LAWYERS TRY TO BLOCK MOVIE ON MURDER CASE

Last updated: Monday, October 30, 2006

LAWYERS TRY TO BLOCK MOVIE ON MURDER CASE

A former fugitive who is awaiting trial for a teenager's murder sued Universal Studios on Friday (27OCT06), claiming he's unfairly portrayed in a movie based on the crime.

JESSE JAMES HOLLYWOOD, 26, is charged with kidnapping and murdering NICHOLAS MARKOWITZ, a 15-year-old from West Hills, California, in August 2000.

Hollywood alleges that ALPHA DOG, which was shown at the Sundance Film Festival, closely parallels the theory of Markowitz's murder alleged by the former prosecutor in the case, Santa Barbara, California County Deputy District Attorney RON ZONEN, who was a consultant for the film.

Hollywood is trying to stop the film's release in January (07), which stars BRUCE WILLIS, SHARON STONE and JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE.

He claims the movie will "irreparably harm" his ability to receive a fair trial.

Due to his involvement in the film, Zonen - who prosecuted four other men convicted in connection with the murder - was removed from the case earlier this month (OCT06) by a court order.

Markowitz's body was eventually found in a Santa Barbara County camping area. Prosecutors allege he was kidnapped because of a drug debt owed by his brother.

Hollywood was apprehended in Brazil in March 2005 and has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.

Source: WENN

| Monday, October 30, 2006

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