Entomologist: Caylee’s Remains Were in Trunk for Days, Woods for Months

A forensic entomologist testified Saturday that the remains of 2-year-old Caylee Anthony had been in the wooded area off Suburban Drive where they were found in December 2008 for “many, many months.”

Dr. Neal Haskell also stated that bugs found on paper towels that had been in the garbage bag in Casey Anthony’s trunk were attracted to decomposition fluid, the source of which would likely have been in the trunk with the garbage for at least 3-5 days. According to Haskell, insect evidence indicates that the body was already partially decomposed but not skeletonized when it was dumped in the woods.

Defense attorney Jose Baez asked if the same types of insects found in the trash bag with the paper towels could also be drawn to other garbage items like decomposing food and Haskell said it was possible, though he was not aware of any organic items being in the bag when it was found. Baez also pointed out that Haskell has been paid more than $20,000 by the State Attorney’s Office for his work on this case.

Jennifer Welch, an Orange County Sheriff’s Office crime scene investigator who responded to the scene where the remains were found, took the stand for the second time this week on Saturday. She testified that Caylee Anthony’s skull was found 19 ft 8 in from Suburban Drive, a distance Baez demonstrated for the jury with a tape measure. Welch also showed the jury a piece of duct tape that was discovered nearby, which she said had the same markings on it as the tape attached to the skull.

Orange County Sheriff’s Office forensic supervisor Ronald Murdock testified next, identifying photos taken during the search of the Anthony home after the remains were found on December 11, 2008. He showed jurors a photo of the shed in the backyard with the duct-taped red gas can in it and one of heart-shaped stickers found in Casey Anthony’s bedroom. He also identified Winnie the Pooh items found in Caylee’s room and a white canvas laundry bag with the same design as the one found with the remains.

Cross examination by Baez focused mainly on the duct tape. Murdock acknowledged that the only item found in the Anthony house, garage, shed or attic with the distinctive “Henkel” brand duct tape on it that matched the tape on Caylee’s skull was the gas can. George Anthony previously testified that he placed that tape on the can. Murdock also said that authorities did not find a roll of Henkel duct tape anywhere in the Anthony home.

Saturday’s final witness, land surveyor Gerald Johnston, showed the jury several animations he created of the area where the remains were found. The defense had no questions for him.

Testimony resumes Monday at 9 am.