Judge Melville does not remove Tom Sneddon from Michael’s case

Judge Melville did not agree to remove Tom Sneddon from the prosecution of Michael’s case. He said that under the law, he can only remove a prosecutor when a conflict has occurred between the parties and there is a likelihood that the defendant will not receive a fair trial. Judge Melville said that no such conflict had taken place. Regarding Sneddon, Melville said: "I believe he did not act out of spiteful behavior, and in this respect he is not considered a threat to the integrity of the handling of this case." Thomas Mesereau, Michael’s defense attorney, said that Sneddon and his office staff had spent more time pursuing and interrogating his client than what they spend on killers. He also said that Sneddon had lost his ability to think and make decisions about this case due to personal resentment toward Michael. He said that prejudice and emotions blinded Sneddon and his assistants. Mesereau went on to recall Sneddon’s involvement in the interrogation of Michael and his behavior at a press conference. At that conference, Tom Sneddon had announced the news of Michael’s arrest with joy and pride, and joked with the media about the matter. Michael’s defense team had asked the judge to bar Sneddon and his office staff from pursuing the case so that the California state attorney’s office could take over the matter. Source: AP / MJFC