Lawyer Files Pre-Trial Motion in “Alphadog” Case

James Blatt, the attorney for James James Hollywood, the man accused of murdering Nick Markowitz, says the upcoming release of the Bruce Willis/Justin Timberlake vehicle “Alpha Dog” is making it difficult for his client to get a fair trial in Santa Barbara. The AP reports that Blatt has asked presiding judge Brian Hill to instruct opposing counsel not to release any more information about the high profile case, which forms the basis for the movie. The picture, directed by Nick Cassavetes, was originally titled “Jesse James Hollywood” underwent a title change; its main character, played by Emile Hirsch, is now called “Johnny Truelove”. It also stars Sharon Stone, and is due to hit theaters later this year, possibly at the same time as the trial. Blatt indicated that various parties associated with the proceeding had participated in the making of the movie, including his client’s father, Jack.

Hollywood has also been the subject of an “Unsolved Mysteries” segment (see here) and a feature in  Los Angeles Magazine (see here) as far back as 2002. Stories about him, both feature articles and “wanted” stories multiplied on the Internet. See here and here. In March 2005 Hollywood was spotted in a Brazilian shopping mall and captured; he was returned to the US where he now faces trial for the Markovitz murder.

Read more about Hollywood’s capture here and trial here and here.