Jesse James Hollywood trial for murder of Nicholas Markowitz begins 5/22[7/17 GUILTY]

[Crispy]

Opening statements were May 15. Hollywood has pleaded not guilty to the 2000 kidnapping and murder of 15 year old Nicholas Markowitz.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hu3iSLsUJxnynwnEm-W3zarIXxXwD9870HJG3

http://nicholasmarkowitz.com/

[Tracian]

Nick's mom used to post here. I am hoping she will come back now that the trial is going on.

I am still praying for justice for Nick, and his family.

[n/t]

Testimony begins in Hollywood trial
http://www.thedailysound.com/051909Testimony


Justice for Nick :rose:

[Leanne Weich]

Testimony begins in Hollywood trial
http://www.thedailysound.com/051909Testimony


Justice for Nick :rose:

Thanks for the link n/t. I remember Susan well from when she posted with us while the hunt for JJH was ongoing.

This trial must be so incredibly difficult for her. I hope she is able to be brave until she finally sees justice, hopefully done, for Nick.

Susan, on the offchance you read here, you're all in my thoughts and prayers.

[n/t]

Thanks for the link n/t. I remember Susan well from when she posted with us while the hunt for JJH was ongoing.

This trial must be so incredibly difficult for her. I hope she is able to be brave until she finally sees justice, hopefully done, for Nick.

Susan, on the offchance you read here, you're all in my thoughts and prayers.

YW...here's another link with video.

http://www.keyt.com/news/local/45365347.html


Justice for Nick :rose:

[JD1974]

I haveb't read that much about the trial but I did watch the movie Alpha Dog, I cried my eyes out at the end...for 1200.00...

If Nick's mom is reading here I would like to offer my sincere condolences and I hope the punk who did this to your son gets what he deserves.

[Crispy]

Trial updates from May 19

http://nicholasmarkowitz.com/docs/Trialupdate_5_19.pdf

Trial updates from May 20

http://nicholasmarkowitz.com/docs/Trialupdate_5_20.pdf

[starling]

this says Susan is honoring the gag order
http://friends.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=profile.friendmoods&friendID=231921651


:rose: for Justice

[n/t]

Trial updates from May 19

http://nicholasmarkowitz.com/docs/Trialupdate_5_19.pdf

Trial updates from May 20

http://nicholasmarkowitz.com/docs/Trialupdate_5_20.pdf

Thanks so much for the links.

[n/t]

Hollywood's Getaway Driver Testifies
Salsbury Tells of 15-Hour Car Ride With Fugitive

http://www.independent.com/news/2009/may/21/hollywoods-getaway-ride-testifies/

[trucrime]

I remember when Nick's Mom used to post here too. Susan if you are reading this, you are in my thoughts & prayers! Be strong, its nearing the end of your long journey for justice!

[Crispy]

Updates from 5/21
http://nicholasmarkowitz.com/docs/Trialupdate_5_21.pdf

[n/t]

The Fifth Day in Hollywood
Jesse James Hollywood Murder Trial Continues with Testimony of Former Friends

http://www.independent.com/news/2009/may/25/fifth-day-hollywood/

[n/t]

Trial updates

http://nicholasmarkowitz.com/updates.html

[Crispy]

A few updates

http://nicholasmarkowitz.com/docs/Trialupdate_5_23.pdf

http://nicholasmarkowitz.com/docs/Trialupdate_5_27.pdf

[Adalena935]

What a horrible heartbreaking crime against this young man. One of my best friends had her only son walk out the door one morning to goto school as he always did. Thirty years has passed. His body was never located, but police believe a crime of this nature is what his fate was. He was only 17.

My friend told me he began skipping school and running with a rough croud and smoking pot. Got in over his head and thought he could handle himself with the older people.

I hope the Mother of this young man gets justice. It's so difficult to solve these crimes. I'm glad to see some of the others involved in his murder were convicted.

[Crispy]

From what I'm reading so far, the defense is really going after the credibility of the witnesses and generally accusing almost all of them of perjury. The only problem with that is that they are saying they lied because they feared Hollywood because he was still on the run. Doesn't look very good for the defendant IMO

http://nicholasmarkowitz.com/docs/Trialupdate_5_30.pdf

[Crispy]

More updates:

http://nicholasmarkowitz.com/docs/Trialupdate_6_03.pdf

[kibitzer]

I do not have the option to view the proceedings and newsbreak programs constantly, so I'm putting this question here. Is TRU TV keeping track of the (Jesse James Hollywood / "Alpha Dog" ) trial now under way in California? Any observations or commentary from TRU?
If TRU observers are commenting on that trial, could you post the times
of the relevent newscasts. Otherwise I have little hope of catching them.

[iluvmua]

I do not have the option to view the proceedings and newsbreak programs constantly, so I'm putting this question here. Is TRU TV keeping track of the (Jesse James Hollywood / "Alpha Dog" ) trial now under way in California? Any observations or commentary from TRU?
If TRU observers are commenting on that trial, could you post the times
of the relevent newscasts. Otherwise I have little hope of catching them.

Hi, I don't think TRU TV is covering this case :(

Although I think they should since it is an infamous case and very widely known.

[trucrime]

IMO the trial isnt going well for the defence because he's guilty. there's a lot of witnesses involved with this case.

[kibitzer]

To those who have responded: Thanks.
I dearly wish that TruCrime was on this case, because I'm getting nothing but blogs from what seem to be nonprofessional observers.
Certainly nothing in the newscasts that come my way on TV. Will keep
a lookout; thanks for responding.
kibitzer

[kibitzer]

A Google notice that I am following on another site noted that the defendent himself testified yesterday, Monday, June 22, as the Defense opened their case. The basic report was that JJH gave an account that recounted the facts already known, with a claim that he
did not order the killing of the kidnapped lad. The report indicated that
they did not get to the point of cross-examination.

An outsider's guess: I'm thinking that the movie connection on this case is making the court system people cautious about publicity --
the possibility of more exposure ruining the integrity of the case. There is not even news about this case on the local newscasts that I watch here in the Southeast.
:sad:

[4Life]

Looking like a young banker in dark suit and striped tie, Jesse James Hollywood testified in his own defense today on slaying charges, giving a concise overview of his lucrative marijuana business in the San Fernando Valley.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/06/hollywood-tells-jurors-his-marijuana-business-was-always-first-.html

[kibitzer]

I'm getting blurbs indicating that the Defense has wrapped up their case
and has rested. Predictions are that court business and final arguments will place the case in the hands of the jury by Thursday, July 2 (and it is preset that Friday July 3 will be a holiday. I can't find an icon with crossed fingers, so I'll just find one that looks hopeful.:thumbup:

[kibitzer]

Its in the hands of the jury now. Watch and wait.

[trucrime]

I sure hope they find him guilty cause IMO he is.

[disneyfreak]

Thursday, on the first day of deliberation, the jury of nine women and three men asked the judge for definitions of extortion and ransom. Monday, the jury asked whether or not a note must be sent or a phone call made in order for there to be ransom in a kidnapping.

Under the penal code, aggravated kidnapping occurs when a person kidnaps another with “intent to hold or detain” that person for “ransom, reward or to commit extortion or to exact from another person any money or valuable thing.” There is nothing that says a demand must be made, the judge concluded, but the act must be done with a specific intent. In addition, he said, the fact that Hollywood made no demand must be weighed by the jury.

<snip>

Defense attorney James Blatt stressed that a request for information—Hollywood demanding to know Ben Markowitz’s whereabouts, for instance—is not considered, under the law, the taking of something of value.

Hill agreed, explaining that it must be money or property that is sought for there to be ransom. If it is information that is sought, he said, there has to be a reason why and a connection to a tangible item of value for the information to be considered ransom.

http://www.independent.com/news/2009/jul/06/hollywood-jury-queries-judge/

[n/t]

Thanks for that link. It's totally ridiculous. Of course someone can be kidnapped for other reasons than money.

I'm not sure what this judge is saying by this:

Hill agreed, explaining that it must be money or property that is sought for there to be ransom.

Whaaaat? Is he crazy?

[Tracian]

What ever happened to Nick's brother?

[barskin&co.]

Jury didn't come back yesterday I gather. Hope they have a verdict today. It doesn't seem complicated. Drug dealer JJH may not have been the final killer, but he certainly set it all in motion. He should get life just for the kidnappping of the 15 yr old child.

The person he had do the actual kill is on death row right now. My God, how does he deserve any less?

Remembering our brave friend, Susan, as she awaits the verdict. :rose:
And, of course, in loving memory of her son, Nick. :rose:

[trucrime]

Much love to Susan & family right now... :rose:

JMO but Hollywood was the grand orchestrator of everything. Nick may have grown comfortable with his captors while in their custody, but the issue of what to do about him loomed over JJH every day Im sure... until he gave the order to get rid of him.

[disneyfreak]

n/t. Judge Hill was not discussing regular kidnapping but aggravated kidnapping.

Tracian : His brother testified for the prosecution. He has settled down and has kids now.

As always, sending love to Susan :rose:

[Tracian]

n/t. Judge Hill was not discussing regular kidnapping but aggravated kidnapping.

Tracian : His brother testified for the prosecution. He has settled down and has kids now.

As always, sending love to Susan :rose:


Thank you for the information. I remember first hearing of this case when Susan was posting here when that creep was on the run.

I was hoping that his brother would straighten out; I know he loved Nick, and I would imagine felt and still feels tremendous guilt.

Susan,

We are all praying for justice, Nick still weighs heavy on my mind, and on so many others.

[Ninja108]

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_12786835?nclick_check=1

GUILTY!!!

So glad to see the jury saw through his patheic lies. As for Ben, never thought he was a bad person, just needed to grow up and could only do that when reality hit him in the face. But I hope he doesn't blame himself for his brother's death. Jesse or the others could have let Nick go at any time. Instead they choice to kill him thinking they could get away with it. Well Jesse, it took almost a decade..but you didn't get away with it. Any luck you'll be joining your loyal sheep dog Ryan Hoyt on death row (aka LWOP in California).

[barskin&co.]

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_12786835?nclick_check=1

GUILTY!!!

So glad to see the jury saw through his patheic lies. As for Ben, never thought he was a bad person, just needed to grow up and could only do that when reality hit him in the face. But I hope he doesn't blame himself for his brother's death. Jesse or the others could have let Nick go at any time. Instead they choice to kill him thinking they could get away with it. Well Jesse, it took almost a decade..but you didn't get away with it. Any luck you'll be joining your loyal sheep dog Ryan Hoyt on death row (aka LWOP in California).

Oh, yes!!! Susan, it has finally happened. Hollywood has been brought to justice. You waited so long.

For Nick. RIP :rose:

[Tracian]

Fantasic news!

:rose: for Susan and family
:rose: Nick has justice, may he rest in peace

[Shells2]

Remember Nicksmom who used to post here?

The jerk, Jesse James Hollywood, that murdered her 15 year old son, Nicholas Markowitz was found guilty today!

http://www.tmz.com/2009/07/08/real-life-alpha-dog-murderer/

Justice was slow coming, but she sure fought hard for her beloved son.I hope this gives Susan a little bit of peace..

RIP Nicholas

ETA: Oops.. I just saw there is a thread about this in Old Crimes..

http://boards.insessiontrials.com/showthread.php?t=353623

[Noahs ARK]

Thank you for the update!

The article said he could get the death penalty.

[starling]

Justice!!!!

[WillowInFlight]

Oh wow, that was a long time coming.

Shells remember the feet that were coming up with the tide there, anything new on that?

[Nix]

In case she ever reads here again....Susan, you may remember Nick's roses. I planted them in my garden a few years back and I remember telling you about them. They're blooming again, Susan, beautifully, just as they do every year.

I'm so very glad this trial has turned out as it has. I've watched and read and prayed for you all and for the results that would best serve justice for Nick. :rose::rose::rose:

Holding you all in my prayers always,

Nix

[sunflowerseeds]

I was so glad to here this news!

[trucrime]

:rose: for Susan!
Justice is served!

[coffee1950j]

Finally justice!

Susan, I know even this verdict can never bring Nick back but at least you know this POS can never do this to another again.

RIP Nick

:rose:

[Ninja108]

This should have been shown on Court Tv. No excuse as to why it wasn't. But at least this creep got his. His family is crying foul but you know what? That's what you get when you enable your son and allow to be not accountable for anything. Pity they aren't going to jail with him for sending him money when he was on the run.

[Leanne Weich]

At long last. Susan, you've have a long road to finally get to this point and while this verdict is a victory in a sense, I'm sure it doesn't ease the pain in your heart from losing and missing Nick. I'm sure he's still looking down lovingly and admiring your tenacious fight for justice in his name.

I sincerely hope that this verdict will help with further healing for you.

Just remember that you have been the eiptome of dignity during your march for justice for your beloved son. God bless Susan. I hope you'll come back and post your feelings about how the trial went.

You can finally RIP Nick.

[n/t]

I'm so glad to wake up to this news!

Justice is served!

RIP Nick :rose:

[mrsmcgoo]

Wonderful news!

:thumbsup:

[kitty1182]

Wonderful news!!!!:thumbup:

[Keno]

Shells, I was so happy for Nick's mom yesterday. I did not personally know her when she was here on the boards nor did I post that much with her but I did know about what happened to her son. I was hoping they would come back with a guilty verdict and they did.

I know it will not bring closure to her but at least this scum will pay for what he did.:thumbsup:

[Shells2]

Here are some good articles on Susans struggles and what an incredibly strong woman she is.. Her love and dedication to her son's memory is remarkable.

http://www.nicholasmarkowitz.com/

http://www.jewishjournal.com/community/article/holding_on_to_nick_20030501/

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16636250/

I'm so thankful that she finally got what she has been fighting all these years for!

AND she got a book deal to share her story :thumbsup:

[court~critic1®]

What fantastic news!!!!!!!


Susan shared so much with us here. She is truely a brave, and wonderful person. It won't bring Nick back, but at least justice has finally been done.

[trucrime]

This should have been shown on Court Tv. No excuse as to why it wasn't. But at least this creep got his. His family is crying foul but you know what? That's what you get when you enable your son and allow to be not accountable for anything. Pity they aren't going to jail with him for sending him money when he was on the run.

ITA. Wonder why they weren't charged with aiding & abetting a fugitive.



Finally saw a news story this morning on the TV just recapped it.

Rest in peace Nick.

[disneyfreak]

http://www.independent.com/news/2009/jul/08/jury-finds-hollywood-guilty-murder-kidnapping/

This article from yesterday has a great picture of Susan and Ben together.

[kibitzer]

IMO, the proper verdict. Hope for the family to find peace. Sometimes,
not always but sometimes, justice delayed is just justice late, not justice denied. The right thing was done.

[Ninja108]

Even if he gets the DP, he'll die of old age first. The DP doesn't exist in California. There have been people on there for more than 25 years that are STILL years away from exhausting their appeals.

[Callie]

I'm so glad he was convicted. I couldn't have imagined any other verdict. I hope he gets the death penalty.

Nick was Susan's only child. When I viewed the website Nick's uncle started and read Susan's poems I broke down and cried, her pain was so strong.

Bless you both, Susan and Jeff.

[disneyfreak]

Nick was an only child? I thought he was kidnapped because of the debt of his brother Ben. Yes, Nick had several half-sibling, Ben among them.

[Ninja108]

Guess there was a gag order in this case... no wonder there was no coverage of it other than the papers. As for Jesse and his family, I have no sympathy for them, NONE. From being able to read about them online, dad apprently dealt drugs as well. In addition, they sent $1200 a month to Jesse in Brazil and he apprently got a local woman pregnant in the hopes it would make him harder to extradite to the U.S.
Nick might have been a troubled teen but so what? A lot of people go through rough patches in their teen years.
Nick would almost be 25 now. He could have had kids, gone to college etc. He will never have chances for any of those things. All because Jesse could show he was a big tough man and not go to prison for life for kidnapping. How did that work out for you Jesse? Any luck, you'll join Hoyt on death row. Then you two can discuss how worthless you both are while waiting to die of old age (They'll never see the needle.)
Susan, there will never be true closer but hopefully this will allow you to gain a small measure of peace. Nothing can bring Nick back but the SOB responsible for his death will now rot in prison. Justice has been served.

[kibitzer]

Even if he gets the DP, he'll die of old age first. The DP doesn't exist in California. There have been people on there for more than 25 years that are STILL years away from exhausting their appeals.

So, bottom line: The jury are deciding if JJH will die of old age and natural causes in General Population or on Death Row. I can manage
to be content with that.:rolleyes:

[Ninja108]

I will say general pop would be a lot more scary for Jesse than death row, which is more isolated and closely guarded. A lot of the true thugs wouldn't like this wannabe middle class tough guy. One more note about Jesse's dad. According to this, http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_12823984 he's also a convicted drug dealer,mostly GHB. I wonder why he was never indicted for helping his son while he was on the run.

[Ninja108]

He has been sentenced to LWOP. Sadly, he and his loyal lap dog Hoyt will not have a chance to meet up again. On the one hand, I think he should have been sentenced to death. He mastermined and ordered the killing of Nick. He would have spent most of his time locked up in a small cell only being let out four hours or less each day. THat is certainly just punishment.
In the same breath, the DP doesn't exist in California. There are more than 40 people who have been there since the late 70's that are still nowhere near having an execution date set, let alone anyone from this decade. Scott Peterson, Melissa Huckabye(high chance she'll get it),Richard Allen Davis - list goes on and on. Ryan Hoyt (who pulled the trigger)will more than likely die of old age before he sees the needle. More people have died from Sucide and natural deaths combined than have been executed in California and most of those were people who dropped their appeals.
I know Susan and Jeff wanted Jesse to die and quite frankly, I do as well. He is an arrogant little punk who killed a 15 year old boy because he didn't want to spend the rest of his life in prison(highly unlikely he would have gotten that sentence) for kidnapping. How did that work out for you Jesse? Now you'll be spending the rest of your life behind bars anyway. Contrary to what people believe about prison, life is NO cakewalk and if nothing else, he'll be meeting up with people who will show him what a gangbanger really is.

[disneyfreak]

I was very disappointed to read he got LOWP, and as folks here know I'm not exactly Ms. Pro-DP. However, there are rare cases where a man (or woman) should get death and IMO this was one of them.

[trucrime]

I dont understand why JJH wasnt sentenced to death when Ryan was, but Im glad for LWOP. Would have been happier w/the DP although I agree, CA hasnt executed anyone in a very long time & most die of other causes while on death row. JJH at his age, is looking at over half his life in prison and never getting out.

JJH - hope it was all worth it over a minor drug debt. Nick's LIFE gone and now yours too.

JMO

[kibitzer]

Okay, LWOP. Life in GenPop may turn out to be very interesting. I hope to never have to think of him again. Best wishes to all survivor/victims. Right was finally done.

kibitzer

[Ninja108]

I hope it wasn't because of statements his family made that he was sentenced to LWOP instead of death. I won't repeat them here but basically no mentioned is made of Nick, the suffering his family has gone through or anything else. All it was about was how wonderful Jesse is and what a great father he is. When he was in Brazil, he had a child with a woman. This wasn't done out of love. It was done to make virtually impossible for him to be brought back to the U.S. That kid is a lt better without that dirtbag for a father around but he still has parents that are just as bad if not worse than the Peterson parents (dear old dad likes to deal in date rape drugs.) As convicted felons usually aren't allowed to visit other felons, I can take a small measure of sastification in knowing Jesse and his dirtbag dad will experience a little of what Jeff Morkowitz does every day.

[Hollywood]

Yeah! This message is for Susan- if you ever come by here- I have been praying for you and really thinking about you ever since I heard that a verdict was eminent. Words fail for your loss- but I am grateful that a jury was strong enough and not swayed by the typical gobbledygook that defense teams offer up.

Bless you, Nic!!:rose::rose::rose:

(formerly HollywoodReport)

[trucrime]

I won't repeat them here but basically no mentioned is made of Nick, the suffering his family has gone through or anything else.
<respectfully snipped>


That is just wrong. Shows how the apple didnt fall far from the tree if they couldn't afford the Markowitz family the slightest bit of decency. If I were in the Hollywood family shoes, Nick & his family would be the FIRST thing Id mention. JMO.