Lawyer: No death penalty for Caylee's mom

Published: Nov. 6, 2008 at 3:27 PM

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 6 (UPI) -- A Miami lawyer argued in a report that Casey Anthony, a single mother accused of killing her young daughter Caylee, should not face the death penalty.

A 30-page report obtained by the Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel points to alleged evidence problems and describes how Anthony's case does not fit the state criteria for the death penalty -- reserved for the worst homicides.

It also says Anthony's erratic behavior after her daughter's Aug. 9, 2005, birth suggests emotional or mental distress, the Sentinel reported.

The report ends with photographs of Anthony as a happy child surrounded by her parents and her brother.

"Casey Anthony is a unique individual," the Sentinel said attorney Terence Lenamon wrote in the report.

"A close inspection of her case clearly supports not filing a notice seeking death," Lenamon's report said.

Prosecutors would not confirm they had received the report, which is not a public record.

Prosecutors review such reports before deciding whether to seek a death sentence or life in prison for a person charged with a capital crime.

Anthony was charged Oct. 14 with killing Caylee, allegedly missing since June and reported missing July 15.

No body has been found.

Anthony's lawyer and Anthony family members contend the girl, who would be 3 years old now, still could be alive.

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