Casey Anthony defense wants sticker evidence tossed

ORLANDO, Fla. - Casey Anthony's defense team wants a piece of evidence that could tie their client to her daughter's death thrown out of court.

On Wednesday, Casey's lawyers filed a motion that would keep the jury from hearing about a heart-shaped sticker that was found with Caylee Anthony's remains.

Similar stickers were found at the Anthony's home near Orlando.

Investigators say a piece of silver duct tape had been placed over Caylee's mouth. When the duct tape was processed, investigators say, residue in the shape of a heart was discovered.

It appeared to be consistent with a heart-shaped sticker found at the crime scene.

Residue evidence from the sticker was destroyed during FBI processing for fingerprints and no photographs of the residue were ever taken.

The defense contends that since the evidence does not exist, allowing it in court would be prejudicial against Casey calling it "phantom heart sticker evidence."

The sticker was a highly publicized piece of evidence during the criminal investigation.

"Yes, that's going to be an emotional issue with the jury," legal analyst Bill Sheaffer told Orlando station WFTV. "My opinion, this is a matter of weight and credibility, not so much a matter of admissibility."

Sheaffer believes the sticker evidence will likely be allowed.

Caylee's remains were found near the Anthony home in December 2008. She had been missing for almost six months.

Casey's next court hearing is set for January 3. Her first-degree murder trial is scheduled for May.