Jun 22, 2009 4:18 pm US/Pacific
Jesse James Hollywood Takes Stand In S.B. Trial
SANTA BARBARA (AP) ―
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Jesse James Hollywood is charged with the kidnapping and murder of Nicholas Markowitz in August 2000. The case was the basis for the movie "Alpha Dog." (File)
CBS
Jesse James Hollywood has begun testifying at his trial in Santa Barbara where he is accused of orchestrating the kidnap and murder of a 15-year-old boy that inspired the movie "Alpha Dog."
Hollywood, dressed in a black suit, took the stand late Monday and described his time as a marijuana supplier in the San Fernando Valley a decade ago.
The 29-year-old is to continue his testimony on Tuesday.
He is charged with the kidnapping and murder of Nicholas Markowitz in August 2000. He could face the death penalty if convicted.
Prosecutors believe Nicholas was kidnapped by Hollywood and his cohorts in August 2000 just blocks from his home to put pressure on his half-brother Ben Markowitz to repay money he owed Hollywood for drugs.
Authorities have said Nicholas partied with his captors in the days following his abduction and felt he wasn't in any danger. Blatt said Friday that Nicholas could have walked away from his captors numerous times.
Hollywood decided to get rid of Nicholas after learning from an attorney that he could face life in prison for kidnapping, prosecutors have said.
Defense attorney James Blatt has said that his client didn't direct anyone to kill Nicholas and wasn't present when the teen was shot and buried near Santa Barbara.
The case drew national headlines and was the basis for the movie starring Bruce Willis and Sharon Stone.
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)
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