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FILLED WITH RELIEF, JOY
FANS FROM ACROSS THE NATION, AROUND THE WORLD CELEBRTE VERDICT
 SPENCER MARLEY/NEWS-PRESS
"Superfans" B.J. Hickman, center, and Svenja Maniak, left, along with a fellow Michael Jackson supporter, shout with joy outside the Santa Maria courthouse as the not-guilty verdicts are read on Monday.
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Michael Jackson fans reacted with jubilation in the streets of Santa Maria on Monday after a jury of eight women and four men acquitted the entertainer of all the charges against him. His supporters had traveled to Santa Barbara County from all over the world with an unshakable belief that the entertainer was being prosecuted unfairly for crimes he did not commit.
MIKE ELIASON and SPENCER MARLEY/NEWS-PRESS PHOTOS
At right, Svenja Maniak, from Berlin, is a member of the international contingent that gathered outside court with messages of encouragement for the entertainer. Above left, another of the pop star's fans exults after hearing the news. Below left, two fans from Europe are overcome with emotion as they listen to the verdict being read.
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 SPENCER MARLEY/NEWS-PRESS
Clarence Haywood of San Bernadino rejoices when he learns that the
King of Pop has been acquitted. 
MIKE ELIASON/NEWS-PRESS
Another fan's sign matches the
jury's decision.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
At far right, Fariba Garmani of Mission Viejo releases doves outside the courthouse after Mr. Jackson was found not guilty. She said she paid $200 for 12 doves, one for each of the 10 counts and two symbolizing the singer himself.
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