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Casey Anthony to ask for change of venue

Associated Press file photo

Casey Anthony, left, with her attorney Jose Baez, is shown March 25 during a hearing at the Orange County Courthouse in Orlando.

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By The Associated Press

Published: May 4, 2009

Updated: 05/04/2009 06:13 pm

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Caylee Marie Anthony

ORLANDO - The attorney for a Florida mother charged with killing her toddler daughter asked a judge Monday to move the trial to south Florida.

Jose Baez filed a motion for a change of venue Monday. He told reporters that he didn't believe his client could get a fair trial in Orlando in central Florida due to the excessive local media coverage.

Prosecutors, who have said they will seek the death penalty if Casey Anthony is convicted, did not immediately return messages asking for comment.

"The local coverage has been so constant and at times so inflammatory that members of the local community have already formed their opinions without even hearing one piece of evidence," Baez said. "This case has become deeply embedded in this community."

Casey Anthony is charged with killing her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee, who disappeared last summer. Caylee's remains were not found until December in woods near the house she lived with her mother and grandparents.

Casey Anthony has pleaded not guilty and claims Caylee was kidnapped by a baby sitter.

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