(I really wouldn't be surprised if he is found not guilty either...) Jurors reach verdict in Jackson trial Monday, June 13, 2005 Posted: 3:43 PM EDT (1943 GMT) SANTA MARIA, California (CNN) -- Jurors in the Michael Jackson child molestation trial told the trial judge Monday that they have reached a verdict. The announcement came after about 32 hours of deliberations. Earlier Monday jurors requested the continuation of the reading of the teen accuser's lengthy testimony, sources close to the case said. The accuser was on the stand for four days in March. Meanwhile, attorneys for media outlets, including CNN, filed another motion with the court Monday, demanding access to hearings where the court is answering jurors' questions and requests to listen to the reading of previous testimony. "Barring the public from these final, pivotal stages of this case is, from a constitutional standpoint, simply intolerable," the media attorneys argued in their motion. Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville has set a hearing for Thursday on a previous request to disclose jury questions and release transcripts of hearings. Media attorneys have been pressing the judge to move up the hearing's date, arguing that their request will be moot if the jury reaches a verdict first. Jackson's attorneys have filed a motion opposing the media's request, arguing that providing public access to the jury's questions, and hearings related to them, "would invade the confidentiality of the jury deliberation process and would threaten Mr. Jackson's right to a fair trial." Sources said Melville and attorneys in the case have met at least three times as jurors deliberated. The jurors adjourned Friday afternoon, ending six days of discussion on the 10 accusations against the pop star. Spokeswoman dismissed Jackson's Web site said Friday night that the singer had fired his spokeswoman, Raymone Bain, who has been with him throughout the trial. "MJJ Productions regretfully announces the termination of Raymone Bain and Davis, Bain & Associates. We thank you for your services," said the complete text of the statement at www.mjjsource.com. Lead defense attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr. visited Neverland ranch Wednesday after a flap arose over who should speak for Jackson. Mesereau received court permission to release a statement saying that he had "not authorized anyone to speak or hold press conferences on behalf of Michael Jackson or his family." Jackson and his family posted a similar statement on his Web site. Jackson fans and supporters have joined the media from around the world outside the Santa Maria courthouse each day for news of a verdict. Jackson, who is not required to be on hand for deliberations, has been awaiting the jury's decision at Neverland with his family. The 46-year-old pop star is facing judgment on 10 counts, stemming from events that allegedly took place with a 13-year-old boy two years ago: four counts of lewd conduct with a child younger than 14; one count of attempted lewd conduct; four counts of administering alcohol to facilitate child molestation; and one count of conspiracy to commit child abduction, false imprisonment or extortion. Jackson has denied the charges and pleaded not guilty. http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/06/13/jackson.trial/index.html
I agree Contributing to the delinquency of a minor (the alcohol). That's about it He'll get off on the conspiracy charge and the molestation charge.
It's funny that everytime news like this pops up, I just happen to be home from work. Prediction: Not guilty on all counts.
I was originally convinced he was going to walk. But I would be suprised now to see that they deliberated all this time, and did not convict him of anything. Defense verdicts are typically quick.
Am I the only one who wants a "guilty" verdict just so I can watch Michael's reaction? BTW, he's not at the courthouse right now. I'm hoping the Bronco scene comes on again. Run, Michael, Run!!!
Yep! The verdict will be read at 1:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. ET). The one-hour delay in delivering the verdict allows Jackson time to arrive at the Santa Maria courthouse.
Here are the counts that this is based on. 1 count conspiracy to commit child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion. 4 counts of comitting a lewd act on a chid.
Here are the counts against him... Four counts of lewd conduct with a child younger than 14 One count of attempted lewd conduct Four counts of administering alcohol to facilitate child molestation One count of conspiracy to commit child abduction, false imprisonment or extortion. I'm going to say he is convicted of all but the one count of conspiracy. It's the four counts of lewd conduct that are significant here. I think he'll be found guilty on the alcohol charges no matter what else he is acquitted of.
I think he will be convicted on all counts that get him probation and found not guilty on all counts that would get him prison time.
If he is exonerated, I hope this fool isn't encouraged to continue allowing kids to sleep in his bed.
He will be found guilty of supplying alcohol to a minor and acquitted on all of the other charges. I will be very surprised if they convict him on any of the molestation charges.
