Jesse James Hollywood tells jurors his marijuana business was "always first"
Looking like a young banker in dark suit and striped tie, Jesse James Hollywood testified in his own defense today on slaying charges, giving a concise overview of his lucrative marijuana business in the San Fernando Valley.
On the witness stand for a little more than an hour, Hollywood, 29, was polite and well-spoken, answering “yes, sir” and “no, sir” as his attorney, James Blatt, elicited details of his life before the slaying of a 15-year-old boy that has sent four of his former friends to prison.
Hollywood said he worked out every day, watched what he ate, was obsessed with personal hygiene and took his business seriously. “My business was always first,” he said.
His testimony continues tomorrow in Santa Barbara County Superior Court. In his short time on the witness stand today, he was not asked for a narrative of the events that led to the death of West Hills teenager Nicholas Markowitz.
Prosecutors say Hollywood masterminded the slaying to avenge a drug debt owed by the teen's half-brother.
Hollywood and some friends captured Nicholas on the street near his home. Over the next few days, the group smoked marijuana and drank with Nicholas.
Hollywood's friends were convicted of shooting and burying Nicholas; Hollywood was back in Los Angeles at the time.
-- Steve Chawkins in Santa Barbara
"My business always came first"?? What an idiot. This guy is scum and needs to be buried underneath the prison. He killed an innocent boy over a $1,200 debt. Send him to San Quentin.
Posted by: healthy guy | June 22, 2009 at 05:34 PM
Guaranteed these kids ate, slept and drank gangsta rap. BUT, what a great little capitalist! Unfortunately, as we tragically see on the streets of LA far too much, capitalism and the gangsta life is a bad mix.
Posted by: Eric of Reseda | June 22, 2009 at 07:17 PM
wow, this guys out of touch if he thinks a high work ethic is going to bring mercy from the court.
Posted by: pal | June 23, 2009 at 12:32 AM
He learned the family business from his father. Imagine, with the brains and discipline this guy had what he could have been if he had had a good role model instead.
Posted by: Ruby Jackson | June 23, 2009 at 07:36 AM
This guy tries to mask his imvolvement by claiming it was all business? Sounds like he watched one too many Godfather movies. Is this the best type of defense a high power lawyer can give? You would think this kid would have grown up a little since 2000.
Posted by: TT | June 23, 2009 at 04:09 PM
Isn't this the story used in the movie AlphaDog???
Posted by: mike | June 27, 2009 at 02:04 PM