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Post by MJSUNIFC on May 5, 2005 14:51:25 GMT -5
source: ap/abcnews- Judge in Michael Jackson Child Molestation, Conspiracy Trial Denies Defense Motion for Acquittal SANTA MARIA, Calif. May 5, 2005 — The judge in Michael Jackson's child molestation and conspiracy trial denied a defense motion for an acquittal Thursday after the pop star's attorneys said the prosecution witnesses had "a tendency to self-destruct" on the stand. Superior Court Judge Rodney S. Melville immediately called in the jury to begin hearing the defense case. Defense motions for acquittal are common when the prosecution rests, but are rarely successful. Defense attorney Robert Sanger said witnesses such as flight attendant Cynthia Bell, former Jackson employee Jesus Salas, and Jackson's ex-wife Deborah Rowe were called by the prosecution but gave testimony favorable to Jackson. "The smoking gun evidence that these witnesses were supposed to present just didn't come through," he said. The judge had said he was reluctant to make a decision about the credibility of the witnesses, suggesting that was the jury's job. abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/LegalCenter/wireStory?id=731823
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