Homicide investigation in the last 10 yrs in the U.S - Essay Example

The Orange County Medical Examiner, on December 19, 2008, confirmed that the remains were that of the missing child (Orlando Sentinel). They were found a quarter of a mile from the Anthonys’ residence. The investigation was conducted by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and the autopsy report listed the cause of the toddler’s death as “homicide by undetermined means” (People Weekly). Let us check the timeline of the case to see if the process of investigation was carried out dutifully, or if there are areas of improvement that would have expedited the case.

On July 15, 2008, Cindy Anthony, the dead toddler’s grandmother and suspect’s mother, called the sheriff’s office to report that her daughter Casey stole the family car and some money. Cindy also reported a possible missing child. On July 16, 2008, Casey went through interrogation and provided a string of statements that were later found to be contradicting some hard evidences. On that same day, she was arrested for obstructing a criminal investigation, filing false official statements, and child neglect.

On July 17, 2008, the case was presented to the court and Casey was denied of bail. From July 17, 2008 until Caylee’s body was found, investigators exerted all efforts to locate the missing child. Pictures and reports showing detectives doing their job demonstrated how carefully they executed the investigation. Immediate apprehension of the suspect was done, along with careful assessment and management of the Anthonys’ residence. Every individual linked to Casey was interviewed, including the babysitter that Casey claimed took her daughter.

Thorough canvass of the scene provided the detectives several leads, making them believe the high probability that the case is not of a missing child, but homicide. Cadaver dog alerts to the odor of human decomposition in Casey Anthony’s car. Trace evidences such as hair strands similar to that of the missing child, dirt, and questionable stain were found inside the same car. All these were found 2 days after the child was reported missing (Orlando Sentinel). The investigators handling the case obviously did a spectacular job in solving the mystery of the case.

The media was deeply involved since the story created a public outcry. Some key pointers that aided in securing valuable evidences were the cordoning of the “crime scene”, prohibiting access from anyone not involved in the investigation. Detailed records of activities of everyone possibly involved in the case were kept, and possible witnesses were identified. In the reports, one could easily see how most people willingly cooperated in telling everything they know, while some were hesitant in providing information.

The Sheriff’s Office was able to secure photographs and other data that could either support or discredit information provided to them. In interrogating Caylee’s family members, the investigators ensured that they were separated from one another to avoid any possibility of influencing each other’s opinion and making up plausible justification for questionable statements (Orlando Sentinel). However, Casey Anthony’s attorney Jose Baez asserts that the Miranda was not read to the suspect.

Detectives explained that during those times, they see Casey Anthony merely as a mother of a missing child, and not a possible suspect (Orlando Sentinel