Crime Captivates: A Local Woman's Account of Casey Anthony Trial

What did you do this summer? 

Like some Minnesotans, maybe you went up north to the cabin. Or took the kids to Disney World or toured the Grand Canyon.  

Robin Wilkie went to the Casey Anthony trial.  

Anthony was charged with killing her toddler daughter, Caylee. The trial turned into a media frenzy, with some commentators dubbing it the "Trial of the Century.”  

Move over, O.J.

Wilkie was so captivated with the case, she flew to Orlando in June to see the trial. She stayed for almost a month.

“I’m fascinated by sensational crime stories,” says the Wayzata resident.  

Years ago, Wilkie was a victim of a violent crime. 

“I have a passion for finding justice for those who are not able to seek justice for themselves,” she said.

Wilkie spent 20 days in court, at times just two rows behind Anthony, and says she got a perspective that people watching at home on television didn’t see.

“Casey Anthony had two distinct personalities throughout the trial,” Wilkie says. “She was reserved and serious when the jury was present and the television cameras were rolling. But she was gregarious, flirtatious and easy-going in the absence of the jury and media.”

Wilkie found it difficult to watch some of the evidence presented. 

“The photograph of Caylee’s skull with the duct tape attached was horrifying,” she says. 

Wilkie took notes and journaled throughout the trial. She studied the jury, which was sequestered for over two months. 

“Those jurors felt imprisoned,” says Wilkie. “All this jury wanted was to go home.” 

The jury deliberated for less than 11 hours before finding Anthony not guilty of murder.

Wilkie was in the Orlando airport when the verdict was read.  

“You could hear a pin drop,” she recalls. “I’ve never been to a major airport where everyone literally stopped what they were doing. It was like an episode of The Twilight Zone.” 

Wilkie says some people exploded into anger upon hearing the verdict. 

During her stay in Florida, Wilkie met and talked with Jose Baez, Anthony’s defense attorney, who was working in her hotel lobby late one night. Wilkie also met Anthony’s parents and spoke with media commentators like Geraldo Rivera.

Some of the most colorful characters were people she met while waiting in line for court.

Only 50 spectators were allowed into the courtroom each day, so Wilkie had to wait hours, sometimes overnight, outside the Orange County Courthouse.  

Spectators brought lawn chairs, sleeping bags and food for the long wait, but had to do without some conveniences. 

“The nearest bathroom was at a gas station five blocks away,” she said. 

Each person received a number based on their position in line. Wilkie wrote the number on each person’s hand with a Sharpie marker. Eventually, the other spectators started calling her “The Sharpie Lady.” 

Wilkie says the mood of the crowd was generally tense. 

“The deputies treated us like cattle and many spectators were disrespectful to the court officers,” she says.  

She was almost punched one evening when someone tried to cut into line and she helped to maintain crowd control.

Spending an estimated 200 hours in line, Wilkie met people from all over the U.S. and even Europe.  She keeps in touch with several of the people she met.  

The trip cost her about $3,500 in expenses. Taking time off of work wasn’t a problem, since she owns her own business—a personal concierge service.

Wilkie plans to write a book about her experience. 

“My book will shed light on how this case unfolded the way it did,” she says. “It will give a behind-the-scenes look at the American justice system and jury selection process. The good, the bad, and the ugly.”

Wilkie doesn’t have a background in law or criminal justice, but she says she offers a unique perspective based on her observations and conversations while in Orlando.

The book will include photos of Wilkie with members of the defense team, media commentators and people she met in line.

Wilkie hopes to attend more high-profile trials in the future.

“It was truly a whirlwind experience,” she says.