49 potential Casey Anthony trial jurors dismissed after some chat about case
(CBS/WTSP) CLEARWATER, Fla. - Judge Belvin Perry dismissed 49 potential jurors from today's pool after he discovered they had spoken in depth about the case against Casey Anthony, the Orlando-area mother accused of killing her 2-year-old daughter Caylee.
Pictures: Casey and Caylee Anthony, Personal Photos
When Perry asked the potential jurors if they had conversations about the case in the central jury room, a handful of them raised their hands, causing him to dismiss the whole group, reports CBS affiliate WTSP.
Judge Perry has indicated the Orlando area has been so saturated by news
coverage of the case that it's too difficult to find a jury of people
there who have yet to make up their minds; therefore, jury selection is
taking place in the Tampa Bay area.
Perry has asked that a new batch of about 50 jurors be summoned for Wednesday. This delay could push jury selection into next week, though Perry was hoping to have the jury seated by Friday, reports the Los Angeles Times.
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."