The trial began on May 24, 2011, at the Orange County Courthouse, with Judge Belvin Perry presiding. In the opening statements, lead prosecutor Linda Drane Burdick described the story of the disappearance of Caylee Anthony day-by-day.[70] The prosecution alleged an intentional murder and sought the death penalty against Casey Anthony.[71] Prosecutors stated that Anthony used chloroform to render her daughter unconscious before putting duct tape over her nose and mouth to suffocate her, and left Caylee's body in the trunk of her car for a few days before disposing of it.[5] They characterized Anthony as a party girl who killed her daughter to free herself from parental responsibility and enjoy her personal life.[72]