Nicholas Samuel Markowitz (September 19, 1984 – August 9, 2000) was an American teenager who was kidnapped and murdered at the age of 15 after a feud over drug money between his half-brother Benjamin Markowitz and Jesse James Hollywood.
Markowitz lived in West Hills, Los Angeles, with his parents, Jeff and Susan Markowitz. A feud between Nicholas' older half-brother, Ben Markowitz, and Jesse James Hollywood, a mid-level drug dealer, began over an alleged $1,200 debt owed to Hollywood by Ben Markowitz.[1] On August 6, 2000, Hollywood and his friends Jesse Rugge and William Skidmore decided to confront Ben. On their way to see him, they saw Nicholas walking on the side of the road and decided to abduct him and hold him for ransom.[2] After they chased, assaulted, and abducted Nicholas, they forced him into a white van and sped off.[3]
Markowitz's captors took him to Santa Barbara and plied him with drugs and alcohol.[2] While in Santa Barbara, Nicholas met Rugge's friends Graham Pressley, Natasha Adams-Young, and Kelly Carpenter and attended various house parties with them.[4] Reports indicate that many witnesses, parents and teens alike, saw Nicholas with the others, but did not realize anything was amiss.[1]
After Hollywood told Rugge that Nicholas would be returning home, Rugge and several others held a party at the Lemon Tree Inn.[4] However, after learning of the legal ramifications he could face for kidnapping, Hollywood called Ryan Hoyt, another member of his gang who owed him money.[1][5] Hollywood gave Hoyt a TEC-9 semi-automatic handgun and directed him to kill Nicholas as a way of paying off his debt.[1] A decision was made to commit the murder on the Lizard’s Mouth trail in the Santa Ynez Mountains north of Goleta, California.[4][6]
After the party, Hoyt, Rugge, and Pressley drove Nicholas to the mountains and walked up a trail to a grave dug by Pressley earlier that night. Rugge bound Nicholas's hands behind his back and covered his mouth with duct tape. Hoyt then hit Nicholas in the back of the head with a shovel, knocking him into the grave, and shot him nine times with Hollywood's handgun.[2][7] The grave was shallow, and was located near a popular trail. Nicholas's body was found on August 12, 2000.[3] Hoyt, Rugge, Skidmore, and Pressley were all arrested.[3] Hollywood went on the run, but was eventually captured in a small town near Rio de Janeiro five years later.[1]
Legal proceedings
Several civil and criminal court proceedings have arisen from the Markowitz murder.[8] Those proceedings include:
Ryan Hoyt, aged 20 at the time of the murder, was charged with the first-degree murder of Markowitz. He was convicted on November 21, 2001 and sentenced to death on December 9, 2001.[9]
Jesse Rugge, aged 20 at the time of the murder, was charged with aiding in the kidnap and murder of Nicholas Markowitz. He was convicted in 2002 of aggravated kidnapping for ransom or extortion with special circumstances, but was acquitted on the murder charge. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after seven years. Parole was denied in 2006.[10] After serving 11 years in prison Rugge was granted parole, and released from prison on October 24, 2013.[11]
William Skidmore, aged 20 at the time of the murder, was charged with kidnapping and robbery. In September 2002, he was sentenced to nine years in a state prison as part of a plea bargain.[12] Skidmore was released in April 2009.[13]
Graham Pressley, aged 17 at the time of the murder, dug Markowitz's grave. He was tried twice. In July 2002, he was acquitted of kidnapping; the jury hung on the murder charge. In October 2002, he was retried on the murder charge and was convicted of second-degree murder. Pressley was incarcerated at a California Youth Authority facility until shortly before his 25th birthday in 2007.[14] He has since been released.[13]
Jesse James Hollywood, aged 20 at the time of the murder, was not present at the scene of the crime; however, he was later found to have ordered the murder. After Markowitz was killed, Hollywood immediately went on the run. He was arrested in Saquarema, Brazil after being on the FBI's most wanted list for five years.[15] In 2009, Hollywood was convicted of kidnapping and first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.[16]
In 2003, the Markowitz family won an $11.2 million civil lawsuit against the kidnappers and the murderers, along with other defendants such as the family friend whose van was used in the kidnapping and the owners of several homes where Nicholas was held against his will.[17]
In popular culture
The feature film Alpha Dog, based on the events leading up to the murder of Nicholas Markowitz and directed by Nick Cassavetes, was released in 2006.[1] In the film, the character modeled after Markowitz was named Zack Mazursky. The role was played by Anton Yelchin.[18]
References
^ abcdef"The real story behind 'Alpha Dog'". Dateline NBC. January 15, 2007. Retrieved September 5, 2019.
^ abcHollywood v. Superior Ct. (People), B188550 (California Court of Appeal, 2nd District 10/5/2006).
^ abcPeople v. Jesse James Hollywood, B222453 (Court of Appeals of California, 2nd District 2/27/2012).
^. Crime Library. p. 6. Archived from the original on 2009-08-30. Retrieved 2010-05-23.
^"Lizard's Mouth | Santa Barbara Hikes - Trails, day hiking, backpacking in Santa Barbara, Montecito, Gaviota, Carpinteria, California". www.santabarbarahikes.com. Retrieved 2020-02-02.
^Guccione, Jean (August 10, 2001). "Family of Slain Boy Files Suit Against 32 People". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2007-01-01.
^Wilson, Tracy (November 21, 2001). "Jury Returns With Death Verdict for Killer of West Hills". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2007-01-01.
^Guccione, Jean (September 25, 2002). "22-Year-Old Is Sentenced to Life in Teen's Kidnap-Slaying". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2009-01-01.
^Oct 24, Nick Welsh Thu; 2013 | 12:00am (2013-10-24). "Jesse Rugge, Markowitz Kidnapper, Released". The Santa Barbara Independent. Retrieved 2020-02-02.
^Fox, Sue (November 11, 2001). "Kidnap Victim Could Have Fled, Witnesses Testify; Trial: Nicholas Markowitz stayed with captors because he thought he would be taken home, they say". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2007-01-01.
^ ab"Hollywood's Day in Court". The Santa Barbara Independent.
^Guccione, Jean (February 12, 2003). "Teen in Slaying Case Gets CYA; At ex-sheriff's urging, judge rejects adult prison for Goleta defendant convicted for his role in the death of a West Hills boy". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2007-01-01.
^"Fugitive in 2000 Slaying of Teen Found; Jesse James Hollywood, 25, reportedly is captured in Brazil". Los Angeles Times. March 10, 2005.
^"Jesse James Hollywood gets life sentence in Santa Barbara murder". Los Angeles Times. July 15, 2009. Retrieved 2009-07-15.
^Guccione, Jean (August 2, 2003). "Fugitive Ordered to Pay Parents of Slain Boy". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-05-30.
^"Review: 'Alpha Dog' misses the point - CNN.com". www.cnn.com.
Bibliography
Jenna Glatzer, Susan Markowitz (2010). My stolen son; The Nick Markowitz story. New York: Berkley Books. ISBN978-0-425-23634-5.
murder, nicholas, markowitz, nicholas, samuel, markowitz, september, 1984, august, 2000, american, teenager, kidnapped, murdered, after, feud, over, drug, money, between, half, brother, benjamin, markowitz, jesse, james, hollywood, nicholas, markowitzborn, 198. Nicholas Samuel Markowitz September 19 1984 August 9 2000 was an American teenager who was kidnapped and murdered at the age of 15 after a feud over drug money between his half brother Benjamin Markowitz and Jesse James Hollywood Nicholas MarkowitzBorn 1984 09 19 September 19 1984West Hills Los Angeles California U S DiedAugust 9 2000 aged 15 Santa Ynez Mountains in Goleta CaliforniaNationalityAmericanParent s Jeff MarkowitzSusan Markowitz Contents 1 Kidnapping and murder 2 Legal proceedings 3 In popular culture 4 References 5 Bibliography 6 External linksKidnapping and murder EditMarkowitz lived in West Hills Los Angeles with his parents Jeff and Susan Markowitz A feud between Nicholas older half brother Ben Markowitz and Jesse James Hollywood a mid level drug dealer began over an alleged 1 200 debt owed to Hollywood by Ben Markowitz 1 On August 6 2000 Hollywood and his friends Jesse Rugge and William Skidmore decided to confront Ben On their way to see him they saw Nicholas walking on the side of the road and decided to abduct him and hold him for ransom 2 After they chased assaulted and abducted Nicholas they forced him into a white van and sped off 3 Markowitz s captors took him to Santa Barbara and plied him with drugs and alcohol 2 While in Santa Barbara Nicholas met Rugge s friends Graham Pressley Natasha Adams Young and Kelly Carpenter and attended various house parties with them 4 Reports indicate that many witnesses parents and teens alike saw Nicholas with the others but did not realize anything was amiss 1 After Hollywood told Rugge that Nicholas would be returning home Rugge and several others held a party at the Lemon Tree Inn 4 However after learning of the legal ramifications he could face for kidnapping Hollywood called Ryan Hoyt another member of his gang who owed him money 1 5 Hollywood gave Hoyt a TEC 9 semi automatic handgun and directed him to kill Nicholas as a way of paying off his debt 1 A decision was made to commit the murder on the Lizard s Mouth trail in the Santa Ynez Mountains north of Goleta California 4 6 After the party Hoyt Rugge and Pressley drove Nicholas to the mountains and walked up a trail to a grave dug by Pressley earlier that night Rugge bound Nicholas s hands behind his back and covered his mouth with duct tape Hoyt then hit Nicholas in the back of the head with a shovel knocking him into the grave and shot him nine times with Hollywood s handgun 2 7 The grave was shallow and was located near a popular trail Nicholas s body was found on August 12 2000 3 Hoyt Rugge Skidmore and Pressley were all arrested 3 Hollywood went on the run but was eventually captured in a small town near Rio de Janeiro five years later 1 Legal proceedings EditSeveral civil and criminal court proceedings have arisen from the Markowitz murder 8 Those proceedings include Ryan Hoyt aged 20 at the time of the murder was charged with the first degree murder of Markowitz He was convicted on November 21 2001 and sentenced to death on December 9 2001 9 Jesse Rugge aged 20 at the time of the murder was charged with aiding in the kidnap and murder of Nicholas Markowitz He was convicted in 2002 of aggravated kidnapping for ransom or extortion with special circumstances but was acquitted on the murder charge He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after seven years Parole was denied in 2006 10 After serving 11 years in prison Rugge was granted parole and released from prison on October 24 2013 11 William Skidmore aged 20 at the time of the murder was charged with kidnapping and robbery In September 2002 he was sentenced to nine years in a state prison as part of a plea bargain 12 Skidmore was released in April 2009 13 Graham Pressley aged 17 at the time of the murder dug Markowitz s grave He was tried twice In July 2002 he was acquitted of kidnapping the jury hung on the murder charge In October 2002 he was retried on the murder charge and was convicted of second degree murder Pressley was incarcerated at a California Youth Authority facility until shortly before his 25th birthday in 2007 14 He has since been released 13 Jesse James Hollywood aged 20 at the time of the murder was not present at the scene of the crime however he was later found to have ordered the murder After Markowitz was killed Hollywood immediately went on the run He was arrested in Saquarema Brazil after being on the FBI s most wanted list for five years 15 In 2009 Hollywood was convicted of kidnapping and first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole 16 In 2003 the Markowitz family won an 11 2 million civil lawsuit against the kidnappers and the murderers along with other defendants such as the family friend whose van was used in the kidnapping and the owners of several homes where Nicholas was held against his will 17 In popular culture EditThe feature film Alpha Dog based on the events leading up to the murder of Nicholas Markowitz and directed by Nick Cassavetes was released in 2006 1 In the film the character modeled after Markowitz was named Zack Mazursky The role was played by Anton Yelchin 18 References Edit a b c d e f The real story behind Alpha Dog Dateline NBC January 15 2007 Retrieved September 5 2019 a b c Wood Gaby April 1 2007 Shooting stars via www theguardian com a b c Hollywood v Superior Ct People B188550 California Court of Appeal 2nd District 10 5 2006 a b c People v Jesse James Hollywood B222453 Court of Appeals of California 2nd District 2 27 2012 Jesse James Hollywood drug dealer orders murder and flees Crime Library p 6 Archived from the original on 2009 08 30 Retrieved 2010 05 23 Lizard s Mouth Santa Barbara Hikes Trails day hiking backpacking in Santa Barbara Montecito Gaviota Carpinteria California www santabarbarahikes com Retrieved 2020 02 02 Lawyers guns and money April 5 2006 Guccione Jean August 10 2001 Family of Slain Boy Files Suit Against 32 People Los Angeles Times Retrieved 2007 01 01 Wilson Tracy November 21 2001 Jury Returns With Death Verdict for Killer of West Hills Los Angeles Times Retrieved 2007 01 01 Guccione Jean September 25 2002 22 Year Old Is Sentenced to Life in Teen s Kidnap Slaying Los Angeles Times Retrieved 2009 01 01 Oct 24 Nick Welsh Thu 2013 12 00am 2013 10 24 Jesse Rugge Markowitz Kidnapper Released The Santa Barbara Independent Retrieved 2020 02 02 Fox Sue November 11 2001 Kidnap Victim Could Have Fled Witnesses Testify Trial Nicholas Markowitz stayed with captors because he thought he would be taken home they say Los Angeles Times Retrieved 2007 01 01 a b Hollywood s Day in Court The Santa Barbara Independent Guccione Jean February 12 2003 Teen in Slaying Case Gets CYA At ex sheriff s urging judge rejects adult prison for Goleta defendant convicted for his role in the death of a West Hills boy Los Angeles Times Retrieved 2007 01 01 Fugitive in 2000 Slaying of Teen Found Jesse James Hollywood 25 reportedly is captured in Brazil Los Angeles Times March 10 2005 Jesse James Hollywood gets life sentence in Santa Barbara murder Los Angeles Times July 15 2009 Retrieved 2009 07 15 Guccione Jean August 2 2003 Fugitive Ordered to Pay Parents of Slain Boy Los Angeles Times Retrieved 2010 05 30 Review Alpha Dog misses the point CNN com www cnn com Bibliography EditJenna Glatzer Susan Markowitz 2010 My stolen son The Nick Markowitz story New York Berkley Books ISBN 978 0 425 23634 5 External links EditMemorial to Nicholas Markowitz Report about the murder of Nicholas Markowitz at the Wayback Machine archived December 17 2007 from the Los Angeles Police Department Case profile at America s Most Wanted Jesse James Hollywood drug dealer orders murder and fleesPortal Los Angeles Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Murder of Nicholas Markowitz amp oldid 1080245913, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
