None of the jurors would speak to the media but an alternate juror who heard all the evidence but did not deliberate stated that he was surprised by the public’s reaction because he did not believe that the state had proved its case. While it was clear that Ms. Anthony had lied the juror said no motive for killing Caylee was presented and that they had no idea how Caylee died. The latter is important because a murder finding requires that a specific intent to kill be proven by the prosecution. In addition, a manslaughter charge generally requires a killing involving sudden passion or a death resulting from an illegal act. The jurors apparently felt that this could have been an accident which might cause it to fall short of murder or manslaughter. The alternate juror, who is a high school teacher, said that there was evidence from Ms. Anthony’s friends who testified that she was a good mother. The alternate juror felt then that this implied that the death could have been accidental. The alternate juror did not comment on his opinion of her failing to report the child missing for 30 days as a reflection on her mothering ability.

Notably, the prosecution did face a considerable challenge since the body was so badly decomposed they could not establish how the child died. This left open the possibility of an accidental death. Regardless, many Americans are clearly outraged at Ms. Anthony’s failure to report the child missing for so long and her partying during that time period. While acquitted in the court of law she was clearly found guilty in the court of public opinion. See Penal Code Sections 187 and 192.