Jackson jury has verdict 4:45 Eastern

[TeamDunn]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/michael_jackson

Coming at 4:30 Eastern time (that is 1:30 Pacific time right?)

[TeamDunn]

The story...


By LINDA DEUTSCH, AP Special Correspondent
1 minute ago



SANTA MARIA, Calif. - The jury in the Michael Jackson trial reached a verdict Monday in the child molestation and conspiracy case against the pop superstar.

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Sheriff's deputies and court officials said the verdict was to be read after attorneys and Jackson reached the courthouse. The singer was told earlier that he would have about an hour to arrive from his Neverland ranch.

The jury, which listened to 14 weeks of testimony and arguments, deliberated over seven days before sending word of a verdict at about 12:30 p.m. PST.

Jackson, 46, was accused of molesting the then-13-year-old boy and plying him with wine at the pop star's Neverland ranch in 2003. Jackson had befriended the boy, a cancer survivor, and they appeared together when Jackson was interviewed for the documentary "Living With Michael Jackson."

In that now-notorious interview, conducted by British journalist Martin Bashir, Jackson acknowledged that he allowed children to sleep in his bed, but that the activity was nonsexual.

Amid the stir caused by the documentary, the accuser's family claimed that Jackson conspired to keep the family at Neverland in an attempt to get them to rebut material from the documentary. Prosecutors also said Jackson's associates plotted to spirit the family away to Brazil until the controversy blew over.

In December 2003, 10 months after the documentary aired, Jackson was charged with molestation and giving alcohol to a minor. Jackson pleaded not guilty.

The three-month trial was marked by lurid accusations of impropriety against Jackson by former Neverland employees, as well as the accuser's brother. But the prosecution often was undermined by witnesses who delivered unexpected testimony that appeared to favor the defense.

Deborah Rowe, Jackson's ex-wife and the mother of two of his three children, testified that Jackson was a wonderful parent, a generous person and a victim of "opportunistic vultures" in his inner circle who were trying to take advantage of his troubles for their own financial gain.

A sheriff's investigator later testified that Rowe had privately described Jackson as a "sociopath" and said they had a "plan" always to speak nicely about their relationship in public. But Rowe's testimony in court was seen as a setback for the prosecution.

On May 11, the actor Macaulay Culkin, who met and became friends with Jackson when Culkin was a child star in the 1990s, appeared in court and adamantly denied that Jackson had ever touched him inappropriately. Culkin dismissed the molestation charges against Jackson as "ridiculous."

Perhaps the most crucial testimony came from the accuser himself, who's now 15. A few of his details were missing or somewhat inconsistent, and he turned hostile under defense questioning. But his testimony was bolstered by a videotape showing him haltingly describe the allegations to detectives for the first time.

He said on the tape, as he did on the stand, that Jackson began fondling him one night in 2003 after saying he wanted to show him how to masturbate. The boy also told investigators that Jackson kept fondling him after he asked him to stop.

The boy did not tell the detectives something that he later said both Jackson and his grandmother told him: that men who don't masturbate sometimes commit rape.

The boy said on the tape that Jackson molested him no more than five times. In his testimony, he said he remembered two times, but that there may have been more. His brother testified that he saw Jackson fondling the boy twice.

In closing arguments, the lawyers portrayed both Jackson and the accuser's family in starkly different ways: The defense characterized Jackson as a victim of grifters trying to pull "the biggest con of their careers." The prosecution said it was "unmitigated rubbish" that the family could have made up the allegations.

Jackson did not testify, but the jury heard him on a videotape making such remarks as "I'm not a nut" and "I haven't been betrayed or deceived by children. Adults have let me down."

Jackson's health has been a hot topic throughout the trial. He has been plagued by back troubles since it began, and he was taken to the emergency room at Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital for treatment on June 5, and he returned for follow-up on June 8.

Prior to last week, Jackson's case was interrupted twice by hospital visits, once for treatment of flu symptoms. He first reported a back problem in early March, when he went to an emergency room on one of the days his accuser took the stand. Jackson arrived late, dressed in pajama bottoms, after the judge ordered him to come to court.

Regardless of the outcome, a big question about the trial would be its outcome on Jackson's career. Since he was first accused of molestation more than a decade ago, his record sales have plummeted, and he has performed in concert infrequently.

Many details about Jackson's finances remained sketchy during the proceedings. But forensic accountant John Duross O'Bryan testified that the singer had an "ongoing cash crisis" and was spending $20 million to $30 million more per year than he earned.

A balance sheet dated June 30, 2002, indicated Jackson had assets of $130 million and liabilities of $415 million, O'Bryan said.

The testimony included references to memos by Jackson financial managers warning that to balance the books and clear huge loans held by Bank of America Corp., he might have to sell his share of up to 50 percent of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, which owns and administers copyrights to thousands of songs — including the words and music to 251 Beatles tunes.

Jackson's career spiral has been startling in light of his enormous popularity stretching back to the early 1970s, when he was a child superstar with his brothers in the Jackson 5. He made an easy transition to solo act in 1971 and had the smash hit album "Off the Wall" in 1979. His follow-up to that was the monumentally successful "Thriller," which went on to become one of the hottest-selling pop albums of all time.

While he couldn't repeat the success of "Thriller," his hit singles and videos remained a strong presence on the airwaves with the albums "Bad" (1987) and "Dangerous" (1991).

Then came the allegations, as well as other odd behavior, and his popularity slumped, except for a tight circle of hard-core fans. The "Number Ones" compilation album released in 2003 sold 903,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. But his box set, "The Ultimate Collection," sold just 57,000 copies last year.

[LoganBuck]

What does everyone think?

My gut says guilty, but my head says not guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

[KronoRed]

I think he'll be found not guilty..is he guilty? no idea..but I never thought he'd be convicted of anything.

[GIK]

With all the counts thrown at him, I bet something sticks. My guess is a lesser charge that he'll get probation/fines for.

[Reds Fanatic]

I also think he will be found not guilty. I still think he may be guilty but I don't think they will convict him.

[TeamDunn]

They have been at it for quite awhile, I thought it would be a hung jury.

[Reds4Life]

Probably guilty on giving alcohol minors, but they'll let him go on the rest.

[savafan]

a split verdict. Guilty on some counts, not on others. I believe we'll all be a bit surprised.

[Red Leader]

Probably guilty on giving alcohol minors, but they'll let him go on the rest.

That's my guess as well.

[RedFanAlways1966]

I agree with most of you.... not guilty on the biggie and perhaps guilty on a lesser charge. Whenever a jury is out this long, you tend to not get a guilty verdict from what I have read.

So, if he is not guilty.... what do we do to the next parent who lets their teen boy stay the night at Michael's house? No, call the local ambulance chaser is not an option!!

[GIK]

I'd say '66 that he'll sell the ranch and move out of California or the country.

[Reds Fanatic]

I'd say '66 that he'll sell the ranch and move out of California or the country. I have already heard he is moving out of the country.

[RedFanAlways1966]

I'd say '66 that he'll sell the ranch and move out of California or the country.

You are right, GIK. I have heard Michael state this before the trial. Probably best for all that he just pack it up and move to another country.

[savafan]

I have already heard he is moving out of the country.

Yeah, he plans to go hide out in Africa where he won't stick out like a sore thumb.

[Red Leader]

Yeah, he plans to go hide out in Africa where he won't stick out like a sore thumb.

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[Reds Fanatic]

Now they are saying the verdict will be read at 4:45 ET.

[TeamDunn]

He is still on his way to the courthouse. A helicopter is following him on the link on Yahoo's homepage.

[KronoRed]

He is still on his way to the courthouse. A helicopter is following him on the link on Yahoo's homepage.

SLowwwwwwwwwwww news day ;)

[Chip R]

I have already heard he is moving out of the country.Maybe he can move to France and hang with Roman Polanski.

[TeamCasey]

I think he'll be found not guilty, but I think he's guilty.

[TeamDunn]

SLowwwwwwwwwwww news day ;)

:laugh: So true!

[registerthis]

CNN is reporting that he stopped for a milkshake on the way in, and that he asked the server to remove the wrapper from the straw before giving it to him.

At this point there is no independent confirmation of this.

[TeamDunn]

Did he go through kiddie land?

[TeamDunn]

Pretty big crowd, people holding signs. I can't read them because of this 3x3 screen! :p:

[Reds Nd2]

I'm going to guess he'll be found guilty on most of the counts and go to jail for a long time. Just trying to be different.

[KronoRed]

I'm going to guess he'll be found guilty on most of the counts and go to jail for a long time. Just trying to be different.
Wanna place a wager? ;)

[TeamDunn]

Will this one go up there with OJ's verdict...will you remember where you were?

Just wondering. I was off the day of the OJ verdict and my mom and I were out shopping. We got back to my place and watched it, just stood there with out mouths hanging to the floor that he got off.

[Reds Nd2]

Wanna place a wager? ;)

No, no, no. I'm not in the least bit confident I'm right on this. :)

[Red Leader]

Will this one go up there with OJ's verdict...will you remember where you were?

Just wondering. I was off the day of the OJ verdict and my mom and I were out shopping. We got back to my place and watched it, just stood there with out mouths hanging to the floor that he got off.

Hardly. This, much like everything else JackO has done post-Thriller, will be forgotten in about 2 months.

[KronoRed]

Thriller was a heck of an album.

[RedFanAlways1966]

Thriller was a heck of an album.

Yep, but I am still bothered by one-line in that famous Thriller (the song) video. Just before turning into a werewolf, Michael tells the cute lady-friend that "he is not like the other boys". Uh, no kidding!!!

:devil:

[TeamCasey]

TeamGriffey is arguing with me. He insists that Michael Jackson is a lady. :laugh:

[Red Leader]

Any verdict yet?

[TeamDunn]

He just entered the courthouse

[Red Leader]

He just entered the courthouse

Did he fly in like Peter Pan?

[Reds Fanatic]

Now they expect the verdict around 5 ET.

[Reds Nd2]

He just entered the courthouse

And the excitment builds to a fever pitch. ;)

[TeamDunn]

LOL

LaToya, Momma and Pappa just arrived.

[Red Leader]

Now they expect the verdict around 5 ET.

Drive up the ratings...

[Red Leader]

LOL

LaToya, Momma and Pappa just arrived.

I'm assuming Tito will be a no show.

Where's Janet? Her agent must have advised her well.

[TeamDunn]

I have no sound online. I may go watch the tv in the hallway, compliments of the Enquirer! :thumbup:

[TeamDunn]

I saw Jermaine and I think Randy...no Tito yet from what I have been able to see.

[Chip R]

I'm assuming Tito will be a no show.


Man, if Tito won't be there, I'm not watching. :lol:

[Red Leader]

Man, if Tito won't be there, I'm not watching. :lol:

For those that don't know, Tito and Michael are not friends. Tito despises Michael. I would have expected everyone in the family to be there except Tito.

[TeamDunn]

FYI I think 700 is broadcasting it live if anyone is not around a tv

[TeamDunn]

Counts 2 through 5 are the most serious...700 said to listen for those ;)

[Reds Nd2]

I wish they'd hurry up. I need to go to the store and get some milk.

[Red Leader]

Just a guess. Not the real verdict.


Charge 1: molestation, not guilty
Charge 2: giving alcohol to a minor, guilty
Charge 3: Being too weird to live in the US, guilty

Sentence: $5000 fine + court costs, pack up your bags and move out of the country, freak.

[TeamDunn]

No camera's!!!???? :confused:

So not right.

[KittyDuran]

There is no TV in the courtroom - so if you're listening on radio, it's OK. The verdict will be audio only.

[Red Leader]

He's been ordered to have surgery done to restore him back to the way he was when Off the Wall was recorded. His attorney will appeal.

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[flyer85]

maybe he will go live with Roman Polanski.

[TeamDunn]

Does anyone have a listing of the 10 (I think it is 10) counts?

[Red Leader]

maybe he will go live with Roman Polanski.

He'll probably move in with Webster.

[TeamDunn]

Verdicts on all counts...no hung jury on any counts! :eek:

[Reds Fanatic]

Count 1: Conspiracy to commit child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion
Count 2: Commission of a lewd act upon a child
Count 3: Commission of a lewd act upon a child
Count 4: Commission of a lewd act upon a child
Count 5: Commission of a lewd act upon a child
Count 6: Attempt to commit a lewd act upon a child
Count 7: Administering an intoxicating agent to assist in commission of a felony
Count 8: Administering an intoxicating agent to assist in commission of a felony
Count 9: Administering an intoxicating agent to assist in commission of a felony
Count 10: Administering an intoxicating agent to assist in commission of a felony

[TeamDunn]

Jury just entered...waiting on the judge now.

[TeamDunn]

Thanks RF!

[Reds Nd2]

Jury is entering the court room now.

[TeamDunn]

Judge entering now

[KronoRed]

The anticipation builds

[Reds Nd2]

Here come da' judge.

[Red Leader]

man, how slow is this judge?

He's been "entering" for about 3 minutes now.

[Reds Nd2]

Charles Manson is in his 70's. WOW!

[flyer85]

He's been "entering" for about 3 minutes now.guess he doesn't want to be accused of giving Jacko a premature emasculation.

[Reds Fanatic]

On counts 7 through 10 they could also convict him on a lesser charge of furnishing alcohol to a minor

[Red Leader]

:devil: :devil:
guess he doesn't want to be accused of giving Jacko a premature emasculation.

:laugh: :laugh: :beerme: :beerme:

[KronoRed]

I could never be a lawyer, at this point I'm throwing rocks at the jury ;)

[TeamDunn]

I think the judge is the hold up, he is reading it to himself now.

[MWM]

guess he doesn't want to be accused of giving Jacko a premature emasculation.

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

That might be the funniest thing ever posted on this site.

[TeamDunn]

Here we go!

[Red Leader]

TD, you passed 5000 posts. Congrats.

[KronoRed]

Happy 5k TD :D

[Reds4Life]

Not guilty on everything, what a joke. It took them 7 days to come up with that? He even admitted to giving alcohol to minors, but he was found not guilty on that too. Ugh, my faith in the justice system falls everyday.

[TeamDunn]

NOT GUILTY on all counts.

[Matt700wlw]

NOT GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS!!!!


What a joke!!!

[Reds Fanatic]

Found innocent on all 10 counts.

[WVRed]

Michael Jackson-1
US Justice System-0

[Reds Nd2]

Not guilty on all 10 counts. :rant:

[Red Leader]

Hey, the glove didn't fit.....

[GIK]

Considering none of us were on the jury, I'm not upset.

[WVRed]

Hey, the glove didn't fit.....

Dont even go there.... :angry:

[KronoRed]

Not shocked at all.

[Reds Nd2]

Not shocked at all.

See, just like I said. :laugh:

[Matt700wlw]

It's not surprising...but I'm still not convinced he didn't do it...

[Red Leader]

Man, not even a charge for harboring a monkey.... :confused:

[TeamDunn]

Wonder how long before he hosts another sleepover? Any parent that lets their kid near him needs to have that kid taken from them. :thumbdown

[KronoRed]

Man, not even a charge for harboring a monkey.... :confused:
Maybe the monkey refused to testify ;)

[TeamCasey]

TeamGriffey has no idea who Michael Jackson is, but he's happy that "the lady" doesn't have to go to jail.

He love's the 4 black SUVs.

[WVRed]

TeamGriffey has no idea who Michael Jackson is, but he's happy that "the lady" doesn't have to go to jail.

He love's the 4 black SUVs.

Tell him its Diana Ross;).

[RedsBaron]

I think it was a racially motivated jury verdict-Jackson was acquited solely because he is white. :evil:

[TeamCasey]

Deleted. May have been taken different than intended.

[Jaycint]

There was some interesting conversation on the radio on the way home from the gym tonight and I was wondering what your guys opinions are on the following question: Does Jackson get acquitted if this trial took place in say Oklahoma, Nebraska, Indiana, etc etc? A caller made the point that all of the big name celebrity trials (OJ, Robert Blake, Michael Jackson) that happened in California, the people got off scot-free. In Indiana Mike Tyson got convicted. Any thoughts?

[BoydsOfSummer]

Can't believe the alcohol contributing charges didn't go at least. Wow.

[savafan]

I reserve the right to have been wrong on my prediction.

[TeamDunn]

I didn't watch Letterman last night but one of my coworkers said he said that Saddam Hussein wants his trial to be held in California! :p:

[guttle11]

I wonder how long it will take Jacko to devote his life to finding the "real" molesters

[RedsBaron]

I didn't watch Letterman last night but one of my coworkers said he said that Saddam Hussein wants his trial to be held in California! :p: :laugh: