Calif. jury gets ‘Alpha Dog’ kidnap-murder case

updated 9:40 p.m. ET July 1, 2009

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - A jury is considering the case of Jesse James Hollywood, who is accused of kidnapping a teenager over a drug debt and then ordering his death.

In closing arguments earlier Wednesday, prosecutor Joshua Lynn argued that Hollywood had escaped conviction for too long in the August 2000 killing that inspired the 2007 movie "Alpha Dog."

Lynn told the jurors: "The time has come."

Hollywood testified he kidnapped 15-year-old Nicholas Markowitz because the boy's half-brother owed him money for marijuana, but he denied having any role in the teen's death.

In defense closing arguments in Santa Barbara Superior Court, attorney Alex Kessel called the case "manufactured."

Hollywood could face the death penalty if convicted.

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