SoCal writer turns over notes in Hollywood murder case
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
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(11-29) 04:22 PST Santa Barbara, Calif. (AP) --
A writer turned over to a judge his notes for a book about the Jesse James Hollywood murder and kidnapping case, less than a week after balking at the court's order to do so.
Michael Mehas, who also helped write and research the film "Alpha Dog" based on the kidnapping and murder of 15-year-old Nicholas Markowitz, on Monday gave Superior Court Judge Brian Hill his notes and interviews with at least eight witnesses. Hill will decide whether the information will be given to lawyers representing Hollywood, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Mehas has said that some witnesses made statements to him that contradict the prosecution's case. But he initially refused to turn over his notes, saying they were his private work product.
Hill ordered the information be kept under seal until he decides the issue.
Mehas also had unprecedented access to Senior Deputy District Attorney Ron Zonen's case files and talked extensively with the prosecutor about the case.
Hill last week refused the defense's request that he remove Zonen from the case, rejecting claims that the prosecutor's cooperation with the filmmakers constituted a conflict of interest.
Hollywood, 25, is accused of orchestrating the crime as part of a feud he had with Markowitz's older half brother over a $1,200 drug debt. Hollywood was captured in Brazil in March and brought to Santa Barbara.
He could be sentenced to death if he's found guilty.
"Alpha Dog," starring Sharon Stone, Bruce Willis and Justin Timberlake, is scheduled to be released in 2006. It is based on the Markowitz slaying but the names and setting have been changed.
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Information from: Santa Barbara News-Press,
