Neverland Search Focused on DNA, Jackson Bedroom (Dec 6 2004)

[b] Neverland Search Focused on DNA, Jackson Bedroom[/b] Investigators Get DNA Sample From Jackson, Analyze Bedroom in Weekend Search Dec. 6, 2004 – Investigators in the child molestation case against Michael Jackson focused on “The King of Pop’s” bedroom, seeking more DNA samples in two searches of the Neverland ranch in a two-day period, sources told ABC News. On Saturday, Jackson, with his attorney Thomas Mesereau present, voluntarily gave a DNA sample to authorities, submitting to a cotton swabbing of the inside of his cheek. The DNA sample could be use for comparison purposes by both the prosecution and defense at Jackson’s trial. Jackson, 46, is accused of molesting a now-14-year-old boy who spent time at his Neverland ranch. The boy is believed to be a cancer survivor who appeared last year in the British documentary “Living With Michael Jackson.” Jackson has pleaded not guilty to 10 charges that include felony conspiracy with 28 overt acts involving child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion. Investigators searched Neverland both last Friday and Saturday, spending a total of 11 hours at the pop star’s home. Santa Barbara County prosecutors had their detectives spend much of their time in Jackson’s bedroom, sources who were on Jackson’s estate this weekend told ABC News. Investigators brought in animation specialists to map out the bedroom area and the stairway next to it. Site of the Alleged Crimes Investigators, sources said, focused on Jackson’s bedroom because that is where at least some of the alleged acts of molestation occurred and it is the source of critical testimony from the younger brother of the alleged victim. At least twice, the alleged victim is said to have been abused by Jackson after being given alcohol and passing out from intoxication. T[b]he younger brother has told prosecutors that on one occasion, as he stood on the stairs outside Jackson’s bedroom, he saw Jackson fondle the alleged victim. Jackson’s defense has challenged this testimony from his accuser’s younger brother, saying that no molestation occurred. The defense says the boy’s claims are untrue because his view from the stairs would have been blocked by boxes in Jackson’s bedroom.[/b] This weekend, prosecution animation specialists hoped to gather enough information to create computer-generated sight lines of Jackson’s bedroom and stairway that can be used in court at trial. “Where he [the alleged victim’s younger brother] was positioned and what he saw — whether he was in position to see what happened or not, are going to be critical pieces of evidence at this trial,” said Court TV anchor Lisa Bloom. Sheriff’s deputies searching Neverland also sought more DNA samples. Jackson’s estate was first searched in November 2003, shortly before he was charged in the molestation case, and investigators at that time found DNA belonging to three people, but none from the alleged victim. It is not known what, if anything, was found in the search over the weekend and everyone involved in the case is under a court-imposed gag order. [b]Sources told ABC News that Jackson’s attorneys were angered over the searches and could file a complaint about the prosecution’s tactics if investigators do not become less aggressive.[/b] The searches at Neverland came as both prosecutors and Jackson’s defense attorneys face a deadline today to complete the case’s discovery process, where both sides exchange evidence gathered during pretrial investigations. Jury selection in Jackson’s trial is scheduled to begin Jan. 31. Copyright © 2004 ABC News Internet Ventures Source: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=305162&page=1