In an Orlando courtroom this morning, it was revealed that ABC News has paid $200,000 to the family of murdered toddler Caylee Anthony, with the money going to Casey Anthony’s legal defense.

The bombshell was dropped as the judge in the case weighs whether to declare Casey Anthony indigent, which would mean the state of Florida would have to pick up much of the tab in the death penalty case against her.

Anthony’s defense team disclosed it has spent $275,000 so far, including $200,000 paid by ABC News.

An ABC News spokesperson tells TVNewser, “In August 2008 we licensed exclusive rights to an extensive library of photos and home video for use by our broadcasts, platforms, affiliates and international partners. No use of the material was tied to any interview.”

Last February, court documents showed ABC News paid for a three-night hotel stay at a Central Florida Ritz-Carlton for Casey’s parents George and Cindy Anthony.

Two-year-old Caylee Anthony went missing in June 2008. In October of that year, a grand jury indicted Casey Anthony on charges of first-degree murder. Caylee’s remains were discovered two months later near the Anthony home.

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