Session 64 — The Case Was Handed to the Jury

In today’s session, in addition to Michael’s mother and father, Janet and Latoya—his sisters—and his brothers, Jermaine, Tito, and Randy, accompanied him. The shouts of “Michael is innocent” from a crowd of 75 of Michael’s supporters who were standing in the outer courtyard of the courthouse escorted Michael to the courtroom. In today’s session, after hearing Thomas Mesero’s final arguments, the jury members began deliberating about the final fate of this case. Mesero addressed the jury: “Ladies and gentlemen, this case has been a nightmare for Mr. Jackson. You must decide on all counts whether he is innocent. This is the only correct verdict.” He also said that Michael is not the monster that the prosecution has portrayed, and that the complainant and his family have used Michael to achieve their own financial goals. “They are trying to profit from Michael Jackson. They think they have succeeded. Now they are only waiting for one thing—your verdict.” He added: “If you turn to your hearts, do you believe that Michael Jackson is this evil? Is it even possible? It really isn’t possible.” With a fiery attack on the complainant, his mother, his brother, and his sister, Mesero said: “What they are trying to do to Michael Jackson is extremely harmful, extremely cruel, and extremely devastating... If you have any reasonable doubt about the contradictory statements and lies that have been said, you must acquit Michael Jackson. We have the best judicial system in the world, and ladies and gentlemen, I ask you to respect this system. You must acquit him.” He accused the prosecution team of trying to “taint” Michael because of their lack and weakness of evidence to prove their accusations against him. Mesero said: “The prosecution’s witnesses are unreasonable and they lie. None of this works. The only thing they have done is contaminate the courtroom environment and hope that it will be accepted.” Mesero showed the jury parts of a video in which Michael denies doing improper acts with children and says that the children never tricked him and never betrayed him. In the end, he told the jury that Michael had been negligent about his wealth and had allowed unworthy people into his team, but that the monster the prosecution has portrayed is not real—and he has not committed any crime. After that, prosecutor Ron Zonen—who had finished his defense arguments yesterday—stood up again in response to Mesero’s remarks to defend their accusations against Michael Jackson. As he prepared to deliver his final arguments, Janet and Latoya left the courtroom. Raymond Behn later explained why they did this, saying they did not want to hear the prosecution’s unpleasant remarks about their brother. Zonen reminded the jury of Michael’s past accusations and said that such testimony was necessary to present a complete picture of the accused. In response to Mesero’s question—“Why would Mr. Jackson do something like this?”—Ron Zonen said: “Because he could. This kid loved him, and he did whatever he told him to do.” After Thomas Mesero and the prosecutor finished their statements, Judge Rodney Melville instructed the jury to begin their work. He also told Michael that while the jury members consult on this case, he could remain in Neverland. Shortly after the jury members went to the jury room to consult, Michael left the courtroom, headed toward the exit area, and left the court without making any comments. His spokesperson, Raymond Behn, told reporters: “Michael has anxiety, but he is physically healthy. He feels relieved that the trial is almost over. He is very strong and believes in God and the justice system. He is not in a bad situation, and throughout this trial he has been like a real soldier.” He also said that Michael believes the jury will acquit him. The jury, consisting of 8 women and 4 men, must be present in their designated room in the courthouse from Monday through Friday of the following week, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., so that after deliberation they can decide the final outcome of this case. Judge Melville allowed Michael to stay at home during this time, but it is necessary for his lawyers to be present in court in order to answer any possible questions from the jury. Source: Associated Press / Reuters