ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A Florida judge who gained an international audience while presiding over Casey Anthony’s murder trial three years ago says he is retiring after nearly 25 years on the bench.

Chief Judge Belvin Perry of Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit turned in a letter stating he intended to resign at the end of August.

The 64-year-old Perry presided over Anthony’s 2011 murder trial.

Anthony was acquitted of killing her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee, following a trial that drew worldwide attention. She was convicted of making false statements to police and got credit for time served.

In an interview last year on NBC’s “Today” show, Perry said he thought there was sufficient evidence for a conviction on a first-degree murder charge, even though much evidence was circumstantial.

Anthony’s attorneys criticized him for his statements.

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