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CNN Newsroom
Live Coverage of Casey Anthony Trial
Aired June 28, 2011 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
GEORGE ANTHONY, CASEY ANTHONY'S FATHER: I always gave that willingly, honestly and freely, as I possibly could.
JOSE BAEZ, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: So, just so we're clear, sir, you never told Krystal Holloway while the two of you were being romantic that this was an accident that snowballed out of control?
MASON: Objection. Assumes a fact not in evidence. Asked and answered.
JUDGE BELVIN PERRY, ORANGE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT: Asked and answered. Sustained.
BAEZ: The answer is no?
MASON: Objection. Asked and answered.
PERRY: Sustained.
BAEZ: Your Honor, I think the witness's answer was nonresponsive, and I just want to clear on the answer.
PERRY: So the record will be clear, is the answer yes or no, Mr. Anthony?
ANTHONY: Would you ask that one more time, please?
BAEZ: You never told her this was an accident that snowballed out of control?
ANTHONY: Never did.
BAEZ: Did you ever send her a text message telling her that you needed her in your life?
ANTHONY: Well, I've seen that information come out. Yes, I sent many text messages to many, many volunteers and people who were helping out. And yes, I did need those people in my life. Yes.
BAEZ: So, you sent her that text message?
ANTHONY: Yes, sir. I'm not going to say that I didn't.
BAEZ: Did you ever leave her any other letters that you were trying to get to speak with her? ANTHONY: I know on one occasion, I stopped by her residence, just left her a letter. Yes, that's possible. What was in the context of it, I don't remember.
It was something to cheer her up, make her to feel comfortable, what she was going through in her life. Possibly, I did. I don't see anything wrong with that.
BAEZ: If I can have just one moment, Judge.
PERRY: You may.
BAEZ: Did you at any time ever tell her not to say anything about your affair with her?
MASON: Objection. Assumes a fact which is not in evidence.
BAEZ: Made the statement or not, Your Honor.
PERRY: I couldn't hear the last part.
BAEZ: I'm just simply asking if he made the statement or not.
PERRY: Overruled. He can answer the question.
ANTHONY: Sir, I never had a romantic affair with Krystal Holloway, River Cruz, or whatever name she wanted to give you or the world. If I'm not mistaken, sir, she has a questionable past. OK?
And if I can clarify that with you, she also has been arrested for fraud --
BAEZ: Judge, I want to move to strike.
ANTHONY: -- and breaking and entering, and stuff like that. She is not a very good person, sir.
PERRY: Mr. Anthony, the question simply calls for a yes or no answer, sir.
ANTHONY: Ask that question to me again, sir.
BAEZ: Did you ever tell her not to say anything about your affair with her?
ANTHONY: I'm going to say this again. I did not have an affair with her, so the answer is no.
BAEZ: And sir, are you aware that she never did say anything about your affair until the police came to her?
MASON: Objection. Not in evidence.
PERRY: Sustained.
BAEZ: How many times would you say you spoke to Ms. Holloway on the phone throughout the time period of October through January -- October, 2008 through January of 2009?
ANTHONY: Well, again, I stated at the beginning, I did not know her as "Krystal Holloway," I knew her as "River Cruz."
BAEZ: OK.
ANTHONY: As far as how many times, sir, I don't know. It could have been once, twice. It could have been 10 times. I don't know.
BAEZ: Did you ever speak to her late at night?
ANTHONY: Not that I can remember, no. Don't believe I would.
BAEZ: If I can have just one more, Judge.
PERRY: You may.
Cross-examination?
JEFF ASHTON, PROSECUTOR: Mr. Baez didn't ask you this question, but when was it that you knew this lady?
ANTHONY: I met her at our command center, at the skating rink on Golden Rod (ph), sometime in the middle to about probably the third week of October.
ASHTON: OK. So you met her sometime in mid-October.
ANTHONY: Mid-October of 2008.
ASHTON: And when -- after Caylee's remains were found, your friendship with her ended at some point?
ANTHONY: Basically, yes, I would agree with -- yes, it did.
ASHTON: Did you ever tell River Cruz that while your daughter was home on bond, that you grabbed her by the throat, threw her up against the wall, and said --
BAEZ: Objection, Your Honor. Beyond the scope.
ASHTON: It goes into statements by the witness.
PERRY: Overruled.
ASHTON: Threw her up against the wall and said, "I know you did something to Caylee. Where's Caylee?"
ANTHONY: No, sir, I never did that to my daughter.
ASHTON: No further questions.
PERRY: Redirect.
BAEZ: No further questions.
PERRY: Mr. Anthony, stand down. Thank you, sir.
Defense may call the next witness.
BAEZ: The defense calls Cindy Anthony.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Do you solemnly swear or affirm to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
CINDY ANTHONY, CASEY ANTHONY'S MOTHER: I do.
Cynthia Anthony. C-Y-N-T-H-I-A A-N-T-H-O-N-Y.
PERRY: You may proceed.
BAEZ: Thank you, Your Honor.
Good morning, Mrs. Anthony.
C. ANTHONY: Good morning.
BAEZ: Mrs. Anthony, did you ever instruct Dominic Casey and Jim Hoover to go search off of Suburban Drive?
C. ANTHONY: No, sir, I did not.
BAEZ: Did you ever ask them to go videotape that area?
C. ANTHONY: No, sir, I did not.
BAEZ: On December 20th of 2008, there was a search warrant served on your home. Do you recall that?
C. ANTHONY: Yes.
BAEZ: Did you tell Detective Yuri Melich that you had your people walk that area a month ago and no one -- no body was there?
C. ANTHONY: I can't recall if I stated anything to Mr. Melich that day. We were just kind of upset that they were back during that time frame.
BAEZ: Do you know if you told him -- if I can have just a moment.
Do you know if you told him you had people walk that area?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Objection. Out of scope.
PERRY: Overruled.
BAEZ: Let me finish the question -- where the body was discovered a month ago and nothing was there in that area?
C. ANTHONY: Again, sir, I don't recall specifics I spoke to Mr. Melich about. I just remember being upset that he was in my home on the 20th of December.
BAEZ: Did you also -- do you recall if you told him that you had some blankets missing?
C. ANTHONY: I did recall telling him that there was a blanket missing.
BAEZ: And this was the second time they had searched your home since finding your granddaughter?
C. ANTHONY: On the 20th, it was the third time. Oh, since they found Caylee? Oh, it was the second time. I'm sorry.
BAEZ: And the first time that they searched your home they left a search warrant at your home?
C. ANTHONY: On December 11th?
BAEZ: Yes.
C. ANTHONY: No, sir, they did not.
BAEZ: Did they leave an inventory sheet telling you what they had confiscated?
C. ANTHONY: No, sir, they did not.
BAEZ: So, you have no idea what they were looking for or what they had taken?
C. ANTHONY: Not on December 11th, no.
BAEZ: By the 20th, is what I'm asking you, when they came for the second search warrant, did you know what they had confiscated on the 11th and what they were looking for?
C. ANTHONY: I believe our attorney at that time did request the search warrant and the items listed. And at some point before then we did get that.
BAEZ: So you were aware they were looking for Winnie the Pooh blankets and bedding?
C. ANTHONY: Well, there were 70-some items that they had taken on December 11th, so I really wasn't sure what they were looking for. I don't think I read the subpoena for December 11th. From my recollection, it had something to do with the sticker.
BAEZ: Prior to September, 2008, did you tell your son, Lee Anthony, that you had sent Dominic Casey and/or Jim Hoover to Suburban Drive to look for Caylee with a video camera?
C. ANTHONY: I had never told anybody that I sent those guys there because I never sent those guys there.
BAEZ: What about after -- I know you just answered, but I want to make sure about the time period. What about after or around the time of November of 2008? Did you tell Lee or have an argument with Lee about sending Dominic to go and search in that area? C. ANTHONY: I had no knowledge of that search in that area, so I would not have had an argument regarding that. My first knowledge of that search was after Caylee's remains were found.
BAEZ: OK. And you never heard a discussion with him where he confronted you that, why are you looking for a dead Caylee?
LINDA DRANE BURDICK, PROSECUTOR: Objection.
PERRY: Sustained.
BAEZ: I have no further questions.
PERRY: Cross-examination?
BURDICK: (INAUDIBLE)
PERRY: The witness may stand down.
Thank you, ma'am.
C. ANTHONY: OK. Thank you, sir.
The defense may call their next witness.
BAEZ: The defense calls Lee Anthony.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Do you solemnly swear or affirm to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
LEE ANTHONY, CASEY ANTHONY'S BROTHER: Yes, I do.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Have a seat, please.
L. ANTHONY: Lee Anthony, L-E-E A-N-T-HO-N-Y.
BAEZ: Morning, Mr. Anthony.
L. ANTHONY: Good morning.
BAEZ: Mr. Anthony, did you ever have an argument or discussion with your mother about sending Dominic Casey to look for Caylee off Suburban Drive with a video camera?
L. ANTHONY: Yes, sir, I did.
BAEZ: And can you tell us what happened?
L. ANTHONY: Absolutely. I was over at my mother's house, and we had a --
MASON: Objection. Hearsay.
BAEZ: It's not hearsay.
PERRY: Sustained. Rephrase your question. BAEZ: Did you go to your home, your parents' home?
L. ANTHONY: Yes, sir, I did.
BAEZ: OK. And when you got there, did your mother tell you anything about sending Dominic with a video camera to Suburban Drive?
MASON: Objection, Your Honor. Hearsay.
PERRY: Overruled.
L. ANTHONY: Yes, sir, that did happen.
BAEZ: What did she tell you?
L. ANTHONY: That she sent Dominic into the woods off of Suburban because she got a psychic tip that she wanted to follow up on.
BAEZ: And when did this conversation take place, approximately?
L. ANTHONY: Time or date or --
BAEZ: The month of 2008.
L. ANTHONY: It was later in the year. I don't recall exactly. I'm sorry.
BAEZ: Would it have been before you went back to work?
L. ANTHONY: I believe it was.
BAEZ: And when did you go back to work?
L. ANTHONY: I went back into work -- I would have started back sometime in October.
BAEZ: Of 2008?
L. ANTHONY: Yes, sir.
BAEZ: So, prior to October, 2008, you had this discussion with your mother?
L. ANTHONY: That's my recollection. Yes, sir.
BAEZ: And did it create an argument between you two?
L. ANTHONY: It might have been one-sided on my part. Absolutely. I was quite angry.
BAEZ: Why were you angry?
L. ANTHONY: It was the first time I had ever heard anyone in my family offer it up that they were willing to look for a deceased Caylee, because prior to that, not even within the realm of anybody's mindset. So I was quite angry. BAEZ: Thank you, sir.
No further questions.
PERRY: Cross?
ASHTON: Good morning, sir.
L. ANTHONY: Good morning.
ASHTON: You had this conversation -- you had this alleged conversation with your mother in October or before October of 2008?
L. ANTHONY: Well, I don't know the exact time frame for sure. I went back to work approximately in October. I know the conversation happened prior to that, because it fueled by decision to go back to work.
ASHTON: You're aware -- are you aware that Mr. Casey went into the woods in November?
L. ANTHONY: That's my understanding, yes, sir.
ASHTON: So, you had this alleged conversation with your mother before the event actually took place?
L. ANTHONY: If that's the only time he did that, yes, sir.
ASHTON: OK. Thank you.
L. ANTHONY: You're welcome.
PERRY: May the witness stand down.
BAEZ: Actually, if I can I have a moment?
Mr. Anthony, what do you mean it fueled your decision to go back to work?
L. ANTHONY: It made my decision a lot easier to return to work instead of being out of work during that period of time.
BAEZ: Why?
ASHTON: Objection.
PERRY: Overruled.
ASHTON: -- non scope of the cross.
BAEZ: It was brought up during cross.
ASHTON: I didn't ask any questions about his employment.
PERRY: Overruled. L. ANTHONY: I was very angry that my mom specifically, but my folks, decided to do that without keeping me in the loop. And it was something that we -- for me I couldn't believe that they were even considering that Caylee would no longer be with us, and they'd be willing to look for her that way. And I frankly didn't want anything to do with that, so I decided shortly thereafter that I am indeed going to go back to work and try to focus some of my energy across the board.
BAEZ: Thank you.
No further questions.
PERRY: Re-cross those issues?
MASON: So in October of 2008, you were completely sold on the lies that your sister had told you?
BAEZ: Objection, Your Honor. Scope.
PERRY: Overruled.
ANTHONY: Yes and no.
PERRY: May the witness stand down.
Thank you, Mr. Anthony. You may stand down, sir.
Defense may call their next witness.
BAEZ: If I can have just a moment, Judge.
You may.
BAEZ: Your Honor, the defense calls Detective Yuri Melich.
SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN ANCHOR: You've been watching the Casey Anthony trial out of Orlando, Florida.
This is a host of family members that have been called to the witness stand. It looks like the defense may be wrapping up.
We saw testimony from the father, George Anthony, who denied that there was any kind of conversation that he had that little Caylee's death was an accident, an accident that had gotten out of control. We also saw Cindy Anthony, the mother of Casey Anthony. She was talking about the time in which the child was missing. And then we just heard from Lee Anthony, the brother.
They're now calling another witness to the stand. This is, I believe, an investigator.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Right. Lead detective Yuri Melich.
YURI MELICH, DETECTIVE: My name is Yuri, Y-U-R-I M-E-L-I-C-H.
PERRY: You may proceed.
BAEZ: Thank you, Your Honor.
Detective Melich, I'd like to direct your attention to December 20, 2008, when you executed a search warrant at the Anthony home.
Do you recall, sir, when executing that search warrant, that Mrs. Cindy Anthony had stated to you that she had her people walk that area, meaning where the body was recovered, a month ago and nothing was in that area?
MELICH: I recall her saying something to that extent.
BAEZ: OK. If I showed you a copy of your police report, would that refresh your recollection?
MELICH: I have a copy here, too.
BAEZ: Oh, OK. So you recall that? Or can you look it over and make sure that's your --
It would be on page nine, number 3382.
MELICH: I have a different report out of a compilation of my reports, so just bear with me, please.
BAEZ: Sure.
MELICH: I recall she had made that comment. It was in front of Corporal Edwards. I don't have an independent recollection of the comment, but obviously I wrote it down, so --
BAEZ: And that there was nothing in the area then?
MELICH: I can only attest to what I wrote in the report, and that she stated she had people walk that area, meaning the area the body was discovered, a month ago, and there was nothing in the area then.
BAEZ: I have no further questions.
PERRY: Cross-examination?
BURDICK: None.
PERRY: May the detective stand down subject to recall.
Thank you, Detective.
MELICH: Thank you, sir.
BURDICK: The defense may call their next witness.
MASON: Roy Kronk.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear or affirm to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
ROY KRONK, METER READER: Yes.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Please take a seat.
KRONK: Roy, R-O-Y, Kronk, K-R-O-N-K.
PERRY: You may proceed.
CHENEY MASON, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Good morning, Mr. Kronk.
KRONK: Good morning, sir.
MASON: Would you tell us, please, sir, how you were employed during the summer months of 2008?
KRONK: I was a meter reader for Orange County, sir.
MASON: And how long had you be employed as a meter reader?
KRONK: Since May 27th of '08, sir.
MASON: What type of meters did you read?
KRONK: Water meters, sir.
MASON: And did you have an assigned route at that time?
KRONK: We were assigned routes the night before, sir.
MASON: The night before?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: Every night before?
KRONK: We never knew what route we had the next day. It always varied.
MASON: And did you have a general area, a district of Orange County that you worked in?
KRONK: We read all of Orange County, sir.
MASON: In August of 2008, sir, did you have occasion to be assigned to read meters out by Hope Springs Drive?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: And so are you familiar, sir, in fact with the residence of George and Cindy Anthony on Hope Springs Drive?
KRONK: No, sir.
MASON: Did you read all the meters on Hope Springs Drive?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: Did you also read meters on Suburban Drive?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: The master meter at the school?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: And do you remember on the day of August the 11th, who, if anyone, may have been with you when you were reading meters in that area?
KRONK: At the time, nobody, sir.
MASON: You went out there by yourself on August the 11th of 2008?
KRONK: I started a route, yes, sir, by myself.
MASON: Did somebody join you out there on that day?
KRONK: Late in the afternoon, two of my co-workers joined me, sir.
MASON: And who would they be?
KRONK: I believe it was David Dean (ph) and Chris (ph) -- I don't remember his last name.
MASON: Do you remember specifically that date, August the 11th, 2008?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: What particularly about that date do you remember, sir?
KRONK: Finding a dead rattlesnake, sir.
MASON: I'm asking you what you particular remember about that date.
KRONK: Nothing really, sir.
MASON: Mr. Kronk, on August the 11th of 2008, did you stop your county vehicle on Suburban Drive?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: Did you exit at that time and go into the wooded area in order to relieve yourself?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: Is that something you customarily did?
KRONK: We really didn't have bathroom facilities, so you just went wherever you knew that was private to do what you had to do, sir.
MASON: Do you know where the nearest gas station facility is to Suburban Drive?
KRONK: I believe the shopping center at the end of the road, sir.
MASON: Now, prior to that particular day, were you aware of the saga unfolding in the search for little Caylee Marie Anthony?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: Were you watching news reports on the subject matter frequently?
KRONK: No, sir.
MASON: Did you have a roommate?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: Did your roommate watch television and news reports about this search?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: Did you discuss that situation with your roommate on a daily basis?
KRONK: No, sir.
MASON: How often?
KRONK: Not very often, sir.
MASON: When you went to Suburban Drive on August the 11th, sir, were you aware where the Anthony residence was in relation to where you stopped to relief yourself?
KRONK: It was the first time I read the routes, so not really, sir, no.
MASON: And on that particular day, sir, did you have anything unusual occur to you while you were relieving yourself?
KRONK: No, sir.
MASON: Did you go into the woods?
KRONK: Long enough to do what I had to do and come straight out.
MASON: Did you see or do anything else in the woods then besides just relieve yourself and walk straight out?
KRONK: I looked around, sir.
MASON: What, if anything, did you find when you looked around, sir?
KRONK: I saw an object that appeared a little odd to me.
MASON: Did you, on that date and time and place, sir, see a bag that appeared suspicious to you?
KRONK: I really didn't see a bag, per se, sir. No.
MASON: Did you lift a bag, sir?
KRONK: No, sir.
MASON: And on that particular date and time, sir, did you see a skull, a human skull, a small human skull?
KRONK: I was never closer than 20 to 30 feet from the object, and I did see something that appeared to me to look like something of that nature, yes, sir.
MASON: And sir, did you make any exclamation about what you saw and found? And did you anything else, anybody?
KRONK: No, sir. We found a dead rattlesnake and that pretty much took up the rest of the afternoon.
MASON: Did you -- when you went in to relieve yourself, sir, were you aware that Mr. Dean (ph) was there?
KRONK: Yes, sir, I believe so.
MASON: And is it your testimony, sir, that when you went into the woods, that then and there you did not specifically see a skull?
KRONK: No, sir.
MASON: Then is it also your testimony that you did not then and there say something to Mr. Dean that you had seen a skull?
KRONK: Not at that time, no, sir.
MASON: And did he, that is Mr. Dean, come to where you were? Walk from the truck to where you were?
KRONK: No, sir.
MASON: Did Mr. Dean step on the apparently deceased rattlesnake?
KRONK: No, sir.
MASON: Did Mr. Dean have any occasion somehow to stumble from his truck and pick up a rattlesnake?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: And that was there and then at that time on August 11, 2008?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: And did you have conversation with him during that process that you had just seen a skull?
KRONK: I told him that I saw something that looked odd to me, but they were completely enthralled with the dead rattlesnake, sir.
MASON: Did you tell him, sir, that you saw a skull?
KRONK: I told him I saw an object that looked like a skull. I never told him I saw one.
MASON: OK. What did you and Mr. Dean do next, sir?
KRONK: Went back to the office and showed everybody the dead rattlesnake.
MASON: Did everybody come out and take pictures of the dead rattlesnake?
KRONK: I believe so.
MASON: Did you then just go home?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: Did you call the sheriff's department or any other law enforcement agency to report that you had seen what might be a skull?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: Did you speak to somebody?
KRONK: I originally called Orange County and they told me that they were not handling those phone calls and I needed to call crime line, sir.
MASON: Did you call crime line?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: Did anybody respond to you after you made the call about maybe finding a skull?
KRONK: No, sir.
MASON: So you -- did you tell them that you had maybe found this skull on Suburban Drive?
KRONK: No, sir, I told them I saw an object that looked like that, sir.
MASON: And did you mention to anybody that it was in the vicinity of the Anthony residence?
KRONK: No, sir.
MASON: So it's your testimony that despite the fact that you called and you said you may have found a skull, there was no response except call crime lab?
KRONK: Yes, sir. MASON: Did anybody from any law enforcement agency come and talk to you on that date?
KRONK: No, sir.
MASON: Did you work the next day, August the 12th of 2008?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: Were you reading meters?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: Where was your route on that day?
KRONK: I don't remember, sir.
MASON: On the 12th of August of 2008, did you have occasion, sir, to call anybody from law enforcement again about the maybe skull?
KRONK: No, sir.
MASON: What did you do on that day?
KRONK: I read my route and I went home.
MASON: You worked as usual, you may have seen a skull, you pick up a dead rattlesnake, you call law enforcement and the next day it's just back to work as usual?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: And on the 13th of August, 2008, sir, did you call the sheriff's department again?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: Did you report, in fact, that you had seen a skull there off Suburban Drive?
KRONK: I was told to call and an officer would meet me out there.
MASON: Sir?
KRONK: I was told to call and an officer would meet me out there, sir.
MASON: And on August the 13th of 2008, did an officer from the Orange County Sheriff's Department in fact meet you on Suburban Drive?
KRONK: Two of them came out, yes, sir.
MASON: Do you remember who they were?
KRONK: I believe it was Officer Cain (ph) and I don't believe I remember the woman's name but (INAUDIBLE) as well.
MASON: And did you take those officers into the woods to show them where you had seen this maybe skull?
KRONK: I never said it was a baby skull, sir. And, no, sir, I did not take them into the woods.
MASON: I said maybe a skull. I'm sorry. That's my fault.
KRONK: Oh, excuse me. Sorry. No, I never took them into the woods, sir.
MASON: They didn't ask you, Mr. Kronk, show us where this skull is that the world is looking for?
KRONK: No, sir.
MASON: And what did you do then?
KRONK: I pointed -- we never went into the woods. We were standing out in front. And I just pointed in the area where I believe I had seen it, sir.
MASON: All right. Now let's go back over this and see if we can help you. On August the 11th of 2008, sir, you did indeed call 911. Did you?
KRONK: No, I don't -- no, I never called 911, sir.
MASON: Would it help refresh your recollection, sir, if I show you a transcript of the call on August 11th of 2008 to 911 by you?
KRONK: I live in Osceola County, sir. I called Orange County. So I did not call 911. I called the dispatch in Orange County.
MASON: Council -- your honor, may I approach the witness?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You may.
MASON: Council (INAUDIBLE) M3144 (ph), August 11, 2008.
Council is helping me on this, sir.
Did you call the non-emergency line?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: OK. And did you tell that non-emergency line that you were a meter reader with Orange County?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: Did you tell them that you had a route today that included the Anthony's home?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: So then you did know that the route included the Anthony's home? KRONK: When I took the route in the morning, sir, I did not know that I had the Anthony's route.
MASON: And, sir, did you tell the operator that you were down there by the school and then came back and on the left hand side coming back I noticed something that looks white and there was like a gray bag down in there? You remember telling them that?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
: You remember telling them, your words, I don't know what it is. I'm not telling you it's, you know, it's Caylee or anything of that nature. Do you remember that discussion?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: And did you describe the area that you were talking about? The area off Suburban Drive?
KRONK: Yes, sir, I told them the general area it was, sir.
MASON: And did you tell them that there were two little in areas that you can go in and there's a big, long tree laying down?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: And there's a lot of swamp back in there. Well, back behind one of the trees down there was a gray bag and then a little bit further up then I saw something white. Did you tell them that?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: And when you told them that, sir, was that the truth?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: So, you had seen a fallen tree, a gray bag and something right close to that white? Yes?
KRONK: I was never any closer than 30 feet, sir. I told them -- described as best I could what I had seen that day.
MASON: But you saw, you say, which you told the operator, a gray bag, a fallen tree, in these woods, there's something white by it that you thought was a skull?
KRONK: I said it appeared to be that, yes, sir.
MASON: On the following day, you called again, as we said, right, on August the 12th?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: You did call on that day?
KRONK: Yes, sir. MASON: That's the second day.
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: You told them, I went down. Well, I had to take a, you know, and I went down there, was behind one of the trees with a gray, vinyl like bag, like a pool cover or something like that, and it looked rather suspicious. I didn't touch it, you said. You remember saying that?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: And, sir, you were having more detail. You said, that a fallen tree that looks like someone had tried to cut on it at one point, but there was a white board hanging across the tree and there was --
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: (INAUDIBLE) reading from a document not in evidence.
MASON: I'm asking if he said it.
MASON: Sustained.
MASON: Did you, sir, tell the operator that there was a tree that looked like somebody had cut on it?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: Did you tell the operator there was a white board leaning against the tree?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Your honor, (INAUDIBLE) doing the same thing, he's reading from a document that's not in evidence.
MASON: Overruled.
MASON: Answer the question, please, sir.
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: Did you tell them there was something round and white underneath it?
KRONK: I don't remember, sir.
MASON: If I can have a second, your honor, there's so many of these things I -- on August the 10th of 2008, sir, -- well, that's (INAUDIBLE). Strike (ph) that.
Did you draw a map for the law enforcement officers as to where you had been?
KRONK: On what day, sir?
MASON: Forget that date. Any date. Did you draw a map?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: And did you, when you drew that map, sir, draw in the privacy fence that extended from the last house on the corner of Suburban Drive and Palm Springs -- I mean, and Hope Springs Road?
KRONK: I don't remember, sir.
MASON: May I approach the witness, your honor?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You may.
MASON: (INAUDIBLE) page 3992 (ph).
Do you recognize that document, Mr. Kronk?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: Did you draw it?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: And is that a fair and accurate representation to what you remember at the time and that you drew three years ago?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MALVEAUX: We've been watching the testimony of Roy Kronk. He is the water meter reader who found the body of two-year-old Caylee Anthony.
And joining me is legal expert, Holly Hughes, to explain why this is so critical. What is the point?
HOLLY HUGHES, CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY/FORMER PROSECUTOR: well, Suzanne, the point here is that the prosecution alleges that the duct tape on little Caylee's mouth and nasal passages was used to suffocate her by her mother, Casey, the defendant on trial in this case. The defense is arguing that this fellow, Roy Kronk, who first came upon this skull in August, he calls and reports but nobody comes out and collects it.
So, their theory is when it's not collected by the police, Roy Kronk was back out to the woods, takes that body, which they say was abandoned by George Anthony, Casey Anthony's father, after an accidental drowning, and Roy Kronk, this meter reader, takes this little body, hold on to it for four months, and then duct tapes the mandible back to the appropriate anatomically correct position and re- deposits it in the woods, scatters the bones all over and then calls the cops to collect the reward.
MALVEAUX: Why is that important? The duct tape is literally the murder weapon? Is that what you're saying?
HUGHES: It's key. That's exactly right, Suzanne. The prosecution is saying they smothered her with that duct tape, and so, it is absolutely crucial that they take the duct tape out of Casey's hands and they're saying Roy Kronk is the one that placed it over the mouth after decomposition had occurred.
MALVEAUX: Let's take a listen.
MASON: If I can --
MASON: I'll do it.
MASON: Maybe it's better that way.
Mr. Kronk, you see where you've labeled this fence here?
ROY KRONK, METER READER: Yes, sir.
MASON: Is that a wooden privacy fence from the last house?
KRONK: I believe so, sir.
MASON: And then you drew right off the end of that, an area. Can you tell us what you're seeing there, please, sir?
KRONK: Well, the line represents the water. The line with the little thing sticking up represents the tree and that was down and I believe where the X is about in the area where I saw where I was, sir -- or where I believe what I saw, sir.
Actually, no, because the bag, I just -- the X next to the board where I saw what I saw, sir.
MASON: Can you show me on there, sir, where the tree with the board is? You touch it.
KRONK: Right there.
MASON: And the bag, sir, relative to the tree?
KRONK: That X. Right there.
MASON: And the white, round object that you think was a skull, where was that?
KRONK: It would have been where the X was, sir.
MASON: The jury able to see all.
Do you know, sir, or can you remember how far from the edge of the road that find you made was?
KRONK: No, sir.
MASON: Can you see the edge of the road, sir, as you drew it?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: Could you touch that, also?
And on the 13th of August, 2008, neither of these two responding deputies went with you to that spot?
KRONK: I never took them to that spot, sir.
MASON: When you were in that area on August the 11th and 13th, sir, did you smell anything peculiar?
KRONK: No, sir.
MASON: Did you in any way lift a bag?
KRONK: No, sir.
MASON: When you went into that area, sir, had the thought crossed your mind that you might be looking for Caylee?
KRONK: Would you please clarify what date are we talking about? Are we talking about August or are we talking about December?
MASON: August the 11th, 2008, when you first went in there.
KRONK: I never -- excuse me -- I never went into the woods in August 11th, sir.
MASON: You didn't go in the woods to relieve yourself on August 11th?
KRONK: We have already established that. But after that, no, sir, I never went back into the woods.
MASON: Did you tell any or either of the deputies that you had found a bag that you thought may have bones in it?
KRONK: No, sir.
MASON: Specifically, sir, did you tell Deputy Richard Kane that you think the bag has bones in it?
KRONK: I told him I saw an object what appeared to me to look like a skull.
MASON: But did you tell him, sir, that the bag looked like it had bones in it?
KRONK: No, sir.
MASON: And the bag you found was on dry land, was it? Not in water?
KRONK: Once again, what date are you speaking about?
MASON: August the 11th, 2008.
KRONK: Sir, I never was any closer to that bag than 30 feet. I never went into the woods. I just saw it from the outside of the veil of the trees.
MASON: The area on August 11th that you went into the woods, was it dry or -- the ground, was it dry or under water? KRONK: It was dry.
MASON: At the time that you were in those woods on that occasion, sir, were you aware of there being a reward offer -- offered for finding of Caylee?
KRONK: I believe so.
MASON: Pardon?
KRONK: I believe so.
MASON: Did you believe that award be -- reward to be $255,000?
KRONK: Something like that, sir. Yes.
MASON: And on that date of August the 11th, as you described it, you saw something and have described it as you have to this jury, were you aware that right around the corner on Hopespring was a whole lot of media trucks?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: And people?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: And did you go and tell anybody that you had found what looked like a skull and bag of bones?
KRONK: No, sir.
MASON: Anything like that to anybody? Other than Mr. Dean?
KRONK: I never said I found a bag of bones, sir. I never said that.
MASON: Did you tell anybody that, sir, you found what looked like a skull? Did you tell anybody other than Mr. Dean?
KRONK: I never said I found that, sir. I said I saw something that appeared to look like that.
MASON: And did you go tell anybody else that you found something that appeared to look like that?
KRONK: My roommate.
MASON: Your roommate. But none of all those media trucks that were there, none of all the people in the area?
KRONK: No, sir.
MASON: And on that date, in fact, sir, did you describe to anyone that what you saw appeared to be white, looked like the top of a skull sticking out of a bag?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: And was, sir, the bag that you saw in August of 2008 the same plastic bag that you saw in December, December the 11th, 2008?
KRONK: I wouldn't know, sir.
MASON: Do you believe it's the same bag?
KRONK: I wouldn't know.
MASON: Do you recall, sir, having your deposition taken on July 30th of 2010 at the state attorney's office in the adjoining building right down here, where Miss Linda Drane-Burdick was present, Jose Baez was present, Michelle Medina was present and I was present, and your lawyer, David Evans, was present. Do you remember that?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: Counsel, I direct you to page 18, question on line 19.
The question to you, sir, at that time was, "Do you believe the bag you saw in August was ultimately the same plastic bag you saw in December?" Answer: yes, sir. Do you remember that question and answer?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
MASON: Were you attempting to tell the truth at that time?
KRONK: I was told that it was the same bag. So, yes, sir. I never came to that conclusion on my own.
MASON: You were told it was the same bag?
KRONK: Well, not really. That was a bad way. I shouldn't have said that. No, sir.
I was -- I don't know. I really just -- I don't remember. If I said yes, then yes, it is.
MASON: After you found that skull at that time and place, sir, did you try to get your co-workers to go with you to look at it?
KRONK: What date are we speaking of?
MASON: August the 11th, 2008.
KRONK: I tried to point it out to them, sir.
MASON: So you did talk to them about thinking you saw a skull.
KRONK: I told them I saw a white object. They saw the dead snake. And everything from that point out became about the dead snake.
MASON: And on that same deposition, as we just identified, going to page 19, the question on line 19, see if you remember this. "So what did you do upon seeing the skull?" Answer: "I tried to get the two guys that were with me to look at it, but they were too busy playing with the dead snake."
Do you remember that question and answer?
KRONK: Yes, sir.
JUDGE BELVIN PERRY, ORANGE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT: This would be a good place to stop, Mr. Mason.
MASON: Yes, sir.
PERRY: OK. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the time is now 12:00. We're going to be in recess until 1:30.
I'm going to ask that you not discuss this case among yourselves, nor with anyone else. And please remember all of my previous admonitions.
We'll be in recess until 1:30.
Any additional instructions on behalf of the state or the defense?
MASON: No, sir.
PERRY: We'll be in recess.
