[video] JVM: In "fascinating" case, Jackson remains the star

I’m deep in the thick of the Michael Jackson death trial, tracking a case that can verge from gut wrenching/emotional to highly technical/medical in a flash. Every day before court starts, you can find me doing a live hit at 8 am Pacific from outside the L.A. Criminal Courts building. From there I can take the pulse of the Jackson fans packed behind the yellow police tape near the curb. They come from far away places such as Germany, Spain, Denmark and Russia, as well as some from right down the street. One thing they all share is a seemingly bottomless passion for their deceased idol and a fiery determination to see Dr. Conrad Murray pay for Jackson’s death. Everything about this case is fascinating: the conspiracy theories fans insist on relaying to me every time I pause for a breath outside court, the swagger of the attorneys as they stride into court, the humorous observations of fellow journalists, the handful of Conrad Murray supporters who insist he’s just a fall guy. There’s also the lighter side: Janet and La Toya Jackson entering court in super glam mode with sunglasses, incredibly high heels and a somber look that leaves no hint they are noticing the commotion around them. As soon as testimony begins I race a short distance to HLN trial headquarters where I watch the testimony on a monitor. I furiously scribble notes while simultaneously trying to get a grasp on the big picture: who’s winning, any bombshells, inconsistencies that arise between witnesses, big developments outside court, etc. But, the most interesting aspect is Michael Jackson himself. Even in death the spotlight ends up on him. We are learning a lot about Jackson: what his private chef prepared for lunch, how he remembered every note of every song, the intense affection his three kids had for him. We're learning sadder secrets too, such as the audio tape of him slurring his words. He remains a mystery, a genius at creating music and drama. And we remain his audience. Complete coverage of the Conrad Murray trial live on HLN from gavel to gavel and on In Session from 9a to 3p ET every week day.