Potential Casey Anthony witness called for jury, others tainted
(CBS/WTSP/AP) CLEARWATER, Fla. - A woman who searched for the missing body of Caylee Anthony and was named a potential witness for the defense was mistakenly summoned for jury duty Tuesday in Casey Anthony's murder case, forcing the judge to toss out dozens of prospective jurors.
Pictures: Casey and Caylee Anthony, Personal Photos
In September 2008, Patricia Young was among a group of protesters who got into a confrontation with Casey Anthony's father, George Anthony, in front of the family's Orlando-area home. Young claims George Anthony shoved her, and she sought criminal charges against him.
Young also had traveled to Orlando from Pinellas County to help search for Caylee, who had been reported missing weeks earlier. Caylee's body was found in December 2008 in a wooded area near the Anthony family home. She was 2-years-old when she was reported missing in July 2008.
Considering her history with the case, Young said she was shocked that she would be selected for jury duty.
"It floored me because why would they have me there?" Young told CBS affiliate WKMG. "When I got the summons for jury duty, no way did I think it was the Casey Anthony trial, because of my involvement with the case."
As a potential witness for the defense, Young said they should have noticed her name. She discussed details of the case with a few fellow prospective jurors, but she didn't know she was jeopardizing the case.
Young said this incident has made her feel like she should have never gotten involved. However, WKMG reports that Young wishes she would have been chosen to sit on the jury that will decide Anthony's fate.
"I would have liked to, because I believe she's guilty," Young told the station.
Anthony, 25, could face the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder. She is also charged with aggravated child abuse, aggravated manslaughter of a child and providing false information to law enforcement. She has pleaded not guilty and maintains a babysitter kidnapped Caylee.
The Casey Anthony case was recently reported on by "48 Hours Mystery."