His parole in 2006 was denied. "He walked my son up to the grave that was already dug. He's currently serving his time at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. In 2013, just a few years after his sentencing, a Hawaiian woman named Melinda Enos started to write him. His trial started in April 2002. Nicholas was the son of Jeff and Susan Markowitz and brother to Ben Markowitz. US Executions - 2011 To Present; US Executions - 2006 To 2010 In 2019, he participated in a three-part interview with Fresh Out Productions, where he talked extensively about his early life, disdain for life in prison, and personal realizations since his conviction. burlington certificate gift restaurant, certificate gift restaurant torrington to spokane chiefs hockey, ali khan soha wallpaper. Jesse James Hollywood and Melinda Enos Hollywood (and friends) on their wedding day #truecrime #jessejameshollywood, A post shared by Hollywood Crime Scene (@hollywoodcrimescene) on Oct 20, 2017 at 12:22am PDT, Enos said: "It was the best ceremony ever! Oh, and have the truth on our sidealmost forgot to mention that.. Inspired by Jesse James Hollywood. [7] His age is 40 years. In the nonfiction tradition of John Berendt and Erik Larson, the author of the #1 NYT bestseller The Lost City of the Monkey God presents a gripping . Murder Victim. The couple got married in the visitor's room in prison on Jan. 19, 2014. The girls all wore the same shirt with Team Hollywood written on the back, and one of their daughters was the flower girl. In 2019, he participated in a three-part interview with Fresh Out Productions, where he talked extensively about his early life, disdain for life in prison, and personal realizations since his conviction. When you show that you are not a danger to society and you've learned your lesson should you have a chance to go free?" Jesse Rugge, then 20, of Santa Barbara, was convicted of kidnapping and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTsGL6oeAKi4lHIMfWwkcyA/join#AlphaDog #FreshOutInterviews New Jersey had the highest population of Rugge families in 1880. Jerry Browns recommendation that Rugge remain in prison, the California Board of Parole Hearings granted Rugge parole and scheduled his release from a Chino prison for next week. Pressley and his cohorts would be arrested shortly after hikers discovered Markowitzs body. Paige said. Rugge was one of four accomplices of marijuana dealer Jesse James Hollywood, who prosecutors said orchestrated the kidnapping and killing of Nicholas Markowitz in 2000 because the teen's. Barron Rugge, Jesse's father, met Nick and presumed he was simply a guest, and invited him to stay over. Hoyt, on the other hand, was charged with first-degree murder and sentenced to death on December 9, 2001. Is Jesse Rugge still in jail? In August 2000, 15-year-old Nicholas Markowitz was kidnapped because of a drug debt his half brother owed a dealer named Jesse James Hollywood. Please sign this petiton to help keep him in prision where he belongs. the other defendants. Trending. It's difficult to reach kids, it's difficult for them to understand the situation here and it's something you have to address from different perspectives You get different individuals, if you can get their perspectives, certain kids are going to relate to different people.". Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), https://www.independent.com/2013/10/24/jesse-rugge-markowitz-kidnapper-released/, UC Santa Barbara Students Host Bake Sale for Turkey, Santa Barbara Police Arrest Man Accused of Murdering Girlfriends 3-Year-Old Daughter. Rugge declined, so Hollywood contacted Hoyt, who also owed him money. Now, they find themselves facing the release this week of . Movies/Documentaries Fatal Encounters: A Brother's Debt Alpha Dog. So to avoid landing in jail, he apparently ordered his crew, including Ryan James Hoyt, Jesse Rugge, William Skidmore, and Graham Pressley to murder Ben Markowitz. His parole in 2006 was denied. Ben Foster was the best acting role in the movie but Emile dude nailed it as well. Jesse James Hollywood has a child. Pressley, now 30, was released from a California Youth Authority facility in 2007. Emile Hirsch as Johnny Truelove, the leader, or the "alpha dog.". Rugge had come up for release several times prior, but he had always been turned down. Three months later the murder trial officially started on Friday, May 15. Rugge has never repeated those admissions, and during his trial he testified that he had left the group after theyd arrived at Lizards Mouth and had no idea that a murder was in the making. Jesse is up for parole and has a chance of getting out soon. In 2019, the inmate told his side of the story when he spoke with Joe Tomaso on his podcast, 15 Minutes With. Hell be on parole foreverbut at least hes coming home. He currently is on Death Row at San Quentin State Prison in California. Four different kinds of cryptocurrencies you should know. Despite Gov. Santa Barbara prosecutors and Jerry Brown, the California governor at the time of the case, also objected to his release. "I have lost a sense of justice. According to Harwood, Pressley told the manager he was going to hurt and kill the employee, but left the scene before officers arrived. Great cast, great movie. Hollywood, considered the mastermind behind the brutal murder, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. Transportation Department: C'mon C'mon. There's a new Senate bill with the felony murder rule, and basically that's how they convicted me. As members of the Santa Barbara community and beyond voice mixed reactions to the news that Jesse Rugge was granted parole and released from prison this week Rugge was convicted of kidnapping in connection with the murder of Nicholas Markowitz in 2000 and served 11 years of a life sentence one of his co-defendants has taken to the blogosphere to expound his opinions on that announcement, his own criminality, and a variety of other topics like alcohol and introspection. Furthermore, his zodiac sign is Scorpio. The shooter, Ryan Hoyt, was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. He also tied Nicholas's hands together and put duct tape over his mouth right before his execution and helped Ryan Hoyt bury the body. If you believe an Independent.com user or any material appearing on Independent.com is copyrighted material used without proper permission, please click here. Site by She was a stay-at-home mom during Nicks life, and is stepmom to Ben and Leah. Jesse Rugge, now 33, was an accomplice of Jesse James Hollywood in the murder of 15-year-old Nicholas Markowitz, a high-profile case that inspired the movie "Alpha Dog." The top city of residence is Brooklyn, followed by Cazenovia. Hollywood decided that the problem, Nicholas, needed to go away. In September 2002 Rugge was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after seven years. I guess it really does make a differencebeing smart and all Of course it does. Whether Hoyt received competent representation will be the subject of lengthy appeals. While his friends and family painted a glowing picture at trial, he was sentenced to life in prison. Hollywood was convicted of ordering Markowitz killed and was sentenced to life. Speaking to the parole boardmembers, Rugge said he took responsibility for Markowitzs death because his role in the kidnapping precipitated the chain of events that led to the murder. / KCAL News. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. How much time did Jesse James Hollywood get? He was convicted in 2002 of aggravated kidnapping for ransom or extortion with special circumstances, but was acquitted on the murder charge. Study now. In 2006, his parole was denied Jesse Rugge Net Worth Jesse Rugge estimated Net Worth, Salary, Income, Cars, Lifestyles & many more details have been updated below. In 2019, the inmate told his side of the story when he spoke with Joe Tomaso on his podcast, 15 Minutes With. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after seven years. Best of 2022 Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Top 250 TV Shows Most Popular TV Shows Most Popular Video Games Most Popular Music Videos Most Popular Podcasts. Started in the spring of 1961, Los Angeles magazine has been addressing the needs and interests of . Since then, Pressley a fourth-generation Santa Barbaran whose great-grandfather Charles Pressley co-founded Old Spanish Days in 1924 has dabbled in the South Coast wine industry, starting the tasting-and-selling business La Tour Wine Merchants in 2011. Questioning the Story: Was Nicholas Markowitz abducted off the street while trying to run away from home? He was the get away driver when Nicholas was abducted. He is the fictional counter part of Jesse Rugge, and is portrayed by Justin Timberlake. He will be elligable for parole after 7 years. Pressley eventually directed gunman Ryan Hoyt to the Lizards Mouth hiking area, where he participated in digging the grave where they would hide Markowitzs body. [citation needed], Seven years later, Rugge was up for parole again. Back in West Hills, Ben Markowitz was apparently unaware that his brother was a hostage. I wanted him to know that I thought he got a raw deal and that I was there for him. More recently, Pressley renovated a space near the Santa Barbara Surf Museum and reportedly plans to open an after-hours, speakeasy wine bar. He also tied Nicholas"s hands together and put duct tape over his mouth right before his execution and helped Ryan Hoyt bury the body. Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, United States of America. First published on October 18, 2013 / 8:10 PM. Jesse Rugge. Pressley eventually moved La Tour into The Pub, but the Helena Street bar has since closed amid accusations of financial misconduct lobbed between Pressley and his partners. Hollywood grew up in the area known as the "West Hills" and was on the high school baseball team. In 2006, Jesse was transfered to Avenal . Justin's character was based on Jesse Rugge, who was charged with aggravated kidnapping with special circumstances and served 11 years of a life sentence before being released on parole. Hollywoods associate, Ryan Hoyt was convicted of first-degree murder and is currently on death row at San Quentin State Prison in California. Harwood said a Sama Sama manager, upon hearing Pressley was on his way to the restaurant with his ex-wife at around 6:30 p.m. on June 29, stood outside the location to prevent him from entering. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), https://www.independent.com/2013/10/25/graham-pressley-sounds-off-on-jesse-rugges-release/, UC Santa Barbara Students Host Bake Sale for Turkey, Santa Barbara Police Arrest Man Accused of Murdering Girlfriends 3-Year-Old Daughter. In 2019, the inmate told his side of the story when he spoke with Joe Tomaso on his podcast, 15 Minutes With. How much time did Jesse James Hollywood get? After, well, over a decade of pandering and speaking the truth my padre and his padre and everyones fucking padre wanted us to spewI can confidently say one thing, and very loudly: FUCK THE POLICE. Adams-Young had been spending time with Rugge that summer. Since his arrest, there's been no update about his child's whereabouts or identity. However, on July 2nd, 2013, Jesse Rugge was granted parole, and he was released from prison on October 24th, 2013. 12.7m Followers, 1,306 Following, 350 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Jessie J (@jessiej) He said: "Anything with the kids and any type of youth at risk endeavor, I want to go all in and try to help out in any way I can. He originally faced 18 years in prison but was sentenced as a juvenile after hard lobbying from his defense attorney Michael Ganschow and after former Santa Barbara County sheriff James Thomas intervened on his behalf. His. Justin Timberlake played the fun role. Authorities say Rugge and the others kidnapped and killed Markowitz in retaliation for a debt the boy's older half-brother, Benjamin, owed their alleged ringleader, Jesse James Hollywood, 22. [3] He was the getaway driver when Nicholas was abducted, and was in charge of watching him during his kidnapping. Hmm indeed., Over 20 Pounds of Meth, Fentanyl Seized at Santa Barbara Motel, Almost All of Santa Barbara County Out of Drought Conditions, Diablo Canyon Allowed to Keep Running During License Review, Santa Barbara Zoo Says Goodbye to Pauline the Lioness, Citizen Performing CPR in Santa Barbara Mistaken for an Assault, Lake Cachuma Releases Expected to Contribute to Flooding in Lompoc, Santa Barbaras New State Street Hotel Opens, Downed Eucalyptus Temporarily Shuts Down Hwy. He walked him up and he duct-taped his hands behind his back and his feet together and told Nick, 'I'm not going to hurt you," Susan Markowitz said. "It's very upsetting to think he's going to get out and get married because he has a fiance and have babies," Markowitz said. Menu. This was about 36% of all the recorded Rugge's in USA. And is he seeing anyone at the moment? "Jesse James Hollywood, drug dealer orders murder and flees", "The long hunt for Jesse James Hollywood", "22-Year-Old Is Sentenced to Life in Teen's Kidnap-Slaying", "Los Angeles; 22-Year-Old Gets Life in Valley Teen's Kidnap-Slaying", https://en.everybodywiki.com/index.php?title=Jesse_Rugge&oldid=912184, Prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment by California, American prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2009. Rugge was convicted of . Hes currently serving his time at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. Hes doing great things with me and if I can change, anybody can change.. Jesse Taylor Rugge (born November 10, 1979) is one of the former members of Jesse James Hollywood's gang that helped in the kidnap and murder of Nicholas Markowitz. When nothing happened, Hollywood reached out to a lawyer for advice and decided that letting the teenager walk free was too big of a risk. Update: Nicholas Markowitz murder *Jesse James Hollywood sentenced to LWOP* The many faces of Jesse James Hollywood. He said: "There's a lot of things that didn't come out in the media. Jesse Rugge (pictured), convicted on charges of aggravated kidnapping in connection with the killing of 15-year-old Nicholas Markowitz 13 years ago, was released from Chino prison after serving 11 years of a life sentence. Jesse Rugge (brought into the world on 10 November 1979) is one of the killers of an American youngster, Nicholas Markowitz. Though he wasn't at the scene of the crime, the former drug dealer got sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 2009. Jesse Rugge, now 33, was an accomplice of Jesse James Hollywood in the. This page was last edited on 1 August 2020, at 16:19. Prabook is a registered trademark of World Biographical Encyclopedia, Inc. Jesse Taylor Rugge is one of the former members of Jesse James Hollywood"s gang that helped in the kidnap and murder of Nicholas Markowitz. Where is Jesse Rugge now? [4] Rugge was incarcerated in Avenal State Prison for his part in Nicholas Markowitz's murder. His attorneys tried to dismiss the case after prosecutor Ron Zonen shared confidential materials with the producers of Alpha Dog (the film that's based on his case), but they were unsuccessful. Fuck it, Ill say it, Graham Pressley wrote October 20 on his blog, Underground Santa Barbara. 02-18-2012, 01:35 AM #2 Heidi Administrator The list of its authors can be seen in its historicaland/or the page Edithistory:Jesse Rugge. Hoyt was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. However, on July 2, 2013, Jesse Rugge was granted parole, and was released from prison on October 24, 2013. However, on July 2nd, 2013, Jesse Rugge was granted parole, and he was released from prison on October 24th, 2013.In the film Alpha Dog he is portrayed as the character Frankie Ballenbacher by actor and musician Justin Timberlake. Skidmore was charged with kidnapping and robbery, while Pressley was charged with second-degree murder after being tried twice. Unrivaled Mac notes apps for fuss-free note-taking, 6 Actionable Tips for Improving Your Websites SEO, Copyright 2023 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes. A man convicted of kidnapping a 15-year-old boy who was murdered over a drug debt is scheduled to be released Tuesday. Hollywood achieved it all by being a marijuana distributor. Frankie "Nutz" Ballenbacher is a member of Johnny Truelove's gang, and Johnny's right-hand man. I Love to read n write about Things that I find Interesting. I will be with him until the end.". And now, over a decade later, those who've followed the case want to know: What happened to him? His defense attorney, Ralph Goldsen, also claimed that he was innocent because Markowitz had the freedom to leave at any time. At the age of 19, Jesse James Hollywood was already a crime boss. A state board granted him parole, despite the objections of. His trial started in April 2002. What best describes the US free enterprise system? Jesse Taylor Rugge (born November 10, 1979) is one of the former members of Jesse James Hollywood's gang that helped in the murder of Nicholas Markowitz. Los Angeles magazine is a regional magazine of national stature. Coming home. Emile Hirche nailed it. Before October 24, 2013, Jesse Rugges release was proposed to the state parole board several times. For more information about Nicholas Markowitz's story and how his mother uses it to inspire positive change visit www.mystolenson.com. The group traveled to Santa Barbara and spent time with Pressley and others at various homes and locations before Hoyt was given the order to kill the teen. She said: "I wanted him to know I was supporting him. When the ex-drug-dealer was still on the run in Brazil, he began a relationship with Marcia Reis and got her pregnant in 2004. After meeting Nick, Adams-Young spoke with Pressley, a mutual friend of hers and Rugge's. Pressley told her "that they, quote unquote, kidnapped this kid [Nick] and brought him back up here to Jesse Rugge's house." In November 2001, in Santa Barbara County, Hoyt was convicted of first-degree murder and was sentenced to death. Hollywood was not present at the crime scene and went on the run for years. My boy is getting out. Rugge was convicted of kidnapping Markowitz but. In 2019, the inmate told his side of the story when he spoke with Joe Tomaso on his podcast, 15 Minutes With. Just couldnt cut it, could ya? Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. During his interview, he said he made a vow to himself to never go back to that environment ever again. Where is Jesse Rugge now? He said: Theres a lot of things that didnt come out in the media. alexanderplatz architecture berlin der new urban, ricardo montaner besame la boca. Where Is 'How to Fix a Drug Scandal' Subject Annie Dookhan Today? His parole in 2006 was denied.The mother of the victim, Susan Markowitz, started a petition to try to have Rugge"s parole denied. Hollywood, 21, who. Hollywood threw a pool party at the Lemon Tree Inn on August 8th, where Rugge reportedly vowed to get Nicholas home, saying, Ill put you on a Greyhound. Hollywood has been keeping busy during his time behind bars. Prosecutors alleged that Rugge was more intimately involved in the killing but could never prove it. . In 2012, Hollywood tried to appeal his conviction, arguing that while he did kidnap the teen, he never actually ordered his death. Powered by WordPress VIP. Riley Harwood, had to do with Pressleys ex-wife developing a relationship with one of the restaurants staff members. As of 2022, Jesse Rugge has had no reported parole violations since his 2013 release. Age, Height & Body Measurements In 2006, his parole was denied. Ouch. As of now, it states that if someone commits a serious felony and kills someone in the process, they'll be charged with first-degree murder, even if they're not the actual killer and even if they had no intent to kill the victim. After four years, he was convicted of first-degree murder and kidnapping. Can you use a dry herb vaporizer for wax? A man convicted of kidnapping a 15-year-old boy who was murdered over a drug debt is scheduled to be released Tuesday. During questioning, she confessed to the crimes and is now serving two concurrent twelve-year sentences for manslaughter in exchange for testifying against her husband, who was jailed for life. After Nicholas' death came to the limelight, Jesse James Hollywood was nowhere to be found. What true story is Alpha Dog based on? Rugge was convicted of aggravated kidnapping for ransom or extortion with special circumstances. The most Rugge families were found in USA in 1920. Now is when the plan took another turn for the worse. Jesse Rugge was given a life sentence but has since been . Hollywood and his friends were on their way to confront Nick's half-brother, Ben, who owed Hollywood money. Where Is Jesse Rugge Today? Who murdered Nick Markowitz . In real life, Jesse James Hollywood was like 5'3" and your typical insecure suburban wanna be gangster. Im going to get you home.. He had played the part of the getaway driver in the kidnapping of Nicholas Markowitz. Jesse James Hollywood is still in prison at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, where he recently got married and had a " spiritual awakening ." [Author's note: My most sincere thank you to Mrs. Susan Markowitz who allowed me to use the photographs of her beloved Nick. After the Court review, in June 2008 his trial date was set to begin February 19, 2009, but it was delayed. Rugge was one of five young men arrested and convicted for the shooting masterminded by Jesse James Hollywood, a small-time San Fernando Valley pot dealer who ordered the kidnapping after Markowitzs older brother ripped him off in a drug deal. Hollywood couldn't find Markowitz, so instead, he took the younger brother hostage and held him for three days as leverage. However, the court upheld his conviction and denied a motion. Avatex Developments Inc. Apr 2015 - Present7 years 10 months. This page has been accessed 20,434 times. Despite her graphic testament and a petition that had 1,018 supporters, Rugge was granted parole on account of good behavior. Markowitz says even though Rugge did not pull the trigger in the murder of her son, he was part of the crime, and she will fight to keep him behind bars until he is released. Powered by WordPress VIP. Jesse Rugge Is currently surving a life sentence @ Pleasant Valley State Prison, located in Fresno County. "He walked my son up to the grave that was already dug. Here's what we know. He was released from prison in 2008 as part of a plea bargain. The state parole board declined Paige's request for an on-camera interview, saying it's policy not to comment on specific cases. Jesse Rugge (pictured), convicted on charges of aggravated kidnapping in connection with the killing of 15-year-old Nicholas Markowitz 13 years ago, was released from Chino prison after serving 11 years of a life sentence. The victims mother, Susan Markowitz, expressed her dismay over the parole boards decision on Facebook. esse James Hollywood was born in Los Angeles, California on January 28, 1980. He's currently serving his time at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. The Rugge family name was found in the USA, the UK, and Canada between 1880 and 1920. Jesse's roll in this story . He said: "There's a lot of things that didn't come out in the media. Jesse James Hollywood was sentenced to life in prison Friday for orchestrating the kidnap-murder of a teenager, ending a 10-year legal odyssey that included an international manhunt and a movie inspired by the high-profile crime. Locations: Culver City CA, Santa Barbara CA Possible Relatives: Herbert Barron Rugge, Melissa Ewing Rugge. Edit. A ali khan picture soha, alexanderplatz berlin criticism cultural culture death film german now radio wei. But after more than four years on the run, he eventually got caught by Brazilian authorities in 2005. Once logged in, you can add biography in the database. We were both nervous, but it was good. Rugge was incarcerated in Avenal State Prison for his part in Nicholas Markowitz"s murder. As of 2022, Jesse Rugge has had no reported parole violations since his 2013 release. Hollywood, Rugge, and another member of their gang had kidnapped Markowitz near his Los Angeles home because Markowitzs half-brother failed to pay a $1,200 drug-money debt he owed Hollywood. At the time, he was under the impression that fathering a native Brazilian would keep him from getting extradited, which used to be the case, but that law actually changed. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. "I think that when it involves taking the life of another that you should forfeit yours," said Markowitz, who said the parole board's decision has denied her son the justice he deserves. . Jesse Rugge (pictured), convicted on charges of aggravated kidnapping in connection with the killing of 15-year-old Nicholas Markowitz 13 years ago, was released from Chino prison after serving 11 years of a life sentence. Parole was denied in 2006. View the profiles of people named Jesse Rugge. How can you say that and then follow through after looking into those innocent eyes that are now cryingthat's a special kind of evil.". How much time did Jesse Rugge get? The defenses opening statements stated that Hollywood was not involved with the murder. The significant role played by bitcoin for businesses! Jesse Rugge, now 33, was convicted of kidnapping and sentenced to life with the possibility of parole in 2002. After serving 11 years in prison Rugge was granted parole, and released from prison on October 24, 2013. Markowitz's last days inspired the 2006 film "Alpha Dog," which featured an A-list cast and garnered international attention. Over 20 Pounds of Meth, Fentanyl Seized at Santa Barbara Motel, Almost All of Santa Barbara County Out of Drought Conditions, Diablo Canyon Allowed to Keep Running During License Review, Santa Barbara Zoo Says Goodbye to Pauline the Lioness, Citizen Performing CPR in Santa Barbara Mistaken for an Assault, Lake Cachuma Releases Expected to Contribute to Flooding in Lompoc, Santa Barbaras New State Street Hotel Opens, Downed Eucalyptus Temporarily Shuts Down Hwy. At the time, he was under the impression that fathering a native Brazilian would keep him from getting extradited, which used to be the case, but that law actually changed. Join Facebook to connect with Jesse Rugge and others you may know. . Check out Jesse's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/J_ruggs33. Contact Fresh Out through these platforms Email:
[email protected]: http://www.freshoutseries.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshoutseriesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreshoutseriesPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/FreshoutseriesWant to get a Fresh Out Commissary Package? Jesse Taylor Rugge (born November 10, 1979) is one of the former members of Jesse James Hollywood's gang that helped in the kidnap and murder of Nicholas Markowitz. Hollywood asked Rugge to commit the murder. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. In August of 2000, Jesse James Hollywood not only kidnapped 15-year-old Nicholas Markowitz, but according to reports, he's also responsible for ordering his murder. Wiki User. Pressley, 17 years old at the time of the murder, helped dig the shallow grave near Lizards Mouth where 15-year-old Markowitz was buried after being gunned down by Ryan Hoyt, who was acting under the direction of the groups leader and small-time drug dealer, Jesse James Hollywood.