ORLANDO -- The remains of a small child were discovered Thursday morning by a worker for the Orange County Water Department.
The bones were found in a bag near Chickasaw Trail and Suburban Drive, which is approximately one-quarter of a mile from the Anthony home.
Authorities said the utilities worker went into the woods to relieve himself when he saw a plastic bag. The utilities worker said a skull rolled out of the bag when he picked it up.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the discovery just after 11 a.m. They later said the bag was found between 20 to 30 feet into the woods.
The remains were removed from the woods and are being sent off for testing.
There have been some questions as to how someone could have missed this body that was so close to the Anthony home.
Sheriff Kevin Beary said this area was known to them.
"This area was a flooded area during the earlier searches, and right now we're trying to put it all together,” Beary said. “We've been in contact with the FBI. Their lab is ready to receive whatever Dr. G. determines necessary to try and get some analysis on it."
Neighbors said this is a pretty secluded wooded area, where Casey had been known to party with friends.
Meanwhile, the Anthonys home has been secured as a crime scene. Authorities obtained a search warrant to investigate the home, and went in around 8:30 p.m. It is unknown if they confiscated anything.
What To Expect On Friday
- Crews will be back out at the crime scene
- Hearing at 11:30 a.m. on emergency motion to inspect evidence
Cindy, George Anthony Return To Central Florida
Cindy and George Anthony are back in Central Florida.
On Wednesday night, they were in Los Angeles to appear on CNN's “Larry King Live.”
Before departing for the Sunshine State Thursday, detectives contacted the Anthonys about the discovery, so they would not find out from the media.
They landed at Orlando International Airport around 4:30 p.m.
Passengers on the plane with the Anthonys said it was one of the most intense scenes they have ever seen at an airport.
“The passengers got off. I don't know if there was anybody behind them, but it looked like everybody had cleared, then they got them off, and within 10 seconds, they were whisked out a side door right at the top of the jet way. Ten OPD officers were there, at least, and a ton of TSA's and airport security. It was like a concert with a superstar coming in and being whisked off the stage," said Eric James, who was on the flight with the Anthonys.
The Anthonys were escorted quickly from the plane and taken to an undisclosed location.
Anthonys Spokesperson Speaks
The Anthonys are not commenting about the findings, but the family spokesperson did speak briefly Thursday night.
Michelle Bart talked to News 13 as she arrived at Orlando International Airport.
She would not comment on the fact the Anthony home is being searched as a crime scene.
Bart said the whole family is feeling the stress of the findings.
“We have nothing confirmed as of yet, and we’ll have a statement as soon as we’re ready to provide one to the media,” Bart said. “We need to wait (un)til the authorities contact us."
"As a family member, it’s a very difficult situation to constantly have to go through. The in certainty of what may be and what may not be, and so at this point, we’re here as a team, and we’ll be ready to make a comment as soon as we know what is going on,” Bart said.
Bart said the family wants to wait until there's an official identification of the remains before making any kind of a statement.
How Is Casey Handling The News?
News 13 spoke with the Orange County Jail for an update on Casey Anthony Thursday.
Casey Anthony remains in Protective Custody Level One with no inmate contact.
She has been seen by a Corrections Health Services Psychologist and her status was reviewed. Casey is on psychological observation, not suicide watch.
The jail is not releasing any information regarding her demeanor.
They are, however, going to release the details of her normal routine.
Under jail policy, Casey is not eligible for interviews by the news media.
Jose Baez, Casey's attorney, visited the jail around noon Thursday and left approximately 90 minutes later.
Why Was This Missed?
One of the big questions surrounding this discovery is why weren't these remains found during all of the searches in recent months?
Texas EquuSearch said it did try to search that area when it first arrived here, but couldn't at first because it was underwater with rains from Tropical Storm Fay.
When the group returned in November, the site had been fenced off.
One EquuSearch volunteer told the Orlando Sentinel she did search that area several times, but added it was very wet and steep, and the area is full of snakes.
Baez Discusses Discovery
Baez spoke out about Thursday’s disturbing discovery.
He said right now he will await a positive identification on the child's remains from the medical examiner's office before making any statements specific to the case and to Caylee's whereabouts.
“We have always been preparing for, like I’ve said from day one, we're preparing for the worst and hoping for the best,” said Baez. “So I have, my office has numerous contacts. We do have the right experts qualified. I'm sure you've seen everyone that I've brought in the case have done nothing but an impeccable job and it's not gonna stop."
If the FBI and the medical examiner determine that the body is indeed Caylee Anthony, the defense teams plans to ask that their own experts be allowed to be present during any forensic testing
A hearing on the motion is set for Friday at 11:30 a.m. before Orange Circuit Court Judge Stan Strickland.
Anthonys Former Attorney Speaks With News 13
The former attorney for the Anthonys, Mark NeJame, told News 13 he has spoken with lead detective John Allen and with the FBI.
NeJame also said that part of the reason he resigned as the Anthonys lawyer was because they were in denial about their daughter's involvement in Caylee's disappearance, and that he could not endorse them saying Casey is innocent. "I resigned a few weeks ago because I could not support, in any way, shape or form, Casey."
"I've been expecting this day for a while and although it is a very, very sad day, I think in many ways we can now really pass on our full blessings to this child and allow her to go in the peace that she deserves and allowing her mother to be prosecuted as she deserves," NeJame said.
Crime Scene Search Impacting Nearby Elementary School
The Orange County Sheriff's Office will be back out at the site where the remains were found Friday.
Therefore, Hidden Oaks Elementary School will make special provisions to get students to and from school.
Bus riders will enter the school area as normal.
However, walkers, bike riders and car riders will enter the school through the back gate.
The gate leads into the Chickasaw Oaks subdivision, which is on Flatwood Drive off Chickasaw Trail.
Deputies will be there to assist people.
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