Judge in Casey Anthony civil case recuses himself

(CBS/WKMG) For unknown reasons, the judge in the civil lawsuit against Casey Anthony recused himself from the case on Friday.

Pictures: Casey and Caylee Anthony

Judge Jose Rodriguez made the announcement shortly after the 8 a.m. hearing began, reports CBS affiliate WKMG.

Zenaida Gonzalez, who shares the same name as a fictitious babysitter whom Casey Anthony claimed kidnapped her daughter Caylee in 2008, is suing Anthony for defamation.

The move came after Anthony's attorney called for a sidebar, where attorneys from both sides talked with the judge for about 15 minutes.

Gonzalez's attorney, John Morgan, said he did not request the recusal, WKMG reports.

Morgan was expected to argue Friday that Anthony should be deposed before she is released from jail Sunday. He filed the motion Wednesday requiring Anthony to attend a deposition either on July 19 or before Sunday's scheduled release from the Orange County Jail.

Morgan is concerned that Anthony will not show up for a scheduled deposition next Tuesday and he wants a judge to force her to appear, reports the station.

A timetable for a decision is not known.

Neither Gonzalez nor Anthony attended the hearing.

Last week Anthony, 25, was acquitted of first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse and aggravated manslaughter in Caylee's death.

She was sentenced to a total of four years in jail on four counts of providing false information to law enforcement, as well as a fine of $4,000, plus court costs. However, due to credit for time served and good behavior, Anthony is scheduled to be released this Sunday.

If Anthony is compelled by a judge to give a deposition under oath, it could be the first time she speaks publicly after her acquittal.