Session 61 — Judge Reduces One of Michael’s Charges

In today’s session, held in Michael Jackson’s absence and the absence of the jury members, Judge Rodney Melville announced that he would reduce one of Michael’s charges—allegedly giving alcoholic drinks to the complainant in order to sexually abuse him—to the charge of giving alcohol without the intent to commit a crime. Legal experts believe the judge’s decision could end up benefiting the prosecution team. Because proving a lesser crime is easier. The judge also said that by the end of this Friday, he would hand the case over to the jury members for their final decision. Michael Jackson’s senior attorney, as well as the prosecutor Ron Zonen, were not present in today’s session. Despite Michael’s absence from today’s hearing, his fans gathered outside the courthouse grounds as they had on previous days. On one of the placards, a photo of Thomas Mesero was depicted in the form of Superman, and he was given the nickname “Mr. Super.” Fans on another placard mocked Thomas Esdon, the lead prosecutor in this case, calling him a “poisonous snake.” Source: Reuters / Associated Press