Anthony update: Judge threatens attorneys with removal

Associated Press

ORLANDO

The judge in the Casey Anthony trial warned one of the prosecutors and the lead defense attorney after an outburst during the defense’s closing argument.

Judge Belvin Perry told defense attorney Jose Baez, assistant prosecutor Jeff Ashton and the other attorneys that any other incidents will result in their removal.

An angry Perry stopped Baez’s argument after he referred to Ashton as “this laughing guy.” Television showed Ashton smiling behind his hand at Baez’s contention that the prosecution’s forensic evidence was based on fantasy. One of Perry’s written orders is that the attorneys not show emotion to the other side’s statements.

Ashton apologized and said he tried to hide his expressions. Baez also apologized.