LOS ANGELES (AP) – Prosecutors have rested their case at a preliminary hearing for a doctor charged in Michael Jackson's death, and both sides are awaiting a judge's ruling on whether Dr. Conrad Murray will stand trial for involuntary manslaughter.
Los Angeles Superior Judge Michael Pastor concluded the hearing Tuesday after six days of testimony from more than 20 witnesses who mostly detailed Murray's actions during Jackson's final hours.
Pastor must decide if there is enough evidence to merit a trial.
Prosecutors have contended the Houston-based cardiologist was on the phone and distracted after administering a powerful anesthetic to Jackson. They also presented evidence the singer was dead by the time Murray summoned help.
Murray is accused of giving Jackson a lethal dose of propofol mixed with other sedatives. He has pleaded not guilty.
His lawyers did not call any witnesses during the hearing.
Thank you!!! for the incredible job of sorting and tracking all of the updates Bonnie. I am sure you are physically and emotionally drained. I hope you take a bit of a break and take care of yourself.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge has dealt the doctor charged in Michael Jackson's death two setbacks, bringing him a step closer to a trial that could end with him being sent to prison and also taking away his livelihood.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor on Tuesday told Dr. Conrad Murray that after listening to six days of testimony at a preliminary hearing, he thought there was enough evidence to support a possible finding of guilt at trial for the cardiologist to be convicted of involuntary manslaughter.
The ruling sets the stage for a high-profile trial that will examine all aspects of the pop star's death and try to finally place responsibility for his demise at the age of 50.
Moments after he delivered the ruling, Pastor also suspended Murray's license to practice medicine in California, a move that the physician's attorney warned could prompt two other state where he has clinics to do the same.
Murray has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's June 2009 death, with prosecutors accusing him of providing the singer with a lethal dose of the anesthetic propofol and other sedatives. The doctor has pleaded not guilty and is due back in court on January 25 for another arraignment.
Pastor made minimal comments on his ruling that there was enough evidence for Murray, 57, to stand trial. But the judge was clear that he thought Jackson's former personal physician may pose an "imminent danger" if allowed to keep his medical license.
Murray's attorney, Ed Chernoff, called the suspension the "nuclear option," noting that Murray hadn't practiced medicine in California since Jackson's death.
"If you do that, he's dead in the water," Chernoff said. "He has no practice anymore. His patients have no doctor."
A prosecutor portrayed Murray in closing statements Tuesday as a doctor who showed poor medical judgment and who had cost the Jackson family dearly.
"Because of Dr. Murray's actions, Michael is gone," Deputy District Attorney David Walgren said. "Because of Dr. Murray's actions, Michael's children are left without a father."
On the final day of the preliminary hearing, another of Murray's attorneys grilled experts on the possibility that Jackson somehow gave himself a fatal dose of propofol.
A coroner's official and a prosecution expert said that while it's possible Jackson swallowed propofol when his doctor stepped out of his bedroom, it was unlikely. Both said if that's what happened, it doesn't change Murray's culpability.
Dr. Richard Ruffalo, an anesthesiologist who testified as an expert witness, said Murray expressed concern about Jackson being addicted to the anesthetic in an interview with police two days after the singer's death. The cardiologist told police he left Jackson alone to use the restroom, and when he returned the pop star wasn't breathing.
"It's the same as having a heroin addict and leaving the syringe next to him and walking away," said Dr. Richard Ruffalo, an anesthesiologist who testified as an expert witness.
He said Murray lacked the proper medical equipment to properly monitor Jackson, who was receiving propofol to help him sleep six nights a week for at least two months before he died.
Ruffalo also didn't properly attempt to revive Jackson, calling his attempts to perform CPR on the singer's bed "useless." The technique must be performed on a hard surface.
Compounded with Murray's delay in calling 911, which prosecutors said could have been as much as 21 minutes, the doctor's treatment of Jackson represented an extreme deviation from the standard of care, Ruffalo said.
Walgren made the point in his closing arguments, during which he placed the blame for Jackson's death squarely on the doctor.
"Michael is not here today because of an utterly inept, incompetent and reckless Dr. Conrad Murray," Walgren said.
AP Special Correspondent Linda Deutsch contributed to this story.
I agree Irina. If his patients in those states had heard the 'outrageous' details in the notes taken during the hearing, how could anyone chose to put their health/life in his hands??!!!
NOTE: This video was recorded on 08/23/10. Since then we know that Geraldine Hughes was banned from the courtroom during the January 2011 preliminary hearings. Eddie Jones, Jr. had a radio show that went to a UStream show, and is now gone. His last recording was from an undisclosed location where he is totally alone and saying goodbye. William Wagnener knows the former FBI agent Ted Gunderson mention in the article shown by Eddie Jones Jr. I do not know the timing but Ted Gunderson spent some time in the hospital recently and is now asking for donation to pay his hospital bill. It sure was a difficult year for those who spoke out publicly.
I took the liberty to paste this message of Love, Strength and Support for Michael into this thread too. Hope it is okay. MlovesYou, you posted it in the Michael JacksonTribute thread. It fits with here too with the upcoming trial before us all this week. And I think I may say that we all follow this message from our deepest heart.
Thank you Ute, Bonnie and Everyone here. You are right, the message of the video is as up-to-date as ever! ---------- "...be alive, be free, feel consciousness, subsciousness, being GOD..." MJ
I did not know that the suspension of Murray's med license was temporary, until the trial is completed. That's a 'scarey' thought. I also wonder who put up the %75,000 bail bond. hmmmm.
Thank you Bonnie for the updates. Reading them the only words I am able to add at the moment are those of this song that kept returning to me all day long today. I only wanna say - the show is going on and let´s pray that the spirit world will turn all this trash into Justice for Michael and all the others to follow. And let´s go on with our part here - FOR MICHAEL AND FOR ALL OUR SISTERS AND BROTHERS UNHEARD, WITHOUT A VOICE IN THIS WORLD. LET US BE THEIR VOICE!
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS lyrics
I've paid my dues - Time after time - I've done my sentence But committed no crime - And bad mistakes I've made a few I've had my share of sand kicked in my face - But I've come through
We are the champions - my friends And we'll keep on fighting - till the end - We are the champions - We are the champions No time for losers 'Cause we are the champions - of the world -
I've taken my bows And my curtain calls - You brought me fame and fortune and everything that goes with it - I thank you all -
But it's been no bed of roses No pleasure cruise - I consider it a challenge before the whole human race - And I ain't gonna lose -
We are the champions - my friends And we'll keep on fighting - till the end - We are the champions - We are the champions No time for losers 'Cause we are the champions - of the world -
Thank you Freddie Mercury and Queen for this wonderful song. I am sure you all are with Michael now, backing him as you know where he went and is going through, you had experienced it yourself. Big Thank to all who are here for Michael now - on whatever side. God Bless You All!
Last Edited by on Jan 25, 2011 9:15 AM
Here are the important dates: No plea deal – plead not guilty Pre-trial Hearing Feb 7, 2011 1:30pm PT Trial Starts for Jury selection: March 28, 2011 9:00am PT Expected to last 6-8 weeks It will be up to the judge whether the trial is televised or not. This will be decided on February 7th. Conrad Murray's attorney made a statement, that Dr. Murray is looking forward to telling his side of the story. Geraldine Hughes made a statement regarding the charges not being enough. This was covered by TMZ. Media coverage is now over.
"I think the prosecution is going to change their tactics in this case," defense lawyer J. Michael Flanagan said after court. "It's not the same as what they gave in opening statements."
The prosecution's expert witness in the case admitted he made a math mistake and that the recalculation supports the defense theory that Michael Jackson may have given himself the fatal dose of propofol.
I CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT I AM READING HERE!!! IT IS VERY CLEAR NOW THAT THIS IS JUST A THREE-RING CIRCUS. NOTHING MORE.
CHATURI, I AM WITH YOU ON THAT ONE.
GOTTA READ BETWEEN THE LINES HERE. THIS TRIAL IS A SHAM.
I have some very colorful choice words on the tip of my tongue. But that would be out of character and for Michael's sake I will stay ladylike and dignified in my choice of terminology here.
Last Edited by on Jan 25, 2011 10:49 AM
3-Ring-Circus is right. Dr. Murray has requested and received a waiver from the court. Apparently he has other commitments in TX and cannot be in court on February 7th. With the granting of the waiver, Dr. Murray does not need to attend the hearing.
Assuming that the judge approves cameras in the courtroom, once again it will be Michael on trial not Dr. Murray. It is obvious where they are heading.
I have no idea how they will find jurors who do not have preconceived ideas about Michael.
I agree Bonnie. This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever witnessed. And knowing all that we know makes it all the more so. The whole thing together is INFURIATING!!!
Joe Jackson has already tried and failed to get his civil case moved to federal court. The judge in that case dismissed the case stating it was not under federal jurisdiction as all parties and events took place in California.
Katherine Jackson still has a civil case for wrongful death that includes AEG. AEG is trying to get this case dismissed as well. Currently it is an open complaint.
Nothing has moved at all regarding moving the criminal case or increasing the charges.
I can't believe it! I feel sick! It is indeed a sham...well we knew it from day one! The fight for justice has just begun...
THANK YOU BONNIE for putting all the information together and for everything! ---------- "...be alive, be free, feel consciousness, subsciousness, being GOD..." MJ
I understand and acknowledge the anger and frustration expressed here by fellow board members. Speaking only for myself, I'm waiting for more information to come in.
A televised trial is a mixed blessing and is a double edged sword. Many MJ fans wanted the 2005 trial to be televised, rather than having to go through the MSM and its inherent bias to get filtered information released. With television cameras allowed, everyone gains access to the exact same information. As I stated previously, if Murray goes to trial, he and his defense team will drag Michael down with him; he's not going down without a fight. I expected this.
I agree with Bonnie that it's going to be very tough for both sides to find fair and impartial jurors in this case. I imagine the defense and prosecution will have to go through hundreds of jurors and may take a good couple of weeks, if not longer, to find appropriate jurors.
I don't blame or credit Murray for wanting a speedy trial. That is his right. Most people accused of a crime waive that right, but so many MJ fans and supporters have complained about this case dragging on and on and on that this sudden quickness is enough to take ones breath away. I say let's get on with it. I'm tired of this dragging out.
My lunch hour is up. Please excuse typos and mistakes.
I am neither angry nor happy about today's events. I just accept them and am waiting for more information.
I`m upset that they`re trying to pin in all on Michael and thus destracting focus from the fact what this trial is about... It`s about a doctor not treating his patient the way he should have! I hope they`ll find a good,unpartial jury,although I think it`ll be very difficult if not impossible.
Maybe a jury formed solely by people from the medical world? I think they will be able to make a right decision from facts .
Oh, I hope this all will turn out right and justice will be done!
Last Edited by on Jan 25, 2011 3:52 PM
Thank you VeronicaR, for using your powers of reasoning and reminding us here of the fact that a number of valid, important and key points were made during the preliminary hearing. We must keep in mind that the Prosecution has given the public a taste of what is to come, and now so has the Defense. I don't know if true justice will be served regarding Murray - justice in terms of what the law will allow, that is. I can only say that I choose to have faith in the process of jury selection, and I choose to have faith in judge Michael Pastor allowing the Prosecution and the Defense to raise questions and provide expert testimony. I have read posts here, on the IMDb and the Sony board, and I see some fans and supporters of Michael reacting as though today's events represent the trial itself and that a verdict has already been reached. We cannot know that. Yes, I do believe in conspiracies, and yes, I do believe one exists regarding Michael. However, I also believe that Murray will have to be judged separately and ALONE regarding the events of June 25, 2009 - for now. Those who have played a dark, shadowy and elusive role in Michael's death will have to be dealt with and exposed later. No, I do not know when this will be. I only know that I hold firm in my faith in Michael; that is and will remain unchanged. I also hold firm in my belief that he will not have true justice until those at the top are brought down. Justice will have to come from the top down, not from the bottom up, in my opinion.
Regarding Murray's lawyers attempting to put the blame on Michael, I'm not surprised, but I'm not forgetting that it was Murray who was supposed to monitor his patient. It was Murray who was supposed to have the proper monitoring equipment at his side. It was Murray who was supposed to NOT use Propofol outside a hospital setting. It was Murray who should have known how to perform proper CPR. It was Murray who chose to NOT call 911 immediately. It was Murray who instructed body guards and staff to hide evidence. It was Murray who lied to the paramedics and UCLA staff regarding what he gave Michael, and it was Murray who LEFT MICHAEL'S SIDE, THUS ALLOWING THE OVERDOSE TO TAKE PLACE TO BEGIN WITH - regardless as to whether Murray committed the act, or someone else did, or Michael did (highly unlikely, in my opinion).
Judge Michael Pastor will have to decide how to run this trial and how to instruct the jury. He has the power to determine what types of evidence and questions may be allowed, and what may not be allowed. I can only hope that this is an honorable judge. Time will tell.
I am leaving you tonight with a video I found after thinking of a special song by Aretha Franklin. I had dedicated it to Michael this evening while having one of my mental little talks with him. I thought it would be appropriate to dedicate it to all of you, both members and lurkers. I am sorry if I seem detached or without emotion. I just don't care to be made to feel like a ping-pong ball, and I refuse to allow myself to fly into a rage or burst into tears - certainly not at this point in time. I choose to use my feelings as constructively as possible. That means getting back to a project I started in June of 2010. And yes, it involves Michael. :)
To Michael and to all of you, I dedicate "Rock Steady" by Aretha Franklin. We even get to see one of Michael's favorite color combinations: black and red. Ute, I hope this video works for you in Germany!
Hi Veronica, I also had the same thought today & wondered why that 'critical' point has not been mentioned. Hopefully it will be addressed by the prosecution during the actual trial.
Hi Chaturi! I'm sure many valid and crucial points will be addressed and made during the actual trial. I also think it's quite possible Murray's defense team is playing a little game of 'psych out,' which for those who don't understand that expression, means 'head games.' I'll let them play their hand, and wait to see how the Prosecution counters before I allow myself to get upset.
Edited to Add: I'm going to hold Rock Steady! That's why I chose the song by Aretha to express how I feel. It isn't just to get a person to feel like dancing. The title means something to me, and I do find the song uplifting.
Hold Rock Steady!
With love, Carmen
Last Edited by on Jan 26, 2011 10:07 AM
I agree with all that is said about the song you posted. And it is a really beautiful song. WOW, it works - and this in Germany :) ..... Thank you for considering me and those in whose country music might be blocked.
hi Bonnie, Ute found this link and sent it to me but I can not access the embed code from where I am. If it is not too much trouble please post the full video? Katherine Jackson Speaks Out: Life After Michael Jackson http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/katherine-jackson-speaks-life-michael-jackson/story?id=12752803
Katherine Jackson who buried her most-famous son pop singer Michael Jackson almost two years ago, has been front and center since his death.
Now she's speaking out about dealing with court cases related to her son's death, lawsuits and how the family is trying to move on.
Michael Jackson died June 25, 2009 after being administered a lethal dose of propofol, a powerful intravenous sedative.
His personal doctor, Dr. Conrad Murray, is accused of killing the pop legend by allegedly administering an overdose of intravenous and prescription drugs.
Since her son's death, Katherine has been raising his three children and is a constant presence in court.
"It's been a difficult time for me ever since my son passed," said Katherine Jackson. "When I'm in that courtroom I can't stand to look at that man [Murray]…and I go because I love my son...I just feel I have to be there. It's the same way when they was accusing him of molesting, molestation…I was there every day."
Reports have said Murray attempted to hide evidence and delayed calling 911 as Jackson lay dying.
Murray's attorneys have said the doctor did nothing to cause Jackson's death.
Murray faces trial on involuntary manslaughter charges, and is expected to make an appearance in Los Angeles Superior Court today.
Last Edited by on Jan 26, 2011 12:59 PM
I tried it again and it took me to youtube and then for like 3 seconds it acted like it was going to ,load and it just stopped and won't load I don't know what is wrong with it o well thanks for responding Bonnie!
Tom Messerau comments in this "Today Show" video segment on the charges against Murray, his own personal thoughts and feelings about Murray's conduct, and once again he touches upon the involuntary manslaughter charge versus the 2nd degree murder charge. Thanks to polka from IMDb for posting this video and sharing it.
Thank you, Bonnie, for posting the CBS interview with Brian Oxman. I didn't get to watch it until this evening. It's very much appreciated.
Thank you Ute and Irina for the interview with Katherine Jackson. Also very much appreciated!
~Carmen~
P.S. And yes, Katherine Jackson has an iron constitution, as Mr. Oxman stated. There is a gentleness to her but a great inner strength as well. She's a very special woman and a very lovely lady.
Very interesting article, Carmen! I enjoyed the style and quality of his writing skills, and his personal comments at the end are quite accurate and kind in my opinion, compared to what we usually hear.
