1/31/2005

in

Michael Jackson to stand trial on four counts of child molestation

Brenna Boyce

Today marks the first day of pop icon Michael Jackson's criminal trial. He arrived in an all-white suit this morning at the Santa Maria, California courthouse amid 100 or so fans lining the street as well as paparazzi and news affiliates. The meeting today begins the jury selection process where both sides will whittle the jury pool down from 300. In order to make room in the courtroom, the judge asked Jackson to leave behind his usual entourage of family and friends.  
  
Though today marks the beginning of the trial phase, both sides have been meeting for weeks in order to work out the logistics of the trial. It was ruled on Friday by Superior Court Judge Rodney Melville that the boy accusers must stand trial, though the court artists will not sketch them.  
  
Jackson is accused of four counts of child molestation, four counts of administering an intoxicating agent, one count of attempted child molestation and one count of conspiracy to commit child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion by a grand jury.