Judge: Evidence of suicide OK at Web hoax trial

updated 7:31 p.m. ET Nov. 14, 2008

LOS ANGELES - A federal judge in Los Angeles ruled that evidence of a girl's suicide can be used against a woman charged in an Internet hoax.

Friday's ruling came days before the trial of 49-year-old Lori Drew of O'Fallon, Mo., who has pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiracy and three counts of accessing computers without authorization.

Prosecutors say Drew harassed her daughter's former friend, Megan Meier, through a false-identity MySpace account.

Meier hanged herself after allegedly receiving messages saying the world would be better off without her.

Drew's lawyer had argued the suicide evidence would distract jurors from the question of whether Drew violated MySpace's terms of service.

Jury selection was set to begin Tuesday.

MORE FROM CRIME & COURTS

Crime & courts Section Front

Clemency for D.C.-area sniper is denied Fort Hood suspect warned of threats in ranks   Family sues over boy's gun show death Hacking ring caught in $9 million fraud   Letterman plot suspect asks court to drop case Gunman surrenders in school standoff Coroner: 3 killed, 6 hurt in S.C. shooting Cops: Man kills mom, girlfriend, child, self Crime & courts Section Front   Add Crime & courts headlines to your news reader: