Content warning: This article contains references to murder and sexual assault some may find upsetting. Reader discretion is advised.
In July 2008, the tragic story of Caylee Anthony's mysterious disappearance hit the media, unfolding into a larger-than-life homicide trial against her mother, Casey Anthony, after the toddler was found dead in December of the same year. During the 2011 trial, Casey's parents George and Cindy Anthony became central figures in the case and media after several theories about Caylee’s disappearance being the doing of George were introduced into court by Casey's defense attorney, Jose Baez. For the first time since being acquitted of murder, manslaughter, and child abuse charges in 2011, Casey is in front of the cameras, telling her side of the story and speaking about her father on November 29, in a three-part, Peacock docuseries titled Casey Anthony: Where The Truth Lies.
With the renewed interest in the case tied to the release of the show, true crime fans are wondering where Casey's father George Anthony is now, and how he's involved in the case of his granddaughter's mysterious death. Here, we explore George's relationship with his daughter and granddaughter, as well as trial details and current details of his life.
How Was George Involved in Caylee's Case and Casey's Trial?
On June 16, 2008, Casey left her parent's Orlando home, where she and her daughter resided, making it the last known day that Caylee was seen alive. Thirty days later, on July 15, Casey's parents were informed that the family car used by Casey had been impounded. According to ABC News, George discovered maggots, a bag of trash, and a "pretty strong odor" that he testified as smelling like a decomposing human body when he opened the trunk of his daughter's car. Cindy then made a string of 911 calls, reporting that Caylee had been missing for a month, demanding Casey's arrest, and noting the vehicle's stench, saying, "It smells like there's been a dead body in the damn car."
The next day, Casey was arrested for child negligence, giving false statements, and obstruction. CNN reports that during questioning, Casey told police that her daughter disappeared after she was left with a babysitter named Zenaida "Zanny" Fernandez-Gonzalez, who was later proven not to exist. After officers searched the car, a cadaver dog picked up the scent of human decomposition in the vehicle, and authorities say that an air sample test from Anthony's car indicated that there were once human remains in the trunk, Casey was indicted by a grand jury on October 14. She plead 'not guilty' to charges of first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, aggravated manslaughter of a child, and four counts of providing false information to police. Caylee's body wasn't found until December 11, 2008. The death was ruled a homicide, but the cause of death was left undetermined.
During the 2011 trial, defense attorney Jose Baez centered his case on Casey's father, saying that Caylee had drowned in her grandparents' swimming pool and that George had covered up her death. According to WFTV 9, Baez also alleged George had sexually molested Casey as a child and that is why she lied about a nanny having taken Caylee. Both George and the prosecution denied these allegations according to People.
Is George Anthony Alive or Dead?
Though he attempted to take his own life in January 2009 according to the HuffPost, and had a near-fatal car accident in November 2018, George is still alive.
Do Casey and George Have a Relationship Currently?
During a 2018 appearance on The Dr. Oz Show, George said his daughter “doesn’t need to exist.” However, he did recount that statement, saying that he “would love” to have a relationship with her and was “glad” that she was “seeing someone” romantically at the time.
In a 2019 appearance on The Dr. Oz Show, George said "I would just like to tell her I'm sorry. You know that I forgive her. I forgive her and that's hard for me to say, but you know what, I need to be forgiven by her, my son and other family members or friends that I care so much about. Forgive me for what I've done. To all of our lives."
Casey recently spoke about her father in the Casey Anthony: Where The Truth Lies docuseries. According to People, she continued to allege that her father was responsible for Caylee's death, telling viewers how she believes her daughter died.
"I wasn't feeling that great, and I wanted to lay down. [I] had her lay in bed with me," she reportedly recalled. "I was awoken by [my father] shaking me and asking me where Caylee was. That didn't make sense. She would never even leave my room without telling me. I immediately started looking around the house. I go outside and I'm looking to see where she could be."
She allegedly claims that she saw her father "standing with Caylee," who "was soaking wet" at the time.
"He handed her to me. Said it was my fault. That I caused it. But he didn't rush to call 911 and he wasn't trying to resuscitate her. I collapsed with her in my arms. She was heavy, and she was cold," she continued. "He takes her from me and he immediately softens his tone and says, 'It's going to be OK.' I wanted to believe him. He took her from me and he went away."
After he took her, Casey said that she believed that Caylee "was still alive" for 31 days because her "father kept telling me she was OK." Casey also reportedly speculated that her dad "put [Caylee] in the pool to cover up what he did."
During the trailer, Casey also said that George would "put a pillow" over her face to "smother" her on "several" occasions as a child. Casey added, "I'm sure there were times where I was incapacitated as a child where my body was limp and lifeless."
Where Is George Anthony Now?
After the trial, George and Cindy decided stay in their Orlando home. George was seen outside of their home as recently as November 15, 2022, according to photos obtained by the Daily Mail.
Abby is an editorial assistant at Seventeen, covering pop culture, beauty, life, and health. When she's not busy watching the latest true crime docuseries, you can find her strolling through Sephora, thrifting the perfect dress, or jogging with her pup.
