After only 10 hours of deliberation, the jury found Casey Anthony “Not Guilty” on the counts of Murder 1, Aggravated Manslaughter, and Aggravated Child Abuse. Casey Anthony was convicted on four counts of lying to investigators. Casey immediately welled-up with tears as the first three verdicts (the most serious charges) were read.
Casey’s parents looked stone-faced as they heard the verdict, and they walked out in what appeared to be disgust moments after. Casey and her defense team held hands after the verdict was read, smiling and jubilant, as Judge Belvin Perry gave the court instructions. Jose Baez was heavily ridiculed for his closing arguments; yet, he is owed an apology by much of the media, as the jury bought his defense hook-line-and-sinker.
This is a stunning turn of events, as just minutes ago many in the media were talking about Casey Anthony likely walking down death row—now, she may walk free all together with time served. Ultimately, it was the jury who could not on the scant evidence provided by the prosecution. Each count of lying to investigators carries a sentence of one year; she has served about 3 years thus far. Casey would serve no more than a year and three months if she does any jail time at all. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Thursday morning at 9am.
