Caylee and Casey Anthony

I don't know who killed Caylee Anthony.

And, other than the killer(s), neither do you.

Like many Americans, I followed the investigation and trial on the internet, print, and occasionally television. There is little doubt that Casey's actions were suspicious, and she certainly won't win any Mother (or Daughter) awards. But I also wonder if we followers were not manipulated by the media, whether for ratings or otherwise, into assuming guilt on her part.

I have had the privilege of serving on a jury, although for a civil case, not criminal. While many potential jurors expressed a desire to "escape" Jury Duty, the ones actually chosen were, above all, conscientious, taking our responsibilities VERY seriously. Were I ever on trial, I would want the jury I was on, or another just like it. We debated, and argued, and at times fought - but we all kept an open mind, and were swayed by persuasive arguments. We debated for about 5 hours, after a 5 week trial. It was a wonderful experience, and I am glad I had the opportunity.

The Anthony jurors heard ALL the evidence, not just the pieces released to the media. They knew when they were picked that their decision would be scrutinized, whatever the outcome. Sure, some may have wanted to be on the jury for the potential benefits and media attention. Others thought, like I would have, that they could be fair and impartial, and that if THEY were on trial, they would want a person like themselves on the jury.

I will not question the jury's decision. I am disappointed that the killer(s) remain free, but if there is blame, it should fall to the prosecutor who either tried the wrong person, or failed to provide persuasive arguments.

As for Casey, she is living one of two realities. Either 1) She did get away with murder, and she will have to live with this for the rest of her life, as well as the notoriety and scorn that will follow her. She has a criminal record, and a job will be difficult. Should she choose to "cash in" on her fame, she may find herself stalked and threatened by some less stable members of society. She has alienated her family, friends, and many strangers. I don't envy her life.

The second possibility is that she truly is innocent of murder, although she may be guilty of terminal stupidity and sociopathic indifference to her child's welfare. She will live her life legally innocent, but with the vast majority of the country convinced of her guilt. She will eventually fade from the headlines, but it could be years before people forget her name or face. (Seriously, who remembers what Andrea Yates looks like?) She may eventually have some semblance of normalcy, but it will be years from now, and, if she is truly innocent, she will have served many years in a prison of her own making.

Killers do walk free. Karla Homolka, of "Ken and Barbie Murders" fame, is free from prison and parole, and is purportedly living in the Antilles. Mob killers have gotten new lives, and some even manage to avoid re-arrest (unlike Sammy "The Bull" Gravano).

I believe Casey Anthony should cease to be a newspaper headline. The government had its chance, and she was found "not guilty" by her peers. Leave her be. But I mean REALLY leave her be. No book deals. No paid interviews. No reality show contract.

Let her fade from memory, until the next courtroom drama or missing child turns our fickle heads. The sad thing is that there is always another one coming up, just over the horizon. Another kidnapped child held prisoner, another murdered baby, another heinous crime, and we, the public, love to be titillated.

Perhaps it is us, the public, who is most wrong in all of this. Or perhaps it is the newspapers, who have long since strayed from "information" to "entertainment". Or maybe the blame lies with the talking heads, with Nancy Grace and her ilk, who speak with authority about things they really don't know.

Wherever the blame lies, I know I must bear some of the responsibility. I watch the shows, I read the papers, I get emotionally involved in a case that has no bearing on me, or my life, and I allow my emotions and feeling to be manipulated by the media.

Casey Anthony, if you are innocent, I pray you get in this life what you deserve. Which, come to think of it, is also my prayer if you are guilty.