Jury Selection Begins In Michael Jackson Trial
POSTED: 10:24 am EST January 31,
2005
UPDATED: 2:30 pm EST January 31,
2005
SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- Jury selection begins Monday in the trial of superstar singer Michael Jackson, who has pleaded not guilty to charges of molesting a 13-year-old boy and plying him with alcohol.
Meanwhile, Jackson, 46, released a video statement declaring that recent reports about him have been false.
Screaming Fans Greet Jackson At Courthouse
Jackson Arrives In Court
Images: Jury Selection Begins In Jackson Trial
Images: 13 Faces Of Michael Jackson
Images: Image Gallery: Celebrities In The News
"Please keep an open mind and let me have my day in court," Jackson said in the statement. "I deserve a fair trial like every other American citizen. I will be acquitted and vindicated when the truth is told."When the trial starts, both sides will have high-profile jury consultants by their side as they begin to choose the 12 jurors and eight alternates who will be responsible for Jackson's fate.The defense claims the pop star is the victim of a shakedown attempt.At the final pretrial hearing on Friday, the judge ruled that the jury will be able to see dozens of adult-oriented pieces of material seized at Jackson's ranch in 2002.The trial is expected to last up to six months.
| FeedRoom | ||
 | ||
 | ||
|
|
Screaming Fans Greet Jackson At CourthouseJackson Arrives In CourtImages: Jury Selection Begins In Jackson TrialImages: 13 Faces Of Michael JacksonImages: Image Gallery: Celebrities In The News "Please keep an open mind and let me have my day in court," Jackson said in the statement. "I deserve a fair trial like every other American citizen. I will be acquitted and vindicated when the truth is told."When the trial starts, both sides will have high-profile jury consultants by their side as they begin to choose the 12 jurors and eight alternates who will be responsible for Jackson's fate.The defense claims the pop star is the victim of a shakedown attempt.At the final pretrial hearing on Friday, the judge ruled that the jury will be able to see dozens of adult-oriented pieces of material seized at Jackson's ranch in 2002.The trial is expected to last up to six months.
Copyright 2005 by NBC6.net. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
