Casey Anthony Trial Update: Caylee's remains in woods just 2 weeks, says botanist
(CBS/WKMG/AP) ORLANDO, Fla. - Dr. Jane Bock, a forensic botanist, testified for the Casey Anthony defense today that 2-year-old Caylee Anthony's remains could have been in the woods for as little as two weeks before they were discovered in December 2008, a much shorter time period than prosecutors allege.
Pictures: Casey and Caylee Anthony, Personal Photos
"I have looked at photographs taken by the medical examiner and the Sheriff's Office crime scene investigators and visited the recovery area and read documents about the case," Bock said, reports CBS affiliate WKMG.
She said she believes the remains were in the wooded area near the Anthony family home for about two weeks, explaining that roots could have grown through the bones, skull and a laundry bag in two weeks. Prosecutors have said Caylee's remains had been in the woods since the summer of 2008.
State prosecutor Jeff Ashton pressed Bock about leaves that were collected around the remains, asking her if it was possible for the leaves, which he said were at varying levels of decay, to have been there for more than two weeks, reports the station.
Ashton pointed out that Bock said in her deposition that she couldn't say when Caylee's remains were placed in the woods. Bock then admitted that it's possible that Caylee's remains were in the woods for more than two weeks.
Ashton also said that Caylee's hip bone was found buried in 4 inches of muck, implying that Caylee's skull was likely in the woods for more than two weeks. Bock suggested a dog or another animal could have buried the hip bone, the station reports.
Today marks day 24 of Casey Anthony's trial. The 25-year-old is charged with first-degree murder in the death Caylee and has pleaded not guilty. Anthony could face the death penalty if convicted.
Testimony resumed Tuesday following a one-day delay. Judge Bevlin Perry scolded attorneys on both sides Monday for their constant bickering.
The Casey Anthony case was recently reported on by "48 Hours Mystery."