Anthony ruled competent; defense seeks mistrial

Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla.

Casey Anthony is competent to remain on trial for murder in the death of her 2-year-old daughter, a judge ruled Monday after examining reports by three psychologists who examined her over the weekend.

Also on the 29th day of testimony, Anthony’s attorneys asked Judge Belvin Perry to declare a mistrial and select a new jury, citing a ruling on Florida’s death penalty.

Attorneys told the judge they did not believe their 25-year-old client is competent, based on privileged discussions with her. They did not elaborate what led them to that conclusion in a motion filed Saturday and sealed until the judge’s ruling.

Perry asked the psychologists to determine whether Anthony could comprehend the charges against her and the possible penalties, and if she could testify relevantly if called to the stand. If convicted on the first-degree murder charge against her, Anthony could face the death penalty.

“Based upon the reports that the court has reviewed, the court will find that the defendant is competent to proceed,” Perry said at the start of Monday’s hearing.

Prosecutors have argued that Anthony placed duct tape over Caylee Anthony’s mouth, suffocating the toddler in summer 2008. Her skeletal remains were found in December that year in the woods near her grandparents’ home and much of the forensic evidence produced at the trial has been about what the body revealed.

Casey Anthony was born in Warren in 1986 to George and Cindy Anthony, who lived in Howland before moving the family to Florida in 1989.