A day-by-day account of the Michael Jackson trial with all the key evidence, quotes and witnesses.
WEDNESDAY 4 MAY 05
Key witness: Music producer Rudy Provencio.
Key points: Mr Provencio – the final witness as the prosecution wrapped up its case – said the singer’s camp feared his career would be ruined after a documentary making child abuse allegations was aired in 2003.
But he was unable to prove that Mr Jackson played a direct role in a plot to hold accuser Gavin Arvizo’s family at his ranch.
Mr Provencio told the court that he had overheard the singer’s associate Marc Schaffel say that “killers” were pursuing the Arvizos.
But another Jackson aide, Vincent Amen, told him there were no killers.
After the prosecution finished its case, Mr Jackson’s lawyers filed for an acquittal on the grounds the charges had not been proved.
The motion will be heard by Judge Rodney Melville on Thursday, and if successful, the defence case will begin.
Witnesses: Sheriff’s Sergeant Steve Robel, forensic accountant John O’Bryan, music producer Rudy Provencio and Mr Jackson’s associate Marc Schaffel.
Key quotes: Prosecutors asked Sgt Robel how Mr Jackson’s ex-wife Debbie Rowe had described the singer in a police interview he conducted with her last year.
“She referred to Michael as a sociopath and his children as being possessions,” Sgt Robel said.
He said Ms Rowe had told him she and Mr Jackson had made “a plan” following their divorce in 1999.
It involved an agreement that she would “talk positive about Mr Jackson” in all public statements, he said.
Forensic accountant John O’Bryan said that in 2003 Mr Jackson’s annual expenditure was up to $30m (£15.8m) more than his income.
“There was an ongoing cash crisis, not enough cash to pay bills,” Mr O’Bryan said.
Prosecutors suggested that Mr Jackson took part in Martin Bashir’s 2003 documentary in order to boost his finances.
But defence lawyer Thomas Mesereau asked Mr O’Bryan: “Let’s say he has the opportunity to make a documentary that will generate $7m. That $7m is not going to make much of a difference (in Jackson’s financial liabilities).”
“No, it’s not,” Mr O’Bryan agreed.
Rudy Provencio began describing working with Mr Jackson and Marc Schaffel talked about Mr Jackson’s June 2001 plans for a charity recording called What More Can I Give.