Casey Anthony Trial Update: FBI witness asked about Caylee paternity, duct tape
(CBS/WKMG/AP) ORLANDO, Fla. - On the first day presenting its case, Casey Anthony's defense team questioned an FBI witness about how duct tape found on Caylee Anthony's skull had been contaminated by a lab worker and asked questions regarding the paternity of Caylee Anthony.
Pictures: Casey and Caylee Anthony, Personal Photos
The defense began presenting its case Thursday in the murder trial of Casey Anthony, who is accused of killing her 2-year-old daughter Caylee in 2008.
The defense called FBI DNA examiner Heather Seubert as the second witness of the day. Seubert testified about DNA found on the duct tape found on Caylee's skull, saying some of the DNA was linked to another FBI lab worker who had contaminated the tape, reports CBS affiliate WKMG.
The state has said that Anthony used to tape to suffocate Caylee.
Seubert also testified that she found no blood or DNA in the trunk of Anthony's car.
She also said she found no blood on any of the clothing of Anthony's she'd been given to examine.
Before recessing for lunch, lead defense attorney Jose Baez asked Seubert if she was ever asked to perform a DNA test to determine if Anthony's brother, Lee, could be Caylee's father. The state objected, saying the question was not in good faith and Perry agreed the question should not have been asked.
When court resumed after lunch, Baez rephrased and again asked about the paternity test. Seubert said the test was performed, and the results concluded he was not the father.
During open statements, Baez claimed that Casey Anthony had been sexually abused by her father, George Anthony.
The day began with testimony from Gerardo Bloise, an Orange County crime scene investigator, reports CBS affiliate WKMG.
Bloise presented photos of Anthony's bedroom and closet, which he examined, using an alternative light source to identify stains. He said he checked the pair of pants he was told Anthony was wearing on June 16, the day the defense says Caylee died, and found no stain on the pants, reports the station.
Anthony, 25, is charged with first-degree murder in the death Caylee and has pleaded not guilty.
The state says Caylee was suffocated by her mother with duct tape. The defense contends Caylee drowned in her grandparents' swimming pool. Caylee's skeletal remains were found in December 2008.
Anthony could face the death penalty if convicted.
The Casey Anthony case was recently reported on by "48 Hours Mystery."