Judge Michael Pastor granted another delay of the trial for two reasons: The defense has requested a day to review new toxicology evidence of Jackson's stomach contents recently handed over by the prosecution. The judge also wants to give the state's final witness, Dr. Steven Shafer, more time to deal with the death of his father. Testimony will now resume Wednesday morning.
There was a hearing held this morning to discuss a schedule update and other issues. After being fined $60 by the judge for being late Friday, prosecutors arrived ahead of schedule by about seven minutes, prompting Defense Attorney Flanagan to exclaim, "You're early!"
Prosecutor Deborah Brazil pointed to the clock and said, "Maybe we'll get a credit."
Dr. Conrad Murray was not present in the courtroom, but he was represented by his full team of defense attorneys.
Judge Pastor asked for an update after receiving word from prosecutors that Dr. Shafer, the State's, anesthesiologist/pharmacologist, was not available today because his father passed away. Deputy District Attorney David Walgren said Shafer will be ready to testify tomorrow morning.
The judge told Walgren that he did not intend for this case to add to the stress that Shafer and his family are going through after their loss and asked Walgren if his witness needed more time.
Defense Attorney Ed Chernoff then raised an issue with the court expressing his concern over a new toxicology report they received from prosecutors.
"We don't know what it means," Chernoff said.
Chernoff also said he didn't know enough about the content of the report to properly cross-examine Shafer on the topic.
Walgren said the toxicology report is meant to counter the defense's claim that Michael Jackson ingested eight lorazepam tablets.
Judge Pastor ruled court will resume at 8:45AM on Wednesday. He also requested the attorneys to meet with him on Tuesday at 1:30PM.