Casey Anthony judge allows controversial evidence
(CBS/WKMG) ORLANDO, Fla. - The judge in the trial of Casey Anthony , a Florida woman accused of killing her 2-year-old daughter Caylee, ruled Tuesday that the prosecution can present several pieces of controversial evidence in the trial scheduled to start May 9.
Pictures: Casey and Caylee Anthony, Personal Photos
Judge Belvin Perry is allowing an FBI analyst to testify about the heart-shaped sticker residue she observed on a piece of duct tape found on Caylee's skull, but that was never photographed. The analyst claimed that it later disappeared, reports CBS affiliate WKMG.
In addition, a K-9 handler will also be allowed to testify about his cadaver dog signaling on the trunk of Anthony's car, indicating that there had been a body there, as well as in the Anthony family home's backyard, reports the station.
The defense argues that the dogs can sometimes confuse the smell of a body with hair, blood or fingernails, but Perry chose to let the jury decide for themselves the accuracy of the dogs, the station reports.
Lastly, the state can present evidence that a strand of hair found in Anthony's car came from a decomposing body. The state's expert said the hair shows "post-mortem banding." Defense experts argued that a hair from a living person can sometimes have the same qualities, reports the station.
Anthony is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her 2-year-old daughter Caylee. She has pleaded not guilty and has said a babysitter kidnapped Caylee.
The Casey Anthony trial is scheduled to start May 9 with jury selection.
The Casey Anthony case was recently covered by "48 Hours Mystery."