Michael Jackson Jurors Break For Weekend
POSTED: Friday, June 3, 2005
UPDATED: 6:06 pm EDT June 3,
2005
SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- The jurors in the Michael Jackson child-molestation trial have gone home for the weekend after beginning their deliberations of his guilt or innocence.
Video: Jury Gets Jackson Case
Fact Sheet: Michael Jackson
Jurors heard two very different portrayals of Jackson in closing arguments from the defense and prosecutors. Senior Deputy District Attorney Ron Zonen said Jackson had molested a boy who "would do anything he said."Jackson's own lawyer, Thomas Mesereau, played excerpts from a video in which Jackson denied sexual impropriety, and in which he said he spends so much time with children because he's never been betrayed by them. Mesereau finished his closing argument in the case by claiming the family accusing Jackson of child molestation and other crimes is trying to pull "the biggest con of their careers." Mesereau told the panel of eight women and four men, "They just need you to help them."It was 14 weeks ago that Judge Rodney Melville first outlined the charges to the jury -- telling them that Jackson was accused of molesting a 13-year-old cancer patient at Jackson's Neverland Ranch in 2003. Jackson, 46, faces charges of conspiracy to commit child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion, three counts of committing lewd acts upon a child, one count of attempted lewd acts upon a child, and four counts of administering intoxicating agents to assist in the commission of a felony. If convicted on all 10 accounts, he could face 20 years in state prison.Jurors heard from more than 130 witnesses, including the accuser and his family, and celebrities such as Jay Leno and Macaulay Culkin. The jurors will have to decide the singer's guilt or innocence without hearing from Jackson himself. Defense attorneys rested their case without placing the defendant on the stand.Melville told jurors they must not infer anything from the fact Jackson decided not to testify.The eight women and four men who are considering the 10-count indictment against him have gotten 98 pages of instructions to guide their deliberations.A grim-looking Jackson left the courthouse after the final day of arguments, disappearing into a vehicle at the same spot where he danced atop his SUV months ago. On Friday, Jackson appeared gaunt and held his mother's arm as he arrived at the courthouse. Several of his brothers and sisters accompanied the singer. He was greeted with shouts of "Michael's innocent" from a crowd of about 75 people.Jackson had spent some time at a California hospital overnight. A spokeswoman at Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital said the pop star arrived there late Thursday night or early Friday, but wouldn't say why he sought care in the emergency room.Melville said Jackson could stay at his Neverland ranch during deliberations, but his lawyers have to stay within 10 minutes of the courthouse in case jurors have questions.The judge asked if an hour would be enough time for Jackson to arrive once a verdict is reached, but added that he'd rather Jackson be "slightly delayed" than "rush too fast."
MICHAEL JACKSON CAREER |
Video: Jury Gets Jackson CaseFact Sheet: Michael JacksonJurors heard two very different portrayals of Jackson in closing arguments from the defense and prosecutors. Senior Deputy District Attorney Ron Zonen said Jackson had molested a boy who "would do anything he said."Jackson's own lawyer, Thomas Mesereau, played excerpts from a video in which Jackson denied sexual impropriety, and in which he said he spends so much time with children because he's never been betrayed by them. Mesereau finished his closing argument in the case by claiming the family accusing Jackson of child molestation and other crimes is trying to pull "the biggest con of their careers." Mesereau told the panel of eight women and four men, "They just need you to help them."It was 14 weeks ago that Judge Rodney Melville first outlined the charges to the jury -- telling them that Jackson was accused of molesting a 13-year-old cancer patient at Jackson's Neverland Ranch in 2003. Jackson, 46, faces charges of conspiracy to commit child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion, three counts of committing lewd acts upon a child, one count of attempted lewd acts upon a child, and four counts of administering intoxicating agents to assist in the commission of a felony. If convicted on all 10 accounts, he could face 20 years in state prison.Jurors heard from more than 130 witnesses, including the accuser and his family, and celebrities such as Jay Leno and Macaulay Culkin. The jurors will have to decide the singer's guilt or innocence without hearing from Jackson himself. Defense attorneys rested their case without placing the defendant on the stand.Melville told jurors they must not infer anything from the fact Jackson decided not to testify.The eight women and four men who are considering the 10-count indictment against him have gotten 98 pages of instructions to guide their deliberations.A grim-looking Jackson left the courthouse after the final day of arguments, disappearing into a vehicle at the same spot where he danced atop his SUV months ago. On Friday, Jackson appeared gaunt and held his mother's arm as he arrived at the courthouse. Several of his brothers and sisters accompanied the singer. He was greeted with shouts of "Michael's innocent" from a crowd of about 75 people.Jackson had spent some time at a California hospital overnight. A spokeswoman at Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital said the pop star arrived there late Thursday night or early Friday, but wouldn't say why he sought care in the emergency room.Melville said Jackson could stay at his Neverland ranch during deliberations, but his lawyers have to stay within 10 minutes of the courthouse in case jurors have questions.The judge asked if an hour would be enough time for Jackson to arrive once a verdict is reached, but added that he'd rather Jackson be "slightly delayed" than "rush too fast."
Previous Stories:
- June 2, 2005: Jackson's Lawyer: Accuser's Family 'Looking For Big Payday'
- June 2, 2005: Jury To Hear Closing Arguments In Jackson Trial
- May 31, 2005: Final Arguments In Jackson Trial Expected Wednesday
- May 27, 2005: Both Sides Rest In Michael Jackson Case
- May 26, 2005: Jackson's Accuser Could Have To Testify Again
- May 25, 2005: Jury Doesn't Get To Hear From Michael Jackson
- May 24, 2005: Last Witness Called In Jackson Defense
- May 20, 2005: Jackson's Former Attorney Admits Monitoring Accuser's Family
Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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