The family of Caylee Anthony gathered in an Orange County courtroom on Friday to try to seal the autopsy results of their slain granddaughter, but a judge turned down the motion.
George Anthony delivered an emotional plea to Judge Stan Strickland asking that the results of the autopsy be held until the Casey Anthony trial begins. He said the public could misinterpret and sensationalize the findings. After George concluded his "crocodile tears" plea to the court, prosecutors asked George Anthony how many television appearances he had made recently, including Larry King appearances. George indicated he had made three appearances on Larry King Live and an appearance this week on CBS' The Early Show. George's demeanor dramatically changed when approached by the prosecutor. George shook his head as he walked back to his courtroom seat beside wife, Cindy. The prosecutor was making a direct example that the Anthony's are continuing to make Caylee's death public by appearing on media outlets and shows. Therefore, not allowing the autopsy report to be released would not hinder any of their privacy rights that they do not already partake in.
Raw video of hearing: George's Plea and Judge Strickland's Ruling
Judge Stan Strickland's Ruling
"Please give us some peace and show us some dignity by keeping this report sealed," George Anthony said. "Thank you, judge, for giving me this brief moment. It's all for her. This is for her today."
Cindy Anthony, the grandmother of Caylee, was also in the courtroom for the hearing and appeared to be crying during the testimony, holding her head in her hands.
Casey Anthony did not attend the hearing Friday. She is charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee, who was 2 years old when she was reported missing in June 2008. Caylee's remains were found in woods not far from the Anthony family's home in Orange County.
Conway said he saw no reason for the autopsy results to be released, saying the information would cause needless additional pain and suffering to his clients.
Strickland said the results contained only factual information, and while he wished he could assist the Anthonys in the matter, he found no legal reason to stop the release of the autopsy findings.
"Legally, the anguish that they feel is just not the test for whether or not this information should be released," Strickland said. "I think it is information that the public has a right to see."
Cindy Anthony shook her head back and forth as the ruling was announced.
"I'm not happy to make the ruling. In fact, I wish I didn't have to, but it's something that I legally have to do," Strickland said.
Some X-ray images that were included in the autopsy report will be withheld.
Jose Baez, the defense attorney for Casey Anthony, asked that the release of the report be delayed for 48 hours to allow the defense team time to prepare. Strickland denied the request.
The defense made another request to remove descriptions of the X-ray images, but Strickland said both sides would have to agree on their removal before it would be considered by the court.
Caylee's autopsy report was released shortly after the hearing.
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