Jesse James Hollywood will face the death penalty for his role in the murder of Nick Markowitz.

The announcement came today in a Santa Barbara County Superior Courtroom.  Hollywood is accused of ordering the kidnap and murder of then 15-year-old Nick Markowitz.  After five years on the run, Hollywood was caught hiding out in Brazil in March. 

Hollywood's story is the basis for a new film due out in February called "Alpha Dog" starring Justin Timberlake. The Defense wanted Deputy District Attorney Ron Zonen off the case, claiming an improper relationship between Zonen and the movie writer.  The Judge, however, denied the recusal motion.

"You're asking a hometown judge to dismiss a hometown D.A. and it's very difficult. Although there's reasons for it, it's very difficult, and you can't divorce yourself from that fact," said Defense Attorney Alex Kessel.

Hollywood is due back in court on December 13.