'Alpha Dog' trial begins in California

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., May 15 (UPI) -- The trial of Jesse James Hollywood, who is accused of killing a Southern California teen nine years ago, began Friday.

The Los Angeles Times reported that prosecutors say Hollywood masterminded the kidnapping and murder of Nicholas Markowitz to avenge a $1,200 drug debt owed by Markowitz's stepbrother.

The crime inspired the 2007 film "Alpha Dog," the newspaper reported.

If convicted, Hollywood could face the death penalty. Four others have been convicted in the crime.

Santa Barbara County Deputy District Attorney Joshua Lynn told jurors that Hollywood, 29, is "a ruthless coward.''

He acknowledged that Hollywood was not present when Markowitz was taken up to a Santa Barbara trail head, beaten on the skull with a shovel, shot nine times and buried in a shallow grave. But he said Hollywood planned the boy's execution.

Defense attorney James Blatt said while his client did participate in the boy's initial kidnapping he had nothing to do with the boy's homicide.