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Casey Anthony Trial Update: Human decomposition expert cross-examined

Casey Anthony Trial Update: Casey competent to stand trial, say pschologists
Casey Anthony listens to court proceedings during her murder trial on June 16, 2011. AP Photo/Red Huber

(CBS/WKMG) ORLANDO, Fla. - Casey Anthony defense witness Dr. Kenneth Furton, a professor of chemistry, admitted during cross-examination that the garbage that was removed from Anthony's trunk would not still emit an odor two years later.

Pictures: Casey and Caylee Anthony, Personal Photos

The state has a sealed can with a piece of carpet from Anthony's car in it which is said to contain a "death smell," reports CBS affiliate WKMG.

Several other state witnesses, including an entomologist and an FBI hair and fiber analyst, testified that evidence in the trunk shows a decomposing body was placed there.

Furton, who specializes in chemistry of human decomposition and the scent of human remains testified that many of the compounds that were found in the trash of Anthony's trunk are the same that Dr. Arpad Vass is relying on to claim that there was a decomposing body in the trunk, reports the station.

He also noted that chloroform is a common result when something has bleach or chlorine on it. He also said it can be found in things like milk and cheese. Velveeta wrappers were found in a bag of garbage in the trunk of Anthony's car.

Next Orange County Sgt. John Allen was called. He was one of the main investigators in Caylee's disappearance.

Defense attorney Jose Baez questioned him about his interactions with private investigator James Hoover. Hoover volunteered to work with private investigator Dominic Casey, who was employed by the defense, and then the Anthony family, while Caylee was missing.

When Hoover was called to testify after Allen, he said he is a licensed private investigator, but became involved in the case at first as a private citizen, reports the station.

Hoover shot footage of Casey searching the wooded area near where Caylee's remains were later found. Casey told investigators he was on the phone with a psychic during the search.

Allen said Hoover was trying to sell the footage to the National Enquirer. Allen interviewed Hoover with FBI agent Nick Savage, the station reports.

Th trial resumed Monday after abruptly being put on hold over the weekend so that Casey Anthony could examined for mental competency.

Anthony, 25, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and could face the death penalty if convicted of that charge. Her defense attorneys claim Caylee Anthony accidentally drowned in the family's swimming pool.

The Casey Anthony case was recently reported on by "48 Hours Mystery."

Complete coverage of Casey Anthony on Crimesider

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