Jackson Prosecution Ends Questioning of Psychologist

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – The prosecution in the Michael Jackson molestation trial this morning abruptly ended its brief questioning of a psychologist whose report to police led to reopening the criminal investigation of the pop star.

Psychologist Stan J. Katz testified that he treated the boy who has accused Jackson of molestation and then contacted authorities, who had closed an investigation into the singer.

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Avila trial halted by juror illness

SANTA ANA - Testimony in the trial of Alejandro Avila, accused in the murder of 5-year-old Samantha Runnion, was suspended today when a juror became ill and was taken to a hospital.

Superior Court Judge William Froeberg told the remaining 17 jurors to return at 1:30 p.m.

Sheriff’s deputies called the Santa Ana Fire Department after Juror No. 11, a 62-year-old man, said he was feeling lightheaded and ill. As the other jurors watched outside the 10th-floor courtroom, the man was treated and then wheeled away on a stretcher and taken to St. Jude’s Medical Center.

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