verdict is reached, aside from being angry, attempting to make changes in the law, and boycotting various businesses or products, there is not much more that can be done.
Like the jurors in verdicts of guilty that have caused anger, these jurors should be shown the respect of not being harassed. If they choose to address the media, their comments of course can be addressed and are open to civil discussion and interpretation in regards to the decision reached.
There is nothing ‘Un-American’ about disagreeing with a verdict. It does not make one disrespectful of the law, nor does it make someone ‘filled with hate’. Should this be the case, then look in the mirror to any and all those that have disagreed with any verdict in the past that was reached, and be mindful in the future, when a verdict is reached that was different than you thought it should have been.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
No Doubt about Guilt
A young family, living in the Midwest, were blessed with two beautiful children. First came the boy, then the cherished daughter.
Then came the weekend this young father was left in charge of his young children, his wife attending a charity event out of town.
The young father left his children with his mother in law, and attended a street fair with his brother in law. He was careful not to drink too much, and was home with his children around 1am. Both children were fast asleep, so he put each child on a sofa, covered them, and went to bed himself.
Early the next morning, the father is woke by his small son. He reports that his three year old sister is missing.
At first the community rallied around this young family, the mother rushing home upon learning her daughter had disapeared in the night.
3:30 pm the child is found, two in a half miles from her home. She was found in the water, face down. Later it would be learned she had been sexually abused, and strangled.
Law enforcement interviewed the family, even the young son without objection from the parents. The entire family fully cooperated with police, all giving DNA samples, answering all questions.
The father said someone must have come in and snatched their daughter, while she slept on a sofa just a few feet away from her slightly older brother.
Law enforcement immediately felt different. The house showed no visible signs of forced entry; nothing disturbed. Investigators thought it would take an amazing 'stroke of luck' for an intruder to come into the house, take the child, without waking the other, let alone the father--and then another stroke of luck for the intruder, the mother was away.
Now, the rumors begin, the once supported young family are caught in the gossip mill, and 'tips' that in reality this All American family are in reality wild party animals, not acting like grieving parents, shopping sprees..any truth in it? Sure, a friend of a friend witnessed it..or a quick expression caught by the media fueled the increased speculation.
Suddenly a break in the case, the parents of this little girl are called to the police station. They are immediately separated, and the father, is told flat out. "We have reason to believe you killed your little girl"
This father, would be interrogated for fourteen hours, broken down mentally, emotionally, and physically. Repeatedly, he was offered a polygraph, with the disclaimer by investigators that they know he will fail. Finally, this father agreed. As predicted, he did indeed fail.
Early the next morning, investigators have a full confession, the father claiming the death was accidental, charges are filed. The States Attorney announces that he will be seeking the death penalty.
The family never doubted the innocents of this father, they begged until a lawyer with much experience in such cases agreed to take a look at the evidence against this defendant.
After eight long months,including death threats by inmates and being moved into protective custody; DNA and due to a new State's Attorney, this father is free, to return to his family, and prays that the real murderer is found.
And what of the little boy? The son that was sleeping just mere feet from his sister when she was taken? Hours of interviews, being kept from his parents, being told over and over that he saw his father take his sister out of the house that night, all the while he shook his head and asked for his parents.
Was justice ever found for this little girl and her family? Yes. Six years later the rapist and murderer of Riley Fox was found and plead guilty.
So, this is one of many reasons, I will not accuse a family member of the horrible crime of murder without reasonable evidence from law enforcement. Of course there are cases that are some what more obvious, such as Casey Anthony that waited a month before reporting to anyone her daughter was missing, who led police to bogus places of employment and apartments that have been empty for months.
So go ahead, call me a thug hugger, a criminal groupie...as I am sure those are the kindest things some have made in reference to me, my conscience is clear. If in any case I am found to be wrong, I can live with that, because none of the cases I have followed has it been more important for me to be right than the right person or persons brought to justice.
The links below offer more information on the Riley Fox case, and the eventual capture of the creature that ended her precious young life.
http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/rvp/pubaf/08/Burgess_2020.pdf
http://chicagoist.com/2010/11/10/suspect_in_riley_fox_murder_pleads.php
Then came the weekend this young father was left in charge of his young children, his wife attending a charity event out of town.
The young father left his children with his mother in law, and attended a street fair with his brother in law. He was careful not to drink too much, and was home with his children around 1am. Both children were fast asleep, so he put each child on a sofa, covered them, and went to bed himself.
Early the next morning, the father is woke by his small son. He reports that his three year old sister is missing.
At first the community rallied around this young family, the mother rushing home upon learning her daughter had disapeared in the night.
3:30 pm the child is found, two in a half miles from her home. She was found in the water, face down. Later it would be learned she had been sexually abused, and strangled.
Law enforcement interviewed the family, even the young son without objection from the parents. The entire family fully cooperated with police, all giving DNA samples, answering all questions.
The father said someone must have come in and snatched their daughter, while she slept on a sofa just a few feet away from her slightly older brother.
Law enforcement immediately felt different. The house showed no visible signs of forced entry; nothing disturbed. Investigators thought it would take an amazing 'stroke of luck' for an intruder to come into the house, take the child, without waking the other, let alone the father--and then another stroke of luck for the intruder, the mother was away.
Now, the rumors begin, the once supported young family are caught in the gossip mill, and 'tips' that in reality this All American family are in reality wild party animals, not acting like grieving parents, shopping sprees..any truth in it? Sure, a friend of a friend witnessed it..or a quick expression caught by the media fueled the increased speculation.
Suddenly a break in the case, the parents of this little girl are called to the police station. They are immediately separated, and the father, is told flat out. "We have reason to believe you killed your little girl"
This father, would be interrogated for fourteen hours, broken down mentally, emotionally, and physically. Repeatedly, he was offered a polygraph, with the disclaimer by investigators that they know he will fail. Finally, this father agreed. As predicted, he did indeed fail.
Early the next morning, investigators have a full confession, the father claiming the death was accidental, charges are filed. The States Attorney announces that he will be seeking the death penalty.
The family never doubted the innocents of this father, they begged until a lawyer with much experience in such cases agreed to take a look at the evidence against this defendant.
After eight long months,including death threats by inmates and being moved into protective custody; DNA and due to a new State's Attorney, this father is free, to return to his family, and prays that the real murderer is found.
And what of the little boy? The son that was sleeping just mere feet from his sister when she was taken? Hours of interviews, being kept from his parents, being told over and over that he saw his father take his sister out of the house that night, all the while he shook his head and asked for his parents.
Was justice ever found for this little girl and her family? Yes. Six years later the rapist and murderer of Riley Fox was found and plead guilty.
So, this is one of many reasons, I will not accuse a family member of the horrible crime of murder without reasonable evidence from law enforcement. Of course there are cases that are some what more obvious, such as Casey Anthony that waited a month before reporting to anyone her daughter was missing, who led police to bogus places of employment and apartments that have been empty for months.
So go ahead, call me a thug hugger, a criminal groupie...as I am sure those are the kindest things some have made in reference to me, my conscience is clear. If in any case I am found to be wrong, I can live with that, because none of the cases I have followed has it been more important for me to be right than the right person or persons brought to justice.
The links below offer more information on the Riley Fox case, and the eventual capture of the creature that ended her precious young life.
http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/rvp/pubaf/08/Burgess_2020.pdf
http://chicagoist.com/2010/11/10/suspect_in_riley_fox_murder_pleads.php
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