Thursday 30 December 2010

Dr. Conrad Murray's Lawyers Will Likely Claim Michael Jackson 'Killed Himself'.

Dr. Conrad Murray will soon go to trial over the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson -- who died of acute Propofol intoxication in June 2009-- and an initial hearing on Wednesday indicated his legal team plans to argue the iconic star administered the lethal dose of the anaesthetic himself.

Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney David Walgren spoke out after the doctor’s lawyer clashed with prosecutors over who should test residue from two syringes discovered in the star’s bedroom.

David said: “I do think it's clear the defense is operating under the theory that the victim, Michael Jackson, killed himself. They don't want to say it but that's the direction in which they are going.”

Defense lawyer J. Michael Flanagan said his client gave the singer just 25 milligrams of Propofol, much less than was found in his system. It is understood that Dr. Murray's lawyers will claim Michael awoke and gave himself the lethal dose of the drug while the physician was out of the room.

Mr. Flanagan also revealed a fingerprint found on a broken syringe on the bedroom floor has not been identified.

A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled to begin next Tuesday, where Judge Michael Pastor will decide if there is enough evidence to support the involuntary manslaughter charge. As many as 30 witnesses are expected to be called to testify in the two-week hearing.

Dr Murray, 52, faces up to four years in prison if he is convicted.

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