Jackson breaks for lunch during jury selection

(2 Feb 2005) Michael Jackson took a break for lunch on Tuesday during a second day of jury selection in his child molestation trial and was greeted by a small group of fans.

Jackson, wearing a black suit with a gold and red stripe down the pants and an insignia on the left side of the jacket, had been in court listening to a judge questioning people about their willingness to serve on the jury.

He had been cheered by hundreds of fans on Monday, but by Tuesday the group had diminished to fewer than 100 people.

Another 300 prospective jurors were expected to be screened, followed by 150 more on Wednesday.

Judge Rodney Melville hopes to find 12 jurors and eight alternates from that pool, but the process could take at least a month.

Jackson fans and supporters have come from all across the world to support their idol and catch a glimpse of the pop superstar.

Jackson is accused of molesting a cancer patient - then age 13, now 15 - and plying him with alcohol at his home, the Neverland Ranch.    

Jackson, 46, was indicted by a grand jury in 2004 on four counts of child molestation, four counts of administering an intoxicating agent, one count of attempted child molestation and one count of conspiracy to commit child abduction, false imprisonment and extortion.

The pop singer pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.

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