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Wednesday, Mar 15, 2006
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Posted on Wed, Jan. 04, 2006

Murder defendant Hollywood caught with makeshift rope, knives

Associated Press

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Kidnapping and murder suspect Jesse James Hollywood was allegedly caught with a makeshift rope and knives in his jail cell, prompting a judge to order that he remain shackled during court appearances.

Hollywood is accused of orchestrating the August 2000 kidnapping and murder of 15-year-old Nicholas Markowitz in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles as part of a feud he had with the victim's older half brother over a $1,200 drug debt. He fled the country and was captured last March in Brazil.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

His attorneys had argued that Hollywood, 25, should not be forced to wear leg and arm shackles during pretrial hearings, saying the restraints could hurt his chance for a fair trial.

But the county counsel's office argued in a motion that his history in jail warranted such restraints.

The motion alleged that guards had to use "control holds" to remove Hollywood from his cell last June after he refused to uncover his light.

When guards searched the cell, they allegedly found a 16-foot rope made from bed sheets, three razors fashioned into cutting tools or weapons, extra socks, jumpsuits, boxer shorts, shirts, towels and two blankets, according to the motion.

The motion didn't speculate what Hollywood planned to do with the items but noted that he had access to an outdoor yard surrounded by a fence topped with razor wire.

The defense did not contest the issue after reviewing the county counsel's motion. Superior Court Judge Brian Hill made his ruling on Tuesday.

Hollywood's trial could begin this summer.

Information from: Santa Barbara News-Press, http://www.newspress.com