Prosecutors release e-mails, videos to Casey Anthony's defense

Amy L. Edwards
Sentinel Staff Writer
March 18, 2009

Prosecutors have released more investigative information -- including e-mails and videos -- to Casey Anthony's defense team.Among the 10 items made available: videos taken by private investigator Jim Hoover; e-mails the Oak Ridge National Laboratory sent the Orange County Sheriff's Office; e-mails Detective Yuri Melich sent to the laboratory; and a photograph of a child's T-shirt.

Evidence collected for prosecutors in criminal trials must be shared with defense lawyers -- a process known as discovery. After the defense receives the information, it then can be released publicly. It's unclear when the items recently shared with the defense will become public...

Anthony's birthday will be another routine day in jail
Amy L. Edwards, Sentinel Staff Writer
March 18, 2009

Casey Anthony won't enjoy a birthday bash when she turns 23 on Thursday. It will be a routine day for Central Florida's high-profile mother, who has been charged in her 2-year-old daughter's death.

Other than her attorney, Anthony doesn't have any scheduled visitors. If family members did want to visit, they'd have to talk to Anthony from a separate building via a video stream. She'll start the day off with a cup of oatmeal, gravy and potatoes; and end the day with a dinner of smoked sausage, rice and mixed veggies.

She'll also get one cookie or piece of cake but that's only because it's already on the jail's planned meal list.

"There is no special treatment for any inmate who has a birthday while in jail," said Allen Moore, spokesman for the Orange County Jail.For weeks, bloggers and others have been making online pleas for people to send a birthday card to Anthony. It's unclear if she's received any.

The jail doesn't track mail volume for specific inmates, Moore said, there are no public records that would show if anyone has tried to mail Anthony a gift. But, Moore added, mail-room staffers say Anthony does receive "a significant amount of mail daily."

Anthony's attorney, Jose Baez, said this through his spokeswoman Marti Mackenzie when asked about Anthony's birthday behind bars:"Unfortunately many of my clients have spent their birthdays in jail. I will be visiting the jail tomorrow in the capacity as Casey's lawyer to discuss development in her defense."