Neverland Search Focused on DNA, Jackson Bedroom
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.
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. The 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. 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.
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