Casey Anthony and the Legal System

I’ve been captivated by the Caylee Anthony since the first day its headline made breaking news. This case has grabbed my personal attention in many ways due to the various twists, turns and development involved. The death of a child at the hands of his or her own parent is terribly tragic and unfortunately, cases such as these transpire everyday throughout the nation.

In my opinion, the reason this case has garnered so much media attention is the fact that Casey Anthony, Caylee Anthony  and others involved in the case appear to be your average American, maybe even your next door neighbor. Who would ever imagine that someone appearing to be so familiar could be capable of ending their child’s life?

I could get on my soap box and tell you all of the issues I have with this case from the perspective of a private detective, but for your sake, I’ll spare you. My real issue is with Casey Anthony’s legal counsel. How can this woman afford her powerhouse of a legal team when she is considered to be indigent? Her legal counsel has been compared to the likes O.J. Simpson’s legal team.For the life of me, I can’t figure that one out.

This week, Jose Baez, the lead attorney in the case, dropped a bombshell in his opening argument. He alleged that Caylee Anthony accidentally drowned in the family’s pool and that George Anthony, Caylee’s grandfather, covered it up. It seems as though the defense is doing all they can to make sure that Casey Anthony walks free, even if it means incorporating rumors, lies and false allegations to do so. If I were a private detective working on this particular investigation, my conscience wouldn’t allow me to be a part of the pool of lies and hypocrisy involved.

I’d be really surprised if Casey Anthony is found to be guilty. I know this may seem sensational, but with everything her legal team is alleging, it’s no telling what else will be brought to the surface. Unfortunately, this case hinges on nothing but assertions and accusations against everyone, except Casey Anthony. They say whatever is done in the dark will be brought to the light and I truly hope this is true for the Anthony case. She needs to be held accountable for what was done and have the courage to be truthful about it. Nothing bothers me more than dealing with dishonest people and because I’ve worked on death investigations in the past, I have a strong sense in determining when someone is being deceitful.

I’ve learned valuable lessons during my experience as a private detective in Raleigh, North Carolina and one of them knowing when to be a part of an investigation versus knowing when to limit involvement.    I know that I would not want to be involved with the Anthony case unless I was working on behalf of the prosecution. I aim for the truth and I truly believe that is the objective of the prosecution in the Anthony case.

Schwarzenegger and the Celebrity Scandal

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When Arnold Schwarzenegger stepped away from “A” list actor status (perhaps I’m using this term rather loosely) to public official, I’m sure fans of his Terminator franchise knew the Governator, “would be back”.  Now it seems that his highly anticipated acting comeback has hit an extremely embarrassing snafu.

I’m the first to admit that his recent allegations of illegitimately fathering a child with his housekeeper have me clinging to the television screen. I’m shamefully guilty of listening to every salacious detail that’s been uncovered as well as anxiously awaiting the next bit of breaking news to seep from the news stations. A few days ago, I thought to myself, “Why in the world am I so interested in this this particular case of infidelity?” Cases like these are a dime a dozen and I work them on a daily basis.

Arnold’s infidelity isn’t any different from the other nanny cases we’ve worked in the past. Typically, the nanny steals the husband from the family she’s working for and marries him (and don’t think this only happens with female nannies; male nannies are just as guilty). I’ve had clients come to our office with nightmare stories of how their nanny became their “best friend”, constantly told them about their spouses’ misdeeds, then turned out to be the very one caught in the act.

The Raleigh/Durham area frequently encounters cases like these. I guess I’m like every other American that’s engrossed in the sensuous details of tawdry affair because I grew up watching Arnold Schwarzenegger movies. All of us know his memorable lines and I dare say we can recite them by heart.

I can’t say I ever admired Arnold Schwarzenegger as a role model, even as he served as the Governor of California. What perplexed me about him as well as other Hollywood actors is how they’ve been able to transition from movies, wrestling and other unrealistic genres to become trusted political figures.

The complexity of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s marriage to Maria Shriver remains one of the most interesting aspects of the power couple. I was amazed that Maria, who comes from a family of iconic Democrats, even married such and outspoken and enthusiastic Republican. In 2003, she embraced his campaign, publicly supported his candidacy and denounced all allegations of cheating, infidelity and references to his sexually deviant behavior. With all of that “standing by her man”, she’s now left with embarrassment, hurt and pain.

Her situation is one in which I never want to experience or even consider. As a private investigator, I empathize with her pain and understand why she may file for divorce. The countless years of betrayal, the befriending of a woman who was supposed to be a household staffer and the hurt caused to her children is all too much to bear. I support Maria and in whatever decision she makes. Marriage counseling is an option, but that can only provide limited healing.

I’m sure with time and the support from friends, family and fans she will get through this tough stage in her life. What she needs now is prayer and compassion from everyone that has ever been in her situation, whether emotionally or physically. With enduring love, time and respect, wounds can heal and hurt can be overcome.