Baez, who represented Casey Anthony, takes on Ocala murder case

Baez, who represented Casey Anthony, takes on Ocala murder case

By Vishal Persaud, Staff writer
Published: Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at 12:57 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at 12:57 p.m.

Casey Anthony’s former defense attorney may soon make an appearance in a Marion County courtroom.

Jose Baez is now the lead defense attorney in the Stevin Roopnarine murder case. Roopnarine is accused of shooting LaVar Watson, an Iraq War veteran, in the back of the head on Christmas night in 2011.

Assistant State Attorney Rock Hooker, the lead prosecutor handling the case, confirmed that he had spoken with Baez several times on the phone.

Baez filed a notice of appearance as Roopnarine’s defense attorney in Marion County circuit court on Feb. 15, demanding the discovery in the case.

“It’ll be months before he will be ready for trial, he just got the file last week,” Hooker said on Tuesday.

The case was originally set for trial on March 11. Hooker said he was a little bothered by the forthcoming trial delay since he was ready to try the case.

According to court records, Circuit Judge Sandra Edwards-Stephens wrote an order granting a continuance of the trial, scheduling it for Dec. 16.

Roopnarine’s current defense attorney, Jack Maro, will remain on the case with Baez.

“He decided that he was bored in Orange County,” Maro joked when first asked about Baez’s involvement in the case.

In reality, though, Maro said the Roopnarine family asked for another pair of eyes on the murder case.

“They asked for the names of some lawyers, and they decided to hook up with Jose (Baez),” Maro said.

Baez famously represented Anthony, who was acquitted of killing her 2-year-old daughter Caylee in 2011 after a six-week trial in Orlando that captivated the nation.

Baez could not be reached for comment.

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