Casey Anthony Trial Update: Judge denies defense motion for acquittal
(CBS/WKMG/AP) ORLANDO, Fla. - The judge overseeing the trial of Casey Anthony, who is accused of killing her 2-year-old daughter, has denied a defense request to have the case against Anthony thrown out.
Pictures: Casey and Caylee Anthony, Personal Photos
Judge Belvin Perry ruled just before noon on Wednesday against the defense's motion for summary acquittal.
"The state has presented substantial competent evidence for this jury to decided this particular issue," Perry said, reports CBS
affiliate WKMG.
In his argument, defense attorney Cheney Mason attacked the state's case from all angles, but focused on what he said was a failure by prosecutors to show a murder had taken place.
"There is no evidence to establish when the child died, where she died, how she died, or if anyone was in attendance when she died," Mason said.
Perry said in his ruling that this case is for the jury to decide.
Prosecutors finished presenting their case against Anthony Wednesday morning. The jury was in the courtroom for five minutes Wednesday before being dismissed with strict orders not to discuss the case, use social media or watch newscasts, the station reports.
Anthony's defense team said they will be ready to call their first witness on Thursday.
Anthony, 25, has pleaded not guilty and faces the death penalty if convicted.
The Casey Anthony case was recently reported on by "48 Hours Mystery."