Prosecutors Get Access to Tape in Jackson Case

Reversing an earlier decision, a Superior Court judge Friday ruled that prosecutors were entitled to an audiotape in the Michael Jackson case, over the objections of defense attorneys. The audiotape contains interviews conducted by a private investigator hired by Jackson’s lawyers, with witnesses whose identities have been kept secret.

Judge Rodney S. Melville issued the ruling after concluding last month that “some prejudice to the defense would exist” if the audiotape were turned over to Dist. Atty. Tom Sneddon.