Casey Anthony found competent, trial resumes - Fox 35

by mom_in_il Tue Jun 28, 2011 5:21 am

Casey Anthony found competent, trial resumes

Updated: Monday, 27 Jun 2011, 11:38 PM EDT
Published : Monday, 27 Jun 2011, 6:52 AM EDT

Excerpt:

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - 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.

Read more: http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/anthony_case/062711-casey-anthony-trial#ixzz1QXrYds5F