Morning testimony

Defense Attorney Dorothy Clay Sims possesses the charisma of a desert tortoise on Valium.

With that out off my chest, let's get on with the morning's proceedings in the Orange County Courthouse.

First up was Susan Mears, Orange County Sheriff's Office crime scene supervisor. Defense Attorney Jose Baez asked Mears to provide certain evidence, including a Gatorade container, syringe and Disney bag — items found where Caylee Marie's remains were recovered. Mears brought those items, including the syringe. The items were introduced into evidence and Mears was excused.

Next on the stand was Stephen Shaw, FBI hair and fiber expert, and State's witness recalled by defense. Shaw previously testified that a single hair showing signs of post-mortem banding, which was linked to the defendant Casey Anthony's car, was similar to hair from the recovery scene, where Caylee's remains were found. He said today he examined 600 hairs placed in water, soil, cars comparing to hairs known to be removed from a body and from living persons to find post-mortem hair banding. He said one examiner testing hair from Caylee's remains disagreed at first with Shaw's findings.He also examined the hair mass on Caylee's skull, stating no hairs were suitable for microscopic comparison, including hair found on the duct tape the State alleges was used to kill Caylee. He also said those hairs were consistent with hairs from the hair mass.

Shaw said he could not duplicate all the environmental conditions re: hair found at the scene. Bottom line is, the only way to find post-mortem banding is from hair on the head of a deceased person.

Dr. Barry Logan, forensic toxicologist and analytical chemist, was next on the stand. He speaks with a rich Scottish brogue. Did defense attorney Dorothy Clay Sims really think it was a Tennessee accent? I spent a week in Scotland and lived in Tennessee for a time. Trust me when I say that was Sean Connery on the stand.

Before testimony even began, Ashton questioned Logan's credentials. He got him to admit he does not consider himself an expert in chemistry, only toxicology. Judge Belvin Perry agreed, and only allowed testimony in toxicology. Wow, Ashton is the man!

Very weak testimony from Logan, in my opinion. Sims tried to get Logan to say evidence was mishandled, and no quality assurance with analysis was evident. Judge Perry and Ashton were having none of it, given the number of State objections being sustained. Logan also seemed disinterested in Sims' line of questioning, almost annoyed by her inept examination.

The biggest news of the Casey Anthony saga came from outside the courthouse and from George and Cindy Anthony's attorney, Mark Lippman. He allegedly told a CNN reporter the Anthonys believe their daughter is not innocent, but they will do everything to keep her off death row. Lippman tried today to clarify his comments, but did not deny the report. Wow, is all I can say.

More to come!