Casey Anthony's case began on June 16, 2008, when she and her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee, left their Florida home and did not return for 31 days. On July 15, Casey's mother, Cindy, reported Caylee missing, leading to an investigation that uncovered suspicious internet searches and traces of chloroform and human decomposition in Casey's car1. Casey was arrested and later indicted on first-degree murder charges on October 14, 2008, after Caylee's skeletal remains were found near the Anthony home on December 11, 200812. The trial commenced on May 24, 2011, with the defense arguing that Caylee had accidentally drowned in the family pool, while the prosecution emphasized Casey's lies and circumstantial evidence12. On July 5, 2011, Casey was acquitted of murder but convicted on four counts of lying to the police, resulting in her release from prison on July 17, 20111. The case remains a subject of public fascination and debate, especially with Casey's recent allegations against her father in a 2022 documentary15.

Casey Anthony's case is marked by a series of significant events from the disappearance of her daughter, Caylee, to the trial verdict and her subsequent release. Below is a chronological timeline of these key events:

• June 16, 2008: Casey Anthony and her 2-year-old daughter Caylee leave the Anthony family home in Florida and do not return24.

• June 18, 2008: Casey borrows a shovel from a neighbor, returning it an hour later2.

• June 20, 2008: Casey is photographed partying at a nightclub2.

• June 28, 2008: Casey's car is towed from a parking lot after being reported abandoned2.

• July 15, 2008: Cindy Anthony reports Caylee missing, stating that she hasn't been seen for a month and noting a foul odor in Casey's car124.

• July 16, 2008: Casey is arrested and charged with child neglect, giving false statements, and obstruction4.

• October 14, 2008: Casey is indicted on first-degree murder charges24.

• December 11, 2008: Caylee's skeletal remains are found in a wooded area near the Anthony home24.

• May 24, 2011: Casey's murder trial begins, with the defense claiming Caylee drowned accidentally and the prosecution highlighting Casey's lies and suspicious behavior14.

• July 5, 2011: Casey is acquitted of murder but found guilty of lying to the police24.

• July 7, 2011: Casey is sentenced to four years in prison and fined $4,0004.

• July 17, 2011: Casey is released from prison due to time served and good behavior4.

The Casey Anthony trial featured several controversial pieces of evidence that played a pivotal role in the proceedings. One significant piece was the odor analysis of the air in the trunk of Casey's car, which experts testified indicated the presence of a decomposing body, though this method was criticized as being too experimental12. Additionally, internet searches for "chloroform" and "neck-breaking" were found on a computer in the Anthony home, suggesting premeditation15. The prosecution also presented duct tape found with Caylee's remains, arguing it was used to suffocate her, while the defense contested this, noting the mandible was still attached to the skull, which they claimed was inconsistent with decomposition13. Hair found in the trunk of Casey's car was another contentious point; it showed signs of post-mortem banding, but the defense argued such characteristics could appear in hair from living individuals3. These pieces of evidence were heavily debated, with the defense labeling some forensic methods as "junk science," ultimately contributing to the jury's decision to acquit Casey of murder23.

Following her acquittal and release from jail in 2011, Casey Anthony has led a relatively low-profile life, marked by occasional public appearances and controversies. Initially, she lived in seclusion, avoiding media attention and public scrutiny12. In 2016, she attempted to start a photography business, though it saw limited success5. Casey has expressed interest in helping wrongfully convicted individuals, including notorious figures like Scott Peterson, and has stated her disinterest in participating in reality TV shows2. Despite her efforts to stay out of the spotlight, she has been involved in several incidents, including a heated argument at a Florida bar in 20212. Casey's life post-trial continues to attract media attention, as evidenced by the release of the 2022 Peacock docuseries "Casey Anthony: Where the Truth Lies," which reignited public interest and controversy2.