The man accused of masterminding the murder of a teenager in the Santa Barbara foothills appeared in court under heavy security. Sheriff's deputies armed with sub-machine guns, escorted Jesse "James" Hollywood into Santa Barbara Superior Court Thursday afternoon. Hollywood is charged with murder in the execution style shooting of 15 year old, Nicholas Markowitz back in August of 2000. His attorney says the heavy security is unnecessary and intimidating. The judge ruled, that he will not allow cameras during the trial. He also ruled that a motion to strike the death penalty in this case is premature.
Judge Brian Hill did agree to hear a motion to dismiss the case and a change of venue motion in October.