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Casey Anthony Hearing

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 1/30/2009

Casey Anthony made her first appearance in court since pleading not guilty to murder in October 2008.

Casey was smiling and laughing at the hearing, a marked difference from previous court appearances.

Anthony's parents Cindy and George were absent from the hearing; George is still in a hospital after a suicide threat.

Anthony's attorney Jose Baez says Anthony is innocent and wants her day in court.
 

Casey Anthony walked into court with her hair in a bun, wearing a business suit.

She had been first brought in wearing handcuffs, but her lawyers objected and she was taken out and had the shackles removed.

It was a sharp contrast with previous appearances, when Casey was in tears, and wearing a prison jump suit and in shackles.

She was in an upbeat mood, even smiling and laughing. 

The Florida courtroom was packed, but her mom and dad were not there.  George Anthony is still in a mental hospital after a suicide threat.  Her mother Cindy was reportedly visiting him.

Tension has been mounting in the family: a surveillance tape of one emotionally charged prison visit showed Casey's rage at her parents questions about Caylee:

Casey Anthony: "Mom! Geez! ...I'm sorry, I love you guys. I miss you."
Cindy Anthony: "All right sweetheart. Here's Dad."
Casey Anthony: "No. I'm going to hang up and just walk away right now because I'm frustrated and I'm angry."

Defense lawyer Jose Baez refused to talk about Casey's reaction to her father's emotional collapse, or her demeanor.

"She wants her day in court.  I know that's a hard thing for everyone to believe here, but she's innocent," said Baez.

Casey Anthony was charged with first degree murder in October, before the body of her daughter Caylee was even found.

   

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