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Her name remains a secret. She’s known simply as juror number 12. And while she has a certificate from Florida’s 9th Circuit, embossed with calligraphy thanking her for her duty as a member of the Casey Anthony jury, her life since being released from that duty has been one of cat and mouse.
A red-haired woman in her 60s who moved to Florida from Michigan, she told the court she worked at a Publix Grocery when she was questioned as a potential juror.
Now, she’s in hiding.
Juror number 12 left Florida. Her husband, fighting back tears, tells NBC News he’s not sure when she’ll return to her home in Florida.
Why? He says she fears half of her co-workers want her head on a platter.
The others may understand what she did, but she didn’t want to face them.
She was due to retire in the fall, but Juror number 12, after being released from sequestration, chose to call her boss to announce she couldn’t come to work. She didn’t feel safe.
She retired over the phone.
The husband, who sat with two NBC News producers, glanced repeatedly at his blood pressure monitor on the coffee table and the Bible next to it.
This God-fearing family describes the after-effects of the Anthony verdict as traumatic.
First, for 44-days, he was separated from his wife.
And she was separated from the quiet life they once shared. And now he remains concerned about her health.
And now, they both face vitriol from those who are unwilling to accept a jury of peers reached a fair verdict based on the evidence presented.
In a back room, the husband has a manila envelope filled with letters.
Each is a request from a different news organization asking Juror number 12 for an interview.
Her husband had packed his own bag and says he’s ready to leave if and when the court releases his wife’s name. For now, the court record of all the jurors’ names remains sealed.
Her husband says, before she left the state to escape, she told him, “I’d rather go to jail than sit on a jury like this again.”
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-- Eliana Salzhauer and Debbie Huntting of NBC News contributed to this report
Leave a Comment:
She did her duty, and with good conscience, and people should admire her for that. I doubt there are many people left out there that could have done that. The prisons are filled with people wrongly convicted, by jurors who only wanted to get it over with. Some innocents have gone to their execution in states where most believe if you got arrested you must be guilty of something. She should be proud she isn't among that type of person who is so prevalent today. Hats off to her and the others!
Amen Russ
the jury voted they way they voted and that is that...although I was really shocked at the verdict..I still have to go along with their vote....we werent in that courtroom and we didnt hear all the evidence...or lack of evidence...however...if any person was to do harm to anyone on the jury it makes them at least as bad if not worse than the person who was on trial...this is about the most thankless task and probably the least requested task a person needs to deal with in life....simply because a person votes their conscience and does their duty...should in no way put them in danger of being harmed...by the public or by who they are judging...so if anyone wants to tar and feather someone....they had better try and put themselves in someones elses shoes first...and PERHAPS RETHINK their position....
Casey Anthony is the one who should be concerned, not the jurors. If the the prosecutors were unable to convince twelve jurors, that is the fault of the prosecutor as a lawyer but not the fault of the jurors. The jurors didn't say they didn't feel she was guilty. They said that the lawyer didn't have enough evidence to prove their case...big difference.
The defense had only to prove reasonable doubt, which he did to the best of his ability. Now, he has live with the knowledge that his skill has allowed a baby killer to walk free. What a horrible job! I suspect that his sleep will not be so sweet.
I don't believe that she got off because of the skill of her defence attorney though, because he really screwed up when Casey Anthony's father was on the stand. He nearly lost the case right there.
got away with it , didn't she. what a piece of scummy humanity.
She's an idiot? Why? Why is it a true idiot like yourself can't grasp the fact that the jury based their decision on the EVIDENCE presented to them? Why is it you just can't accept the fact the prosecutor FAILED to present enough valid evidence to get even a mansluaghtr conviction,let alone a first degree murder conviction. Of course mindless minions like yourself didn't sit through the trial. The only place you got your news from was on here or the tv.
Before making such a stupid statement maybe you and others like you should volunteer for the next trial like this one. Then maybe you could make an unpopular decision but a decision that was based on the EVIDENCE presented. Some how I just don'tsee that happening. Some people are just gutless wonders. You're at the head of the line.
It scares me that there are people like you who call themselves Americans.
Good thing you wern't on that jury! KILLER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Capitalizing words don't give them any more weight. Do any of you members of the lynch mob ever wonder why you've never been selected for a jury on a case such as this? Not a one of you would ever be selected.
Not a heck of a lot of sympathy here. I truly feel they were lazy and wanted to go home. They didn't ask any questions, and there was no deliberation whatsoever in a case that most definitely deserved deliberation. *shrug* I'm sorry for her fear - no one should live in fear over something like this - but she can't possibly be surprised, can she? What did she think was going to happen?
You weren't there and you have no idea what happened, so shut the hell up dumbass.
hey i am the dumbass here. dont insult me by lumping melania in the group.
Too freakin funny, ROFLMAO
I dont know what she was possibly thinking, except she had to probably cast her vote considering the evidence...and not have to deal with a whole lot of armchair quarterbacks or armchair jurors (in this case) with the could have - should have - and would have's....from the rest of the peanut gallery watching over the preceedings.....Its up to the legal staff to prove their case...and sway the jury...I cant believe they chose a NOT GUITLY verdict either...and was truly stunned..BUT THAT'S HOW THINGS WORK....AND REAL PEOPLE NEED TO ACCEPT IT...and allow these unfortunate people get back to their lives, without having to worry about their safety....and watching over their shoulder....because of ignorant people wanting to take the law into their hands to make up for the murder of a small child...do you honestly think your retaliation and disgust towards a juror will bring about any change...except for maybe you being on trial for endangering a juror or bringing harm to someone who didnt agree with your opinion? No one would ever serve on another panel if that were the case...in fact...next time..lets see you volunteer....and keep an open mind...and only...only...consider what has been presented...black and white......I DONT AGREE WITH THE VERDICT EITHER...But neither do I agree WITH USING THESE JURORS AS TARGET PRACTICE ....think a little - empathize a lot..-if you cant rise above the criminal mind you seem so verbally disgusted with...then apparently you must not be any better...RIGHT? SO, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?
None of us should be even charged when there is no concrete evidence. Thay need to STOP wasting our money!
Just put a dead body in acid and remove any trace of evidence to prove how they died, so now every killer will get off with your way of thinking.
A good juror casts his vote in compliance with the parameters (judges instructions) given and not on their emotions and feelings.
bremertonman,tinlou45,and unemlpoyed;
How mean and callous can you possilby be. These people heard ALL of the evidence in this case. NOT YOU! You heard what the opinionated talking heads on the two-bit local news said. Unless you have been on a jury and had to make a life or death decision like these people, you have no idea what what is spewing for you vile mouths. NO ONE SHOULD FEAR FOR THEIR LIVES. How would you feel if it were you and your family that was being theatened? I for one hope you never have to go through what this woman is going through. Your attitudes are down right sickening.
I heard every word of testimony and argument from both the prosecution and defense as well as each of their cross-examines and recross-examinations and rebuttals. In other words, there was much more than any reasonable jury who really took this case serious would need to find Casey guilty of something other than lying. They just didn't listen or care.They didn't take enough notes and had no time to really look into the evidence, not in 10 hours. It would take half that time to go over and mark the verdict for all charges. Add 2 hours for lunch. Thats perhaps nullifying of this jury. I think that is why we are angry at this jury.
To lay lawyer...can you provide evidence of that? I would like verification that you were actually there for the entire duration of this trial..before I can possibly give you credit for the comment you made about hearing EVERY WORD OF TESTIMONY from both the cross and re-cross...I believe at least once...the judge removed EVERYONE FROM THE COURTROOM -- in which case it would have been impossible for you to have heard everything...RIGHT? So before I believe anything anyone has to say...SHOW ME THE PROOF...
Karrie, I said I heard every word and I did. I did not say I was in the court every moment, I actually heard some testimony the jury didn't. You see the court was seen first hand by a few good people, not just me. So before you attack what I said, do your homework and you will find the truth in what I said. And I wasn't rude or nasty in anything I did say. Can you say the same?
You're an idiot and were not present in the courtroom or on the jury, so shut your stupid hole.
Name calling is all you got huh? That all I have seen does is make you feel like a big boy getting to curse on the computer. You are the pathetic one and so far you have proved that you can't shut your hole.
Well, somebody needs to pay...might as well be the jury..
WHAT??!!! Someone needs to pay for what...a murder the jurors didnt commit??? ARE YOU SERIOUS?!! THAT IS SUCH AN ODD REMARK TO MAKE....If anyone needs to pay for anything ... how about the person who committed the crime in the first place....Hope its a long time before you sit on anyones' panel...PLEASE DONT SIT IN JUDGEMENT OF ANYONE...your abilities are seriously lacking.
Jurors have to follow the instructions given them by the judge to decide a case based upon the evidence provided, decide if the evidence proves beyond the shadow of a doubt, and render a decision based upon rule of law...not what's in their hearts, not what the public wants, but upon the basis of the evidence alone. When so much evidence is missing or has been tampered with so as to be inadmissable, it makes the job so much tougher for the jury. And to have to sit through this case in particular - where a child was presumably murdered - and view the evidence while watching the attorneys and defendent and witnesses, that in itself is a horrendous exercise. As one juror is quoted as saying, no matter how guilty the believed Casey Anthony to be, the evidence just wasn't enough for a clear conviction; it galled them to have to find her "not guilty" but under the circumstances by law they had no choice.
The test is NOT beyond a shadow of a doubt. It is beyond a reasonable doubt. As a lawyer, I saw sufficient evidence to convict her of manslaughter. There is no reasonable explanation for all of the circumstantial evidence presented other than that the mother killed her. So the jurors didn't listen to the judge's instructions and apparently started at 6 to 6 on the manslaughter charge and in fewer than 11 hours that became 12 to 0. Terrible breach of justice!
The jurors who were crying when the verdict was read because they didn't believe she was innocent --shouldn't have voted for not guilty and let it be a hung jury. Then Casey Anthony would have gotten a new trial with another jury. Now she cannot be retried for killing Caylee - ever!!
Now she cannot be retried for killing Caylee - ever!!
Thank God! Should she be tried over and over again until they come up with a verdict you're happy with? I'm so sick of hearing people say they know she's guilty, the prosecution just didn't prove it. I tell you what, since you seem to know so much about what happened, why didn't you contact the prosecutor so you could be added to the witness list? I'm sure they could have used your help.
It's about time, I saw her do it. :-)
What is wrong with society today? Whoever threatens these jurors are no better then the common criminal.While I believe that Casey Anthony was guilty too, I also know I would of had to vote the same as the jurors did. You are no suppose to let your emotions decide how to vote, if you are doing your job right you are suppose to go by the evidence, which was not there, there was plenty of room for doubt. These people did a fine job, the D.A should have built a stronger case, found more evidence , or come up with a better motive.
People need to remember what we stand for here in America, and leave these people alone!!
Get goin'
Get out
The jurors didn't fail, the fact that the prosecution could never provide a cause of death made it impossible to convict on any charge of murder. What this prosecution should have done was simply got an indictment for what they could convict her of: Lying to police. That trial would have been done with in less than a year and put her in jail for 4 years giving them time to try and get a better murder case. But if they could never determine how the girl died, you can't hope to convict someone of murder just because she was a lousy mother. I hate that she got away with the way she treated her own child and left her in a swamp to rot, but I will not put the burden of this nightmare on any of the jurors for doing their civic duty, they did the only thing they could with no cause of death. For all they knew, the little girl could have wandered in the swamp and died. Do I believe that? NO! But you can't convict someone of murder just because you feel someone should pay for this little girls tragic loss of life.
TO ALL OF THE JURORS ON THIS TRIAL: THANK YOU FOR DOING YOUR VERY BEST AND GIVING YOUR TIME AND EFFORT FOR DOING YOUR CIVIC DUTY. AND I WILL APOLOGIZE TO YOU FOR ALL THE IDIOTS WHO THINK YOU DID A POOR JOB.
And she put duct tape over her own mouth and stuck herself in a garbage bag --- I don't think so!!
grh:
and if they got that 'lying to police' conviction first, then they could have used it as evidence in a subsequent murder trial if they got any more evidence.
The problem with the jury is they did not do their job. When you enter deliberations you examine all the evidence. They bought Baez opening and closing statements and almost quoted them verbatim in interviews I have seen. They did not connect obvious dots. That said, they should not be pilloried for their decision. Unfortunately, guilty people are acquitted regularly. It is a product of the jury system that is unavoidable. It isn't a coincidence that the two highest profile jury mistakes (Anthony, OJ) have come from sequestered juries. You don't get a jury of your peers, you wind up with 12 people that could not get out of jury duty.
Agree!
CORRECT based on what I saw too ....she should have been found guilty of MANSLAUGHTER
and they were given that choice and failed
I care just about as much for this self centered juror as I do Casey Anthony. I don't care how she feels. I hope her guilt eats her alive. She didn't care one minute that baby lay in those woods rotting away with animals eating her. All she an the others wanted was to end the trial and go home. Hahaha can't do that can she. Baez, Manson, all 12 jurors and the B%$@%H can comfort each other!!! I have just about as much sympathy for her as she did for Caylee!!!!
I wonder what's going to happen when Casey decides to talk to Mommy and Daddy, once the dust settles. All this time Cindy and George have been motivated everyday to keep their daughter alive.
Now that's done, what will Thanksgiving and Christmas be like?
A reality show would be sort of interesting.
Ignorant hick...keep picturing the dead little girl, rotting like ALL dead things do... the bugs eating the little "baby" and the animals doing what they do and eating the little "baby" and find people to blame and whine about the "baby"....Ha ha at you, while you live in your trailer park and think about the "baby"... It was a trial.. requiring EVIDENCE! You inbred moron... get off your pc and go look after your own "baby" and dont worry your inbred lil head about how a jury handled their responsibilities. HEY!... isnt there a lifetie movie that pretends to have all the facts you are missing? Oh wait... even poor georgia hicks have tivo these days... sheesh...
Right On GeorgiaGirl...
As much as I would love to do my civic duty and sit on a jury, people like Unemployed and Tinlou45 are the reason I hope I never have to. What shallow, ignorant people they are to be so judgemental about something they obvioulsy do not have the brains to understand.
A jury cannot convict on circumstansial evidence, and that is all that the prosecution had. If anyone should be "condemned" it should be the prosecution for going ahead when they did not have the evidence needed to convict. And it was pressure from people like you throughout the populace that forced them to go ahead. So, it looks like ultimately it is YOUR fault Anthony got away.
Good thing you are annonymous on this board, or you could have a lynch mob coming after you.
No offense, mira52, but if a jury cannot convict on circumstantial evidence, the vast majority of criminals would be walking free. Most cases are circumstantial. Scott Peterson, for example, was convicted on less evidence than was presented at the Casey Anthony trial.
I disagree with your statement. Scott Peterson was convicted on circumstantial evidence. In fact, his case was almost IDENTICAL to this one and he is sitting on death row. No DNA, no fingerprints, no blood. But his jurors had enough sense to realize that he was the one with the means, the motive and the opportunity.
Not only did the prosecutor drop the ball in this case, the jurors dropped the ball. And the very sad part is that a little toddler is dead and no one will ever pay for it.
And yes, I have sat on several juries.
Thank you both for correcting that. I meant a jury could not convict when there is reasonable doubt.
I appreciate that you both corrected me in a clear and concise manner, with no name calling. That seems so rare on this board.
Mrs. Peech, thank you so much for doing your civic duty when called upon. I do not think many people do.
Didn't scott peterson testify? If he did, I suspect that his demeanor while testifying might have made a difference.
Scott Peterson never testified in his own trial. There was substantially less evidence in his trial and the jury took 8 days in their deliberations.
Well if it is so very clear, that evidence exists where you can actually prove Ms. Anthony guilty...then take her to court and press civil charges and damages in the name of her daughter...simply because she was found not guilty...and most everyone remotely connected to this case believes she also WASNT found INNOCENT of the crime...doesnt mean there arent alternatives ... right?
The funny part about "paying for it" and "justice" for dead little girls is... THEY ARE STILL DEAD.. There is NO justice.. and paying for it is just an ideal. Wrongs are NOT righted and EVIL does and always will exist... Just a buncha people wanting to "settle the score" for something in which THEY HAD NO PART AND NO BUSINESS!
Jim, I think people should pay for their crimes. I believe the jury was tired of being sequestered and wanted to go home. The fact that they took so little time to debate is a big issue. I have served on juries. The last one a guy got 40 years in prison. Trust me, we were in no hurry to go home because we wanted to look over all of the evidence and take our time since it was such a big decision concerning his life. As for it being "no part and no business", the fact that you are responding shows that not only am I interested in this case, so are you.
The Anthony jury was not a jury of MY peers....my peers have some basic intelligence. They would have understood that the question was not HOW Casey was murdered...that fact had little bearing on this case. The question was WHO murdered her. The jury got this one so wrong it is criminal.
If this it true then it is just plain wrong. As far as what happened at her employer - that is flat against the law. An employer is REQUIRED to maintain a safe work environment. The court has a responsibility to maintain the safety of a juror even after the case is over. It is time for the court to srtart prosecuting some of these people who are harassing jurors.
The news organizations need to leave these people alone. If they want to speak, they'll let you know. In this country, guilt has to be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. Apparently the prosecution failed to do that. We can't convict people because we feel like they did something wrong. Sometimes juries get it wrong. Maybe that is the case here. I wasn't in the court room and I don't know.
Our system of justice may not be perfect. If you don't like it...well... there is always Iran.
She's from Michigan....'nough said.
I'll tell you this, if the jury wasn't sequestered and they choose us Locals instead, it would have been an honor for me to seek justice for Caylee, and this article would cease to exist.
Everyone would be happy, except maybe Casey.
You would have never been selected to sit on that jury MyFlorida. The professionals that select juries would see right through you and the rest of the lynch mob that is posting here today.
Regardless of the time spent deliberating and the end result, it's just incredible to think that someone would be threatened by those who weren't part of the process. We are called to be a dynamic part of our justice system and shouldn't have to worry about repercussions related to the trial. The bad behavior of a few zealots could have a terrible effect on future jurors. I keep thinking justice by jury trial is subjective to a certain extent and to an even larger extent not fair.
Um. She doesn't report the kid dead for a month. Lies consistently saying Casey was kidnapped. She knew she was dead and kept lying. And they find the body 4 blocks away in a field. What is it that the jury didn't hear that we all know as fact. Maybe they were allowed to play with their Crackberries while the obvious was being revealed. These are probably the same people who bought a $1,000,000 house on a $40,000 a year income and didn't bother to read or take the time to learn about loan modifications. OR maybe they just felt that she had so much in common with OJ that they gave her a break. God bless you Casey. You were taken away form a bunch of monsters called the Anthony family.
I do not feel sorry for any one of the jurors. They have to live with the decisions they made. Their name's not Casey Anthony, they can not get away with murder.
That's not how things work in this country, Jim. The question isn't "can you 100% say she didn't do it?" Rather, the question, in all trials is, can you say that you are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt to a moral certainty that she DID do it? Not guilty is not the same as innocent. But you've got the question backward.