ORLANDO -- A grand jury handed up a seven count indictment against Casey Anthony Tuesday, including first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse in the disappearance of her daughter, Caylee.
State Attorney Lawson Lamar read the charges at an afternoon news conference.
The first-degree murder charge specified that between June 15 and July 16, 2008, Casey did "from premeditated design, effect the death of Caylee Marie Anthony," according to Lamar. Because the count is a capital offense, Anthony will not be allowed bail.
The indictment also included counts of aggravated manslaughter and providing false information.
Casey was booked into Orange County Jail. Her first appearance in court will be on Wednesday morning.
The first-degree murder charge carries a possible death penalty if she is convicted.
During Lamar's news conference, Orange County Sheriff Kevin Beary said that, despite the indictment, his primary objective is finding Caylee.
"Despite the charges filed against Ms. Anthony today, I want to remind everyone we have not achieved our primary objective in this investigation. We have not recovered little Caylee Anthony. ... We will continue to do everything we possibly can to recover little Caylee," Beary said. "The grand jury has concluded that little Caylee is deceased."
Baez Fights Back
Casey's lawyer, Jose Baez, said he's upset after word of the grand jury proceedings were leaked.
With Casey by his side, Baez said it's just the latest attempt by the sheriff's office and media to try and smear his client.
He said all of the leaks in the case would have any panel believing Casey is guilty without hearing all the facts, and he believes it's all politically motivated.
"I understand there is an election going on, and I understand that those days are numbered, and I understand that Casey Anthony is public enemy No.1 and that the State Attorney's Office and the sheriff's department are under a great deal of pressure to close this case. I don't think Lawson Lamar would, and I certainly hope Lawson Lamar would not, utilize a missing child to keep his job," Baez said.
Baez insists the truth about the case and his client's innocence will come out with time.
George Anthony Testifies
The first person to testify Tuesday morning was a familiar face: Casey's father, George Anthony.
Before entering the courtroom, George said he loves his daughter, and that testifying at Tuesday's hearing was the hardest thing he has ever had to do. He also asked for prayers for his missing granddaughter.
Mark NeJame, George's lawyer, would not specify as to what exactly was said inside before the grand jury.
"George answered all questions directly and honestly," NeJame said. "He just did, I think, what no human being could ever be prepared to do."
Several Orange County investigators and forensic experts also testified in the case.
Baez asked that everybody reserve judgment until they know all of the facts.
"I would just simply ask that, from this point on, everyone try their best to engage in fair and neutral balanced reporting that asks the tough questions, because, I sincerely believe that when we have finally spoken, everyone, and I mean everyone, will sit back and say, 'Now I understand,'" Baez said.
Casey was also arraigned Tuesday morning on check fraud charges, to which she has pleaded not guilty. She was not required to appear at that arraignment.
Casey Didn't Turn Herself In
The Orange County Sheriff's Office said Casey Anthony did not turn herself into Orange County deputies.
Capt. Angelo Nieves said while deputies were following her after she was indicted, her mother Cindy reportedly pulled her vehicle over at Narcoossee Road and State Road 417, and Casey got out.
Casey then got into a full-size gray sport utility vehicle, which drove off.
Undercover detectives stopped the SUV, and arrested Casey.
Search For Caylee Called Off Again
The search for Caylee Anthony by a Texas-based group has been called off again.
Texas EquuSearch was searching areas near Orlando International Airport for the 3-year-old a few weeks ago, but had to call off the search because they said conditions were too wet following Tropical Storm Fay.
However, after returning, the group said conditions have not improved enough to continue.
They may try again in about a month.
The group said when they return, they also plan on searching for Jennifer Kesse. The 24-year-old vanished in 2006 near her Orlando apartment.
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