Forensic botanist tesfifies in Casey Anthony trial - Fox 35

Forensic botanist tesfifies in Casey Anthony trial

Updated: Tuesday, 21 Jun 2011, 12:38 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 21 Jun 2011, 7:08 AM EDT

Excerpt:

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - A forensic botanist testified Tuesday that 2-year-old Caylee Anthony's remains could have been in the woods for as little as two weeks when they were discovered in December 2008, a much shorter time period than prosecutors allege.

As the murder trial of Caylee's mother Casey entered Day 24, the defense witness told jurors she believed the roots could have grown through the bones, skull and a laundry bag in just two weeks.

Jane Bock said she based her estimate "because of the pattern of leaf litter" she observed on photos of the scene in the woods where the remains were found. But Bock said she couldn't tell just by looking at the photos how long the plants in the area had been there.

Prosecutor Jeff Ashton seized on that uncertainty in his cross-examination and noted that photos Bock relied on to make her assessment weren't taken until February 2009, more than seven weeks after the area was cleared of vegetation. He also showed Bock photos taken at the time of recovery and challenged her with more questions.

Read more: http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/anthony_case/062111-casey-anthony-trial-resumes#ixzz1PvlqTxMv