Casey Anthony Found Not Guilty Of Murder

Casey Anthony, 25, received a verdict of "not guilty" in the case of the murder of her two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony, whose body was found in December 2008. The jury in Orlando, Fla., also ruled Casey not guilty of manslaughter. The news comes as yet another surprising twist in the Caylee Anthony case, which has been widely publicized ever since the child's reported disappearance in July 2008.

The prosecution claimed that Casey murdered her daughter by dosing her with chloroform and suffocating her with duct tape. After dumping the child's body in a wooded area, they alleged, Anthony proceeded to live "the life she wanted," which included partying at clubs, participating in a "hot body" contest and tattooing the phrase "Bella Vita" on her shoulder the month after Caylee died.

The defense argued that Caylee had drowned accidentally and that Anthony, together with her father George Anthony, panicked and tried to conceal the death. The defense also poked holes in the prosecution's case by claiming most of the evidence against Casey was circumstantial.

Casey, who wept as the verdict was read, was convicted on lesser charges, however. The jury found her guilty of providing false information to law enforcement officers. Sentencing on the guilty counts will be held on 9 a.m. Thursday.