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Casey Anthony Trial Update: Prosecution rests its case against Anthony
Casey Anthony sits at the defense table before the start of her murder trial on June 14, 2011.
(Credit: AP Photo/Red Huber)
(CBS/WKMG/AP) ORLANDO, Fla. - Prosecutors finished presenting their case Wednesday morning against Casey Anthony, who is on trial for first-degree murder in the death of her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee.
Pictures: Casey and Caylee Anthony, Personal Photos
Before resting on the day 19 of the trial, state attorneys introduced some items into evidence, including two cans that contain a portion of the trunk liner from Anthony's car, which state witnesses and family members of Anthony have said reeked of the smell of death the summer of 2008, reports CBS affiliate WKMG.
Judge Belvin Perry also read the definition of "bella vita," the words of the tattoo Anthony got on her back while Caylee was missing. In Italian, the words mean "beautiful life." Anthony agreed that the definition stated was correct, the station reports.
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.
Anthony's defense team said it will be ready to call its first witness on Thursday, but only if a standard motion asking the judge to throw out the case is denied. The defense began its arguments over the motion after the jury was dismissed, reports the station.
While presenting numerous witnesses over the last several weeks, prosecutors have laid out their case, saying that Caylee was suffocated with duct tape. A medical examiner testified that the cause of death was undetermined - only the "manner of death" was ruled to be homicide.
The state has built its mostly circumstantial case on Anthony's conduct and the lies she told about her daughter's whereabouts.
They also have relied on forensics experts. They've talked about smells of human decomposition in Anthony's car, searches on her computer, including how to make chloroform, and duct tape found on the girl's skull.
Caylee vanished in June 2008, and Anthony did not report her missing for a month. The child's skeletal remains were found in December 2008 in a wooded lot near the Anthony family home.
The defense claims Caylee drowned in the her grandparents' swimming pool.
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."
Complete coverage of Casey Anthony on Crimesider
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