MySpace trial: Mom thought hoax was funny

LOS ANGELES Much of the testimony on Friday morning focused on the link between messages found on accused mother Lori Drew's computer and the computer of the teen who committed suicide.

A woman who said she set up the fake account took the stand on Thursday, and said Drew actively participated in sending the cruel messages and thought the whole idea of the hoax was funny.

Ashley Grills, 20, who worked for Drew in Missouri, has been granted immunity from prosecution. Grills testified that it was her idea to create fake MySpace account of a fictitious teenage boy named Josh Evans.

The account was used to lure 13-year-old Megan Meier into an online relationship.

Prosecutors said Drew wanted to humiliate the teen for allegedly spreading rumors about her daughter.

Megan committed suicide two years ago after receiving an e-mail from the Josh that said The world would be a better place without her.

Grills said 49-year-old Drew ordered her to delete the account after the teen's death.

An expert testified on Friday that numerous messages were exchanged between the fake account and Meier

Megan's mother, Tina Meier, finished up testimony Thursday morning. Wednesday she said her daughter was taking antidepressants and suffered low self-esteem.

Jurors also heard from Drew's hairdresser, who testified that Drew admitted to her that she set up the account to fool Megan.

Drew is accused of violating federal law by providing false information to set up the MySpace account, and faces charges that could land her in prison for several years.

The case could set a legal precedent for dealing with online harassment.

The trial is being held in Los Angeles instead of Missouri because MySpace servers are located in L.A.

Testimony will continue on Friday.


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