Could friends have Caylee Anthony?

ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 25 (UPI) -- The uncle of the California bounty hunter who sprung Casey Anthony from prison says he thinks the Florida woman's missing daughter is safe with friends.

Leonard Padilla said he thinks Anthony left daughter Caylee in the care of friends and did not drop her with a babysitter as she initially told police, The Orlando Sentinel reported Monday.

"I think what she was trying to do was break away from her parents' home," said Padilla, adding the 22-year-old was "in the process of re-establishing herself and her daughter."

Padilla admitted his theory is speculation, saying he has had no contact with law enforcement and bases his theory only on what he's seen.

"She's not concerned," he said. "You've seen her. Her demeanor is that of a parent who knows her child is safe."

Sunday evening more than 50 supporters gathered outside the Anthony's Orange County home for a candlelight vigil.

Casey Anthony did not join the group, the newspaper said.