Jackson jurors to hear vastly different stories

SANTA MARIA, Calif. — More than a year after stunned fans watched authorities arrest Michael Jackson and charge him with molesting a 13-year-old boy at his Neverland Ranch, prosecution and defense lawyers today finally get to outline their cases to a jury.

Opening statements will preview the essence of the trial — whether Jackson gave wine to the young cancer patient and then touched him inappropriately.

Both sides have compelling stories to tell, but the credibility of the boy, now 15, and his family likely will determine the outcome.

"You will see two different trials in opening statements," said Loyola University law professor Laurie Levenson, "the prosecution's case against Michael Jackson and the defense case against the boy's mother."

The prosecution's story depicts a poor family whose stricken son wanted to meet one of his idols. The child's wish was granted, but the prosecution claims it turned into a nightmare of sexual abuse and imprisonment at Jackson's fairy tale home in the coastal mountains 170 miles north of Los Angeles.

The defense narrative casts Jackson as the target of a money-hungry mother who coached her son to spin stories when it looked like their celebrity benefactor would cut them off. The defense will present evidence that the mother has sued others with claims of abuse.

"The bigger the star, the bigger the target," Jackson said during a recent television interview with Geraldo Rivera, suggesting his defense.

Though Jackson's star has waned on stage, his legacy and showmanship still generate a global audience. Jackson's lawyer suggested to jurors that celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor and Stevie Wonder would testify on behalf of the pop star. More than 1,000 members of the media from around the world have credentials to cover the trial.

Ever a performer, Jackson has a hair and makeup artist to prepare him. A wardrobe assistant helps pick his court attire.

Prosecutors who unsuccessfully pursued Jackson over a decade ago with charges he molested a different boy are investing huge resources to make this set of charges stick. Deputies raided Jackson's ranch to seize evidence, and a cadre of lawyers and investigators have churned out mountains of motions and search warrants.

The face of the prosecution has been Tom Sneddon, the Santa Barbara County district attorney so identified as Jackson's nemesis that the star insulted him in song. Sneddon is expected to deliver the prosecution's opening statement on Monday.