Casey Anthony Trial Update: Defense expert revises how long Caylee's remains were in woods
(CBS) ORLANDO, Fla. - Defense lawyers in the Casey Anthony murder case have gotten one of two forensic experts they wanted on the stand but they're not getting the testimony they wanted from the expert - at least not yet.
Pictures: Casey and Caylee Anthony, Personal Photos
Prosecutors had complained bitterly last week that they were not given notice of the findings of Dr. Richard Eicklenbloom, a biologist from the Netherlands who analyzes trace DNA. Defense attorney Jose Baez wanted to quiz him about the nature of decomposition fluid found in the trunk of Anthony's car.
The judge presiding over the trial could have excluded Eicklenbloom's testimony entirely but stopped short of that. Judge Belvin Perry Jr. has opted to reserve final judgment on that until he can hold a hearing next week. Perry did say that the defense is guilty of a "willful discovery violation" in failing to supply a full report on Eicklenbloom's conlusions but at this point, he's reserving judgment on whether that violation rises to the level of exclusion.
In open court, Prosecutor Jeff Ashton attacked Eicklenbloom's credentials, claiming he doesn't have the educational background or the experience to be considered a court-qualified expert. Judge Perry rejected that argument.
Earlier today, forensic botanist Dr. Jan Bock testified about the vegetation at the site where the body of 2-year-old Caylee Anthony was found. Under questioning by prosecutor Ashton, Bock admitted that she's now changed her opinion on the length of time the child's body was in the woods near the Anthony home. She's now saying it had been at the recovery site no less than two weeks before it was found. In an earlier deposition, Bock said it was impossible to tell. Prosecutors have said Caylee's remains had been in the woods since the summer of 2008.
Defense attorneys may have called Bock to the stand to lay the groundwork for the testimony of another witness -- Roy Kronk, a utility meter reader who called the Orange County, Florida sheriff's office several times about the whereabouts of the then-missing girl. Defense attorneys claim Kronk was after the reward money in the case. In opening statements, Jose Baez called Kronk "morally bankrupt" and suggested he may have played a role in hiding Caylee Anthony's body.
If found guilty of murdering her daughter Caylee, Casey Anthony could get the death penalty.
Post contributed by Lisa Meyer-Steinhaus
The Casey Anthony case was recently reported on by "48 Hours Mystery."