The 22nd Day in Court

In today’s session, it was stated that the tests and investigations carried out on the bed sheets from Michael’s bedroom did not produce any evidence of DNA, the complainant’s hair, and/or other items that could prove the presence of the two on the bed.

Jeff Klapakis, the case investigator, testified as a witness: “We tested all the bedding items. We found no trace of the complainant or his brother.”

He added that the bottles or cups containing alcohol found in Michael’s room, the kitchen, the liquor storage, the home’s furniture, boxes, toy dolls, the stair railings, and the doors of Michael’s room were not examined in order to find evidence of fingerprints.

Jack Green, the Norland telephone system inspector, was another witness today. He testified that the telephone system installed at Norland made it possible to eavesdrop on telephone conversations. However, he added that nothing unusual was observed about this system, and that dialing 911 (police emergencies) was also possible.

The next witness was Larry Feldman, the defense attorney for the complainant’s family from 1993. In that year, he was able to obtain $20 million for the complainant’s family from Michael through an out-of-court settlement.

Feldman said that he had sent the current complainant and his family to Dr. Katz, a psychologist. Because, as he put it: “He tried to get to the bottom of the matter.”

According to his testimony, after the complainant brought allegations of sexual abuse against Michael, it was Feldman and Katz who informed the Los Angeles Police Department. When the police in that area refused to pursue the matter, Feldman contacted Thomas Sneddon, the Santa Barbara County District Attorney, and encouraged him to get involved in the case.

Jesus Salas, a former Norland employee, took the stand as the last witness in this session. He had worked at Norland for 20 years and had been dismissed in June 2003.

Salas had last taken the complainant’s family out of Norland. In the next hearing, it would be determined whether this departure had been done with Michael’s consent or whether he had opposed the matter.

Source: Reuters / AP via Yahoo