Imperfect Justice_ Prosecuting Casey Anthony - Jeff Ashton [167]
Looking to the future, the trick for me, as well as for everyone else who finds themselves angry and frustrated, is how do we let go? How do those of us who haven’t forgotten Caylee in our hearts move on? Forgive? Not possible. Forget? No way.
There are no easy answers to these questions, but the one thing I’ve learned in my years as a trial lawyer is that you must accept the verdict. The law will not punish Casey. We have to come to terms with that. What we can all hope for instead is to turn that anger we feel into something positive. In the past, when faced with an outcome like this, I’ve always channeled my frustration into another case. I did this not because I wanted another chance at winning, but because I wanted to turn my frustration into something positive. And that is the best that those of us who want to remember Caylee can do. Turn your anger into something positive—hug your child, help someone else, keep a little closer eye out for the little ones you see running around. Justice is not just about what gets decided in the courtroom, it’s about how we should go about our lives and respect others. And in the end, that’s what it really means to remember Caylee.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to acknowledge some people without whom my career, this case, and this book would not have been possible. First and foremost, my mother and father, Barbara and Richard Ashton. Mom, everything I have accomplished in my life has been for one single purpose: to make you and Dad proud of me. We talked many times about how much he enjoyed watching me work and how much we both wished he could have been around to see this one. Love you, Mom.
Now to my wife, Rita. Thank you for putting up with me, listening to me bitch on the bad days and brag on the good ones. You were a single parent a lot this summer, and I know it was tough at times. I couldn’t have done any of this without you. We found each other later in life, but sometimes the best is saved for last. I love you.
To my kids, Adam, Jon, Becky, Alex , David, and Emma, I am proud of you all and love having you in my life. To David and Emma, sorry Daddy didn’t have much time to play this summer.
To Linda Drane Burdick, trial partner, work wife, and friend. This has been the best professional partnership of my career. You are truly one of the best lawyers I have ever worked with. I will forever be in your debt for bringing me in on this case.
Frank George, it was truly an honor to finally get to work with you. Your level head and sense of humor were a perfect complement to the team. Your skill and professionalism are your great assets and will serve you well in what will be a stellar career in law.
Lawson Lamar, thank you so much for allowing me to serve you once again on this case. Your constant support of our efforts is greatly appreciated.
Mario Perez and Arlene Zayas, your tireless support was the key to our ability to present this case in a competent and professional manner
Professor Bernard “Andy” Raum, thank you so much for all of the advice and assistance in the case.
To Yuri, John, and Eric, the investigative team from the sheriff’s office that I have spoken of so often in these pages, and Nick Savage and Karen Cowan of the FBI. You guys are amazing; you put heart and soul into the case. You did everything you could. You should be proud.
To the ladies and gentleman of the crime scene unit, who spent countless hours of work sometimes braving snakes and poison ivy to find Caylee and give her remains the respect they deserved. I salute you all.
My thanks to Mark NeJame, whose behind-the-scenes assistance in dealing with the EquuSearch issues really made our job so much easier.
To Lisa Pulitzer, thanks