The trial against Michael Jackson's former doctor, Conrad Murray, has begun in Los Angeles. Murray, who is facing manslaughter charges over the death of the singer from acute Propofol intoxication in June 2009, arrived yesterday in court for a preliminary hearing in the case.
According to the prosecution, Murray waited between 9 and 21 minutes after he realised that Jackson had stopped breathing before calling 911.
He is also accused to have attempted to cover up evidence that he administered the powerful anaesthetic in order to help Jackson sleep.
He is also accused to have attempted to cover up evidence that he administered the powerful anaesthetic in order to help Jackson sleep.
The court is expected to hear two weeks of evidence, before Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael E Pastor decides whether there are grounds for a jury trial.
During the preliminary hearing, choreographer and stage director for the This Is It tour Kenny Ortega, claimed that he and Murray had different opinions regarding Michael's health before he passed away.
Ortega described his concern over Jackson six days before his death: "He didn't look well at all. Michael was chilled and soft-spoken... He wasn't in the kind of condition to be at rehearsal. It was scary. I couldn't put my finger on it. I said, 'Michael, is this the best place for you to be or do you want to go home and be with your family?' He said, 'Would you be okay with that?' I said, 'Okay', and he left."
Apparently Murray did not agree with Ortega at the time: "Dr Murray was upset that I had sent Michael home the night before and didn't allow him to rehearse," he explained.
There are still two weeks left of hearing before a decision is made to go on trial. If convicted of involuntary manslaughter, Murray could face up to four years in prison and revocation of his medical licence.
How do you believe the case will evolve? Sound off in the comments!
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