Screenwriter Turns Over Notes in Murder Case
Posted on November 30, 2005
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that screenwriter Micheal Maheas has finally complied with a judge's order to turn over his notes for a book about the Jesse James Hollywood murder and kidnapping case, which is the basis for the upcoming feature film Alpha Dog. The film concerns the kidnapping and murder of 15-year-old Nicholas Markowitz. Maheas has notes and interviews with multiple witnesses in the case, as well as some potentially exculpatory evidence for the defense. The judge in the case will review the information and decide whether to give it to the lawyers representing Hollywood, who has pleaded not guilty.
Mehas has said that some witnesses made statements to him that contradict the prosecution's case. But he initially refused to turn over his notes, saying they were his private work product. Hill ordered the information be kept under seal until he decides the issue.Shield laws don't apply to anyone who is not a journalist, so most likely his attorneys told him he had to turn over the notes or end up in jail. Alpha Dog stars Justin Timberlake, Sharon Stone and Bruce Willis, and will be released in 2006.Mehas also had unprecedented access to Senior Deputy District Attorney Ron Zonen's case files and talked extensively with the prosecutor about the case. Hill last week refused the defense's request that he remove Zonen from the case, rejecting claims that the prosecutor's cooperation with the filmmakers constituted a conflict of interest.
Hollywood, 25, is accused of orchestrating the crime as part of a feud he had with Markowitz's older half brother over a $1,200 drug debt. Hollywood was captured in Brazil in March and brought to Santa Barbara. He could be sentenced to death if he's found guilty.