Ryan Hoyt

Last updated
Ryan Hoyt
Ryan Hoyt.jpg
Born
Ryan James Hoyt

(1979-08-10) August 10, 1979 (age 45)
Known for Murder of Nicholas Markowitz
Conviction(s) First degree murder with special circumstances
Criminal penalty Death; commuted to life imprisonment

Ryan James Hoyt (born August 10, 1979) is a former associate of Jesse James Hollywood who was convicted of the murder of Nicholas Markowitz on August 9, 2000. [1] He reportedly owed Hollywood money for drugs and was offered the opportunity to kill Markowitz as a way of erasing his debt. [2]

During his trial, Hoyt took the stand and told the court he did not remember confessing to killing Markowitz. [3] [4] In November 2001, Hoyt was convicted of first-degree murder [5] and was sentenced to death. [6] In January 2024, Hoyt had his death sentence commuted to life in prison without the possibility of parole. [7]

In the film Alpha Dog , the character Elvis Schmidt was modeled after Hoyt. The role was played by actor Shawn Hatosy. [8]

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References

  1. Scheeres, Julia. "Jesse James Hollywood, drug dealer orders murder and flees". Crime Library. Courtroom Television Network LLC. Archived from the original on 2007-05-29. Retrieved 2007-06-08.
  2. Fox, Sue (Oct 30, 2001). "Los Angeles; Confession in Killing Was a Lie, Lawyer Says". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved 2007-01-01.
  3. Fox, Sue (Nov 10, 2001). "Murder Suspect Claims He Cannot Recall Confessing". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved 2007-01-01.
  4. "Graham Pressley Testimony Continues". The Santa Barbara Independent . June 7, 2009. Retrieved 2009-06-07.
  5. "Jurors Convict 1st Defendant in Kidnap-Slaying of Valley Teen; Court: Ryan Hoyt, 22, is found guilty after eight hours of deliberation". Los Angeles Times . Nov 21, 2001. Archived from the original on July 13, 2012. Retrieved 2007-01-01.
  6. Wilson, Tracy (Nov 21, 2001). "Jury Returns With Death Verdict for Killer of West Hills". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved 2007-01-01.
  7. "Gunman in 'Alpha Dog' Murder Granted Death Penalty Reprieve". Noozhawk . January 2024. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
  8. Uehlinger, Tim (April 12, 2006). "The long hunt for Jesse James Hollywood". Dateline . Retrieved 2007-01-01.