Dr Conrad Murray, who has been sentenced to four years in prison for the involuntary manslaughter of Michale Jackson, has filed an appeal against the sentence.
He has filed "pro Per" (ie he represents himself), but the filing does not indicate the basis of his appeal.
Friday, December 09, 2011
Friday, December 02, 2011
Lloyd's Disputes Insurance Claim
Los
Angeles Superior Court Judge, Malcolm Mackey, has ruled that Lloyd's of London (the insurers for Michael Jackson's comeback shows) can
study some of his medical records.
Lloyd's is challenging a policy claim of £11M on Jackson's death, citing the fact that it was not aware that he was on medication, and have filed a suit against the tour promoter AEG.
Lloyd's is challenging a policy claim of £11M on Jackson's death, citing the fact that it was not aware that he was on medication, and have filed a suit against the tour promoter AEG.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Conrad Murray Sentenced
Dr Conrad Murray was sentenced to four years in country jail (not state prison) yesterday, for the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson.
On passing sentence Judge Michael Pastor said:
"Of everything I heard and saw during the course of the trial, one aspect of the evidence stands out the most, and that is the surreptitious recording of Michael Jackson by his trusted doctor.
I find that Dr Murray abandoned his patient who was trusting him; his patient was vulnerable under those circumstances, having been administrated potentially dangerous drugs by his medical provider.
Dr Murray's course of conduct extended over a period of time, he repeatedly lied and engaged in deceitful misconduct and endeavoured to cover up his transgressions.
He violated the trust of the medical community, of his colleagues and of his patient and he has absolutely no sense of remorse, absolutely no sense of fault and remains dangerous.
It's easy to say, 'Oh well, Dr Murray is a medical doctor, he's a smart sophisticated man, he doesn't have a criminal history, he may not be licensed to practise medicine in the future - although that has nothing to do with me, I have no authority over that.
The fact remains, Dr Murray is offended by that patient dying and I don't have any idea what will prompt Dr Murray to do or not do something in the future that may be dangerous to a patient if he does practise medicine in the United States or even elsewhere."
It is likely, because of overcrowding, that Dr Murray will not serve the full term.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Prosecution Press For Maximum Term and $100M Fine
Dr Conrad Murray will be sentenced next week, having been found guilty of the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson.
The prosecution have filed a sentencing memo asking for Dr Murray to be sentenced to the maximum of four years in jail, together with a request that he be forced to pay Jackson's children over $100M in compensation for Jackson's loss of income.
Given that Dr Murray has lost his licence, it is unlikely that he will ever be able to pay that debt. However, if he were fined $100M it would ensure that he would never personally profit from any future media deals; as the monies earned would have to be used to pay down the debt.
The prosecution have filed a sentencing memo asking for Dr Murray to be sentenced to the maximum of four years in jail, together with a request that he be forced to pay Jackson's children over $100M in compensation for Jackson's loss of income.
Given that Dr Murray has lost his licence, it is unlikely that he will ever be able to pay that debt. However, if he were fined $100M it would ensure that he would never personally profit from any future media deals; as the monies earned would have to be used to pay down the debt.
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Documentary
It appears that Dr Conrad Murray has, for the last two years
been co-operating with a documentary team (October Films) on a film about Michael Jackson.
He was paid a nominal sum of $1.
However, I dare say (had Jackson not died, and Dr Murray not been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter) there would have been other media deals in the pipeline.
Doubtless though, Dr Murray will now find time to write a book about it.
He was paid a nominal sum of $1.
However, I dare say (had Jackson not died, and Dr Murray not been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter) there would have been other media deals in the pipeline.
In an extract from the forthcoming documentary, Dr Murray says:
"He was pleading and begging to please please let him have some milk because that was the only thing that would work."
"He was pleading and begging to please please let him have some milk because that was the only thing that would work."
Doubtless though, Dr Murray will now find time to write a book about it.
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Dr Conrad Murray Found Guilty
Dr Conrad Murray has been found guilty, by a unanimous verdict, of the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson.
He faces up to four years in jail, and will lose his medical licence.
He is currently being held in custody on suicide watch, whilst he awaits hi sentence.
The fans of Michael Jackson, who were camped outside the courthouse. expressed satisfaction with the verdict. Whatever the verdict, and sentence, they should temper their jubilation and bear in mind that it will not bring Jackson back.
He faces up to four years in jail, and will lose his medical licence.
He is currently being held in custody on suicide watch, whilst he awaits hi sentence.
The fans of Michael Jackson, who were camped outside the courthouse. expressed satisfaction with the verdict. Whatever the verdict, and sentence, they should temper their jubilation and bear in mind that it will not bring Jackson back.
Friday, November 04, 2011
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
Dr Conrad Murray Will Not Testify
Dr Conrad Murray finally came to a decision about whether he will take the witness stand or not in his trial.
He told the judge, whilst the jury was out of the room, that he would not testify.
At which point the defence rested its case and the prosecution, after presenting brief rebuttal testimony, closed its presentation of evidence.
Defence and prosecution will now prepare and present their closing arguments.
He told the judge, whilst the jury was out of the room, that he would not testify.
At which point the defence rested its case and the prosecution, after presenting brief rebuttal testimony, closed its presentation of evidence.
Defence and prosecution will now prepare and present their closing arguments.
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Doctors Disagree
Dr Paul White continued his testimony at the trail of Dr Conrad Murray, and told the court that he believed that Michael Jackson took the anaesthetic Propofol by rapidly injecting it.
Dr White thought it was possible that Jackson had got out of bed, even though he was attached to a saline IV and a urine collection device, found a syringe with 25mg of Propofol in it, got back in to bed, and administered it to himself.
Dr Shafer, his friend and colleague, dismissed the theory as a "crazy scenario", noting that Jackson would have to have injected himself several times to achieve such high levels of propofol in his body.
Dr White, for his part, said that he would not have accepted a job that involved administering Propofol in a non medical setting.
Dr Murray is considering whether he will take the stand himself.
The trial continues.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Jackson Self Administered Drug
Dr Paul White, an anaesthesiologist, gave testimony at the trial of Dr Conrad Murray yesterday. He stated that, in his opinion, Michael Jackson injected himself with a dose of propofol after an initial dose provided by Dr Murray had worn off.
He also stated that Jackson had self administered a dose of lorazepam (a tranquilliser).
The combination of the two drugs had lethal consequences.
Dr White gave a demonstration of how propofol could have entered Jackson's veins, in the small dose (25mg) that Dr Murray claimed that he had given Jackson. Such a dosage, according to Dr White, would have only had an effect on Jackson for around 10-15 minutes. Hence Jackson's "need/desire" to administer another dose.
The trial continues.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Drug Dependency
Dr Robert Waldman, a drug addiction specialist, has given testimony at the trial of Dr Conrad Murray.
He stated that despite the fact that Michael Jackson was getting large regular shots of the painkiller Demerol (for his botox treatment), in the months before his death, he could not state unequivocally that Jackson was addicted to painkillers.
Dr Murray's defence team contend that Jackson was addicted to various drugs, and that he engaged in "doctor shopping". They argue that Dr Murray was unaware that Jackson was getting shots of the addictive painkiller Demerol from Dr Arnold Klein. Ironically Demerol would have negated Dr Murray's treatment for Jackson's sleep disorder.
The trial continues.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Compassion
Ruby Mosley, a former patient of Dr
Conrad Murray, brought Dr Murray to tears as she testified on his behalf at his trial yesterday.
Ms Mosley (she met Dr Murray when he opened his clinic in Acres Home, where most residents were elderly and on fixed incomes) said of Dr Murray:
"If this man was greedy he never would have come to the community."
Another former patient, Gerry Causey, said:
"The reason I came here to help Dr Murray is I know his love, his compassion, his feeling for his patients, every one of them and I just don't think he did what he's accused of doing."
Andrew Guest testified:
"I'm alive today because of that man. That man sitting there is the best doctor I've ever seen."
The trial continues.
Those spectators outside of the court who have expressed vitriol towards Dr Murray would do well to remember that (whether he is found guilty or not of the charges made against him) those who show compassion deserve to be treated with compassion when they face tribulations.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Jackson Asked For Drug
Cherilyn Lee, a nurse, gave testimony at the trial of Dr Conrad Murray.
She tearfully stated that she had warned Michael Jackson against using propofol.
"He was sitting very close to me.
He looked at me and said, 'I have a lot of difficulty sleeping. I've tried a lot of things and I need something that will make me fall asleep right away.
I need Dipravan."
The trial continues.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Prosecution Rests
The prosecution in the trial of Dr Conrad Murray is now resting. Dr Murray's defence team are now in the "driving seat".
Yesterday Dr Murray's lawyer, Ed Chernoff, challenged Dr Steven Shafer's theory that there was no way that Michael Jackson could have killed himself by self administering Lorazepam and propofol.
Dr Shafer stuck to his guns, and reittereated that in his view it was not possible that Jackson killed himself.
Alex Supall, who visited Jackson's home the evening after his death, discussed the security and surveillance systems set up at Jackson's home. The defence asked Mr Supall why he had only submitted a few minutes of footage to the investigation. The rationale apparently being that Mr Supall had copied Jackson's arrival in order to establish a timeline for his return home.
The trial continues.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Defence Question Dr Shafer
Dr Conrad Murray's defence lawyer, Ed Chernoff, cross-examined Dr Steven Shafer in court.
Mr Chernoff questioned Dr Shafer's contention that Michael Jackson had been hooked up to an IV drip of the anesthetic propofol, and was then left alone by Dr Conrad Murray.
"That's a bold claim, isn't it?" Mr Chernoff asked.
Dr Shafer replied:
"It's an honest statement."
Mr Chernoff went on to suggest that Dr Shafer had drawn conclusions that were not necessarily supported by the evidence. Mr Chernoff said the type of IV line that Dr Shafer used in a demonstration for the jury was never found at Jackson's house.
Mr Chernoff questioned Dr Shafer's contention that Michael Jackson had been hooked up to an IV drip of the anesthetic propofol, and was then left alone by Dr Conrad Murray.
"That's a bold claim, isn't it?" Mr Chernoff asked.
Dr Shafer replied:
"It's an honest statement."
Mr Chernoff went on to suggest that Dr Shafer had drawn conclusions that were not necessarily supported by the evidence. Mr Chernoff said the type of IV line that Dr Shafer used in a demonstration for the jury was never found at Jackson's house.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Crazy!
Dr Steven Shafer continued to give evidence at the trail of Dr Conrad Muraay yesterday.
He told the court that Michael Jackson was so
heavily sedated shortly before he died, that he could not have
possibly self-administered an additional, lethal dose of propofol.
He dismissed suggestions by the defence that Jackson self administered the drug as "crazy".
Dr Shafer also suggested that Dr Murray gave Jackson 100ml of propofol, a much larger amount than the 25ml Dr Murray claims that he administered.
Quote:
"This fits all of the data in this case and I am not aware of a single piece of data that is inconsistent with this explanation."
The trial continues.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
"Clueless" in "Never-Never Land"
The trial of Dr Conrad Murray has resumed, and Dr Steven Shafer has returned to the witness box.
In Dr Shafer's view Dr Murray made 17 flagrant violations when administering propofol to Michael Jackson. Dr Shafer told the court that the drug should never be used to treat insomnia, and Dr Conrad Murray's negligence was directly responsible for Jackson's death.
He went on to castigate Dr Murray as being "clueless" about the drug.
Dr Shafer sated that Dr Murray did not know how to respond when Jackson stopped breathing, and was dumbfounded by the delay in calling 911:
"I almost don't know what to say. That is so completely and utterly inexcusable."
Wrt using propofol as a sleeping aid, Dr Shafer said caustically:
"We are in pharmacological never-never land here, something that was done to Michael Jackson and no one else in history to my knowledge..
A competent doctor would know you do not do this."
The trial continues.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Further Delay To Trial
The trial of Dr Conrad Murray has been put on
hold at least until Wednesday, in order to give defence council the time to study new lab
test results wrt the contents of Michael Jackson's stomach.
The prosecution contends that the results show that that Jackson did not orally ingest a fatal overdose of lorazepam (a sedative).
The Los Angeles County coroner tested Jackson's stomach contents for lorazepam last Wednesday, at the request of the prosecution.
The defence have contended that Jackson orally ingested 8 tablets on the day he died.
The trial will resume, at the earliest on Wednesday.
The prosecution contends that the results show that that Jackson did not orally ingest a fatal overdose of lorazepam (a sedative).
The Los Angeles County coroner tested Jackson's stomach contents for lorazepam last Wednesday, at the request of the prosecution.
The defence have contended that Jackson orally ingested 8 tablets on the day he died.
The trial will resume, at the earliest on Wednesday.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Trial Put On Hold
The trial of Dr Conrad Murray has been temporarily put on hold, following the death of a member of the family of Dr Stevan Shafer (a witness for the prosecution).
Judge Michael Pastor will meet with prosecutors and defence lawyers today, to discuss when to resume the trial.
Judge Michael Pastor will meet with prosecutors and defence lawyers today, to discuss when to resume the trial.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Recipe For Disaster
Dr Nader Kamangar, an intensive care doctor, has given testimony at the trial of Dr Conrad Murray. He stated that in his view Michael Jackson was receiving:
"very inappropriate therapy in the home setting, inappropriate sedatives...without appropriate monitoring by Dr Murray.
Ultimately this cocktail was a recipe for disaster in a patient that had underlying dehydration."
Dr Murray's defence lawyer, J Michael Flanagan, retorted that just because there was no record of Dr Murray charting Jackson's vital signs, that did not necessarily mean that Dr Murray did not obtain the information.
However, as Dr Kamangar noted:
"In medicine, it is essential, we cannot take care of patients if we store it in our minds, we have to document things. It allows us to take better care of patients."
The trial continues.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Six Extreme Deviations
Dr Alon Steinberg, a cardiologist, has given testimony at the trial of Dr Conrad Murray in which he claimed that Michael Jackson could still be alive if six 'extreme deviations' in his treatment had been avoided.
He went on to list six flaws in Conrad Murray's treatment.
Dr Murray, according to Dr Steinberg:
1 Should not have used Propofol.
2 Should not have given Jackson Propofol in a home without proper equipment, medical personnel or back-up.
3 Did not make sufficient preparations in case of an emergency.
4 Botched Jackson's care after his breathing stopped, 'inexcusably' giving CPR with one hand on a bed.
5 Took too long to call 911.
6 Failed to keep any medical records on Jackson to help treat him in an emergency.
The trial continues.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Jackson Healthier Than The Average Person
Dr Christopher Rogers, who conducted the autopsy on Michael Jackson, told the court hearing the trail of Dr Conrad Murray that Jackson was "healthier than the average person his age."
Dr Rogers was of the view that it was unreasonable that Jackson could have given himself a fatal dose of propofol. He went on to state that, in his view, Dr Murray overdosed Jackson when he incorrectly estimated how much of the drug he was giving him to induce sleep to fight insomnia.
The trial continues.
Dr Rogers was of the view that it was unreasonable that Jackson could have given himself a fatal dose of propofol. He went on to state that, in his view, Dr Murray overdosed Jackson when he incorrectly estimated how much of the drug he was giving him to induce sleep to fight insomnia.
The trial continues.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Friday, October 07, 2011
Riddled With Drugs
Dr Dan Anderson, the LA coroner's toxicologist, has testified at the trial of Dr Conrad Murray and stated that he detected significant amounts of the drugs propofol, lidocaine and lorazepam in Michael Jackson's body.
Dr Anderson took eight specimens, including samples from the heart,
liver, stomach and urine; all of which showed significant amounts of
sedatives and propofol.
However, the coroner's investigator Elissa Fleak (who went through Jackson's bedroom after his death) was savaged by Dr Murray's lawyer, Ed Chernoff, who asked:
"Would you agree with me that you made a substantial number of mistakes in your investigation?''
Ms Fleak, whilst denying that, did admit to the fact that her original hand-written notes were destroyed when they were transferred into an official report (this being the norm).
Mr Chernoff questioned Ms Fleak on her assertion that a bottle of propofol was found inside an IV bag, because Ms Fleak admitted that in her original notes she did not mention finding the propofol bottle inside the IV bag.
However, she strenuously denied suggestions that she had changed her findings to make them fit in with another witness.
However, the coroner's investigator Elissa Fleak (who went through Jackson's bedroom after his death) was savaged by Dr Murray's lawyer, Ed Chernoff, who asked:
"Would you agree with me that you made a substantial number of mistakes in your investigation?''
Ms Fleak, whilst denying that, did admit to the fact that her original hand-written notes were destroyed when they were transferred into an official report (this being the norm).
Mr Chernoff questioned Ms Fleak on her assertion that a bottle of propofol was found inside an IV bag, because Ms Fleak admitted that in her original notes she did not mention finding the propofol bottle inside the IV bag.
However, she strenuously denied suggestions that she had changed her findings to make them fit in with another witness.
Dr Murray's defence team claim that Jackson took the final extra, fatal dose of the drug once Dr Murray was out of the room.
The trial continues.
Thursday, October 06, 2011
Michael Jackson's Phone Call
During yesterday's hearing, at the trial of Dr Conrad Murray, the court were played the full tape recording made by Dr Murray of Jackson's drug addled phone call to the doctor made on 10 May 2009.
The four minute audio recording was found on Dr Murray's mobile phone by Stephen Marx, a forensic digital expert.
Quite why Dr Murray made the recording is open to speculation.
Mr Marx testified that he retrieved another recording from Dr Murray's phone, along with other files that showed the doctor busy emailing, texting and dealing with messages about insurance for Jackson's concerts.
Why would a doctor be involved in administration tasks such as this?
The trial continues.
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Four Gallons - "Maintaining My Instrument"
Nicole Alvarez, Dr Conrad Murray's girlfriend, has told the jury at the trial of Dr Murray that she received packages from a pharmacy (on behalf of Dr Murray) but that she did not know what they were.
Prosecutors told jurors last week that Murray received 255 propofol vials (4 gallons) at the apartment of Alvarez.
"I do remember receiving shipments ... every now and then." Alvarez (who does not come across as the "brightest pebble" on the beach) said.
Tim Lopez, the former owner of Applied Pharmacy in Las Vegas, told the court that he sent 255 vials of propofol by express delivery to the Santa Monica apartment after Murray told him it was the address for his medical office in California.
The prosecution also claim that Dr Murray called/texted various women (including Alvarez) in the short time leading up to Jackson's death and after it.
The trial continues.
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Dead on Arrival
As the trial of Dr Conrad Murray resumed this week, Dr Richelle Cooper told jurors that Dr Murray never mentioned that he had given Michael Jackson propofol.
She went on to say that she never asked Dr Murray to sign a death certificate because Jackson, once inside Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, became her patient. She stated that despite giving paramedics permission to pronounce Jackson dead, Dr Murray wanted resuscitation efforts to continue.
Dr Thao Nguyen, the hospital cardiologist who was on call the day Jackson died, said that she had asked Dr Murray whether Jackson had any drugs in his system. Murray said that Jackson had been given lorazepam, but did not mention any other drugs.
Dr Nguyen said:
"I asked whether there were other narcotics or sedatives besides adovan [lorazepam] that was given.
Nothing else. In that idea, like no other drugs."
The trial continues.
The trial continues.
Saturday, October 01, 2011
Details Missing
Doctor Richelle Cooper, trauma doctor at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Centre in Los Angeles, appeared as a witness at the trial of Dr Conrad Murray yesterday.
She stated that when Michael Jackson arrived at the hospital in an ambulance with Dr Murray, that she asked Dr Murray a number of questions including what medications Jackson had taken.
Dr Murray replied that he had administered only two 2mg doses of lorazepam (commonly used tranquiliser).
Dr Murray went to to speculate to Dr Cooper that the cause of Jackson's heart failure may have been dehydration, caused by overwork. Dr Murray did not mention that he had given Jackson the anaesthetic propofol, later found to have been the cause of Jackson’s death.
Dr Cooper told the court that, when Jackson arrived in the ambulance:
“He was clinically dead. He did not have a pulse.”
Prosecutors claim that there was a gap of at least 20 minutes between the time Dr Murray noticed that his patient was unresponsive, and calling the emergency services.
It is alleged by the prosecution that Dr Murray used that time to cover up what drugs he had been giving Jackson.
Richard Senneff, the paramedic dispatched to the Jackson mansion, also cast doubt on Dr Murray's openness with medical personnel at the time of Jackson's death.
Mr Senneff asked Dr Murray in Jackson's bedroom what condition Jackson had.
"He said, 'Nothing. He has nothing'."
The trial continues.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Dr Murray Panicked
Michael Jackson's former bodyguard, Alberto Alvarez, appeared at the trial of Dr Conrad Murray yesterday and told the court that Dr Murray grabbed vials of drugs from near the bed and ordered him to put them in bags.
Mr Alvarez was also told to remove a saline bag, contained a “milky white
substance” (Propofol) from an IV stand.
The jury was played a tape of Mr Alvarez's 911 call:"We have a guy here, he’s not breathing. We are trying to jump him."
Kia Chase, Michael Jackson's former chef, also took the stand in the trial of Dr Conrad Murray yesterday.
She said that Dr Murray was acting frantically at the scene of his death.
She said that Dr Murray came downstairs in a panic, calling for her to call security as well as Jackson's oldest son, Prince.
"I saw Dr Murray come down the stairs into the kitchen in a panic and
frantic," she told the packed courtroom.
His energy was very nervous and frantic and he was shouting 'get help, get security, get Prince', I dropped what I was doing and I ran to go get Prince."
The trial continues.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Day Two of Dr Conrad Murray's Trial
Michael Jackson’s personal assistant, Michael Amir Williams, was in court yesterday to testify on the second day of the trial of Dr Conrad Murray.
Mr Williams said that he first became aware there was a problem when Dr Murray rang him, frantically asking him to come to Jackson’s home. Dr Murray allegedly told him that Jackson had suffered a “bad reaction”, and that immediate help was needed.
However, Dr Murray did not ask Mr Williams to call 911.
Mr Williams described the scene in Jackson's bedroom, seeing Jackson's feet near the side of the bed on the ground.
Dr Murray was administering CPR, and appeared to be very nervous; Jackson appeared to be dead.
Dr Murray then asked Jackson's bodyguards if they knew CPR.
Later, in hospital, Mr Williams stated that Dr Murray approached him in a hallway of UCLA hospital just after Jackson was pronounced dead and allegedly said that there was some cream in Jackson's room that he wouldn’t want the world to know about.
Dr Murray then allegedly asked Mr Williams to drive him back to the house to get it.
Mr Williams refused.
He went on to testify that he Jackson’s bodyguard, Faheem Muhammed, not to let Dr Murray back into the house.
The trial continues.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
The "Perfect Storm"
The trial of Dr Conrad Murray, accused of involuntary manslaughter over Michael Jackson's sudden death in June 2009, has now begun.
Sadly, but not surprisingly, it has turned into something of a circus as fans of Jackson, a Jackson impersonator and detractors of Dr Murray thronged the pavements outside Los Angeles Superior Court.
The prosecution allege that Jackson was killed by Dr Murray's (on a monthly retainer of $150K); negligence. They showed a video of Jackson rehearsing less than 24 hours before he died, and then a photo of his dead body on a mortuary trolley.
Additionally, a voice recording of Jackson clearly under the influence of drugs, from May 2009, was also played to the jury.
The prosecution allege that Dr Murray gave Jackson the powerful anaesthetic propofol, as a sleep aid at the singer's Los Angeles mansion in June 2009, but then failed to monitor him.
The defence contend that Jackson self administered a variety of drugs (eg very high doses of Lorazepam) to such an extent that he created the "perfect storm" of drugs in his body.
In the US some are questioning the prosecution's "shock tactics", as members of the Jackson family and members of the jury were clearly distressed in court.
The trial continues.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Dr Conrad Murray's Trial
The trial of Dr Conrad Murray officially begins today, he is accused of delivering a fatal dose of anaesthetic to Michael Jackson.
Proceedings also will be televised and broadcast online.
During a pre-trial hearing last night, Nareg Gourjian, a lawyer for Murray, claimed that Jackson was unconscious backstage before his March 2009 London news conference for his This Is It concert series, and that he appeared drunk during the announcement itself.
Judge Michael Pastor, presiding over Murray's trial, has ruled that tape of the alleged incident should not be shown to jurors. The rationale being that the video was irrelevant, because it occurred months before Jackson died.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Dr Conrad Murray's Trial Starts Tuesday
The trial of Doctor Conrad Murray, for the alleged manslaughter of Michael Jackson, is set to begin this week with opening statements tomorrow (Tuesday).
However, lawyers for both prosecution and defence will be in court today (Monday) to settle pending motions before the trial starts.
The jury of 11 has been selected and is ready to listen to the evidence.
However, lawyers for both prosecution and defence will be in court today (Monday) to settle pending motions before the trial starts.
The jury of 11 has been selected and is ready to listen to the evidence.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Paramedic's Transcript Leaked
The UK's Daily Mirror has seen the transcript of Richard Senneff's (the LA paramedic who tried to save Michael Jackson) statement.
According to the Mirror, Senneff alleges that Dr Conrad Murray (when referring to Jackson) said:
"He doesn’t have a problem. He is fine.
He was practising all night. I’m just treating him for dehydration.”
According to the Mirror, Senneff alleges that Dr Conrad Murray (when referring to Jackson) said:
"He doesn’t have a problem. He is fine.
He was practising all night. I’m just treating him for dehydration.”
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Cash Poor, Asset Rich
Michael Jackson died cash poor, but asset rich.
Two years since his death there has been a dramatic turn around in his finances.
Court documents show that his estate has generated more than $310M, which has enabled executors to distribute a preliminary payment of $30M to Jackson's mother and children, and to unnamed charities.
Additionally, the estate has been able to pay off numerous approved creditors' claims as well as Jackson's income taxes.
Two years since his death there has been a dramatic turn around in his finances.
Court documents show that his estate has generated more than $310M, which has enabled executors to distribute a preliminary payment of $30M to Jackson's mother and children, and to unnamed charities.
Additionally, the estate has been able to pay off numerous approved creditors' claims as well as Jackson's income taxes.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Jury Search Commences
The search for jurors for the forthcoming trial of Doctor Conrad Murray has moved up a notch.
Prospective jurors have completed a 166 question (30 page questionnaire), which has whittled numbers down to 145 potential jurors cleared for further questioning.
Among the myriad of questions were the following:
- Have potential jurors read newspaper stories about Michael Jackson's death?
- Have they followed coverage of legal developments?
- Did they watch the funeral or memorial service for Jackson, or did they try to attend the services in person?
Prospective jurors have completed a 166 question (30 page questionnaire), which has whittled numbers down to 145 potential jurors cleared for further questioning.
Among the myriad of questions were the following:
- Have potential jurors read newspaper stories about Michael Jackson's death?
- Have they followed coverage of legal developments?
- Did they watch the funeral or memorial service for Jackson, or did they try to attend the services in person?
The next phase of juror selection will be in court questioning on
September 23rd.
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Jury Selection Begins
Jury selection for the trial of Dr Conrad Murray, for the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson, will begin today (Thursday).
The 2nd District Court of Appeals has denied a petition by Dr Murray's defence lawyers, who sought jury sequestration.
The Court of Appeals upheld the ruling of Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor, who said that round the clock isolation was unnecessary, prohibitively expensive and stressful for jurors.
Potential jurors will attend court this morning and complete a lengthy questionnaire.
The trial is scheduled begin in the last week in September.
The 2nd District Court of Appeals has denied a petition by Dr Murray's defence lawyers, who sought jury sequestration.
The Court of Appeals upheld the ruling of Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor, who said that round the clock isolation was unnecessary, prohibitively expensive and stressful for jurors.
Potential jurors will attend court this morning and complete a lengthy questionnaire.
The trial is scheduled begin in the last week in September.
Friday, September 02, 2011
DA's Office Want Files Sealed
The District Attorney's Office have filed a request with the LA Superior Court seeking to delay the release of fire department and coroner's office records to lawyers
handling civil litigation for Lloyd's of London, until after the upcoming trial of Dr Conrad Murray.
Lloyd's of London filed suit against concert promoters AEG Live in Los Angeles in June, seeking $17.5M compensation for the cancelation of a series of London shows Michael Jackson was rehearsing for just before he died.
The DA's office is worried that sensitive records may well leak to the media, if they are released to the insurers' lawyers, before the manslaughter trial of Dr Murray.
Lloyd's of London filed suit against concert promoters AEG Live in Los Angeles in June, seeking $17.5M compensation for the cancelation of a series of London shows Michael Jackson was rehearsing for just before he died.
The DA's office is worried that sensitive records may well leak to the media, if they are released to the insurers' lawyers, before the manslaughter trial of Dr Murray.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Judge Guts Murray's Defence
The Guardian reports that Judge Michael Pastor (the judge in the upcoming trial of doctor Conrad Murray) has "gutted" Dr Murray's defence. That at least is the opinion of Dr Murray's defence team.
For why?
Judge Pastor has rejected over a dozen of their proposed witnesses, and barred "distracting" testimony about Jackson's financial affairs, personal life and aspects of his medical history.
Judge Pastor has also, quite rightly, banned any testimony linked to Jackson's 2005 child molestation trial given that it is irrelevant to the trial of Conrad Murray.
The trial is scheduled to commence in September.
For why?
Judge Pastor has rejected over a dozen of their proposed witnesses, and barred "distracting" testimony about Jackson's financial affairs, personal life and aspects of his medical history.
Judge Pastor has also, quite rightly, banned any testimony linked to Jackson's 2005 child molestation trial given that it is irrelevant to the trial of Conrad Murray.
The trial is scheduled to commence in September.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Most Publicised Trial In History
Doctor Conrad Murray's lawyers have asked for a sequestered jury for the forthcoming involuntary manslaughter trial.
They are of the view that media coverage of high-profile trials (eg Casey Anthony) endangers a fair trial taking place.
The lawyers believe that that Dr. Murray's trial will be the most publicised in history. Hence the need to sequester the jury, ie to isolate the members from associating with anyone but their own company.
Judge Pastor will review the request, and a hearing is scheduled for August 25.
Jury selection is scheduled to start on September 8, and opening statements on September 26.
They are of the view that media coverage of high-profile trials (eg Casey Anthony) endangers a fair trial taking place.
The lawyers believe that that Dr. Murray's trial will be the most publicised in history. Hence the need to sequester the jury, ie to isolate the members from associating with anyone but their own company.
Judge Pastor will review the request, and a hearing is scheduled for August 25.
Jury selection is scheduled to start on September 8, and opening statements on September 26.
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Michael Jackson Perfume
I see that the media reports that there may be a range of Michael Jackson perfumes launched in due course.
FFS, he's dead!
How can a new product (devised after his death), with which he had no possible earthly connection or input, have any genuine connection to him aside from making his estate money?
FFS, he's dead!
How can a new product (devised after his death), with which he had no possible earthly connection or input, have any genuine connection to him aside from making his estate money?
Monday, August 01, 2011
What's In A Name?
Further problems have beset plans by Michael Jackson's mother (and three of his siblings) to hold a tribute concert in Cardiff on 8 October.
Aside from the fact that Jermaine and Randy Jackson are opposed to the event, the executors of Jackson's estate are none too pleased that permission has not been sought from them to use the name "Michael Jackson" in the concert.
The late star's name in it own right carries value, and those who seek to make money out of using it in concerts need permission from the estate.
Aside from the fact that Jermaine and Randy Jackson are opposed to the event, the executors of Jackson's estate are none too pleased that permission has not been sought from them to use the name "Michael Jackson" in the concert.
The late star's name in it own right carries value, and those who seek to make money out of using it in concerts need permission from the estate.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Sony Motion
Sony studios have asked Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor (the judge hearing Michael Jackson's manslaughter trial) to throw out a subpoena for footage of Jackson's final rehearsals.
Lawyers working for Sony Pictures Entertainment argue that neither prosecutors nor defence lawyers should be able to show the footage during the trial.
Judge Pastor will review the motion today.
Lawyers working for Sony Pictures Entertainment argue that neither prosecutors nor defence lawyers should be able to show the footage during the trial.
Judge Pastor will review the motion today.
Friday, July 08, 2011
Hearing Postponed
The hearing into the case of Dr Conrad Murray (the late Michael Jackson's doctor) has been postponed from 12 July to 20 July, because lawyers are viewing hundreds of hours of rehearsal footage from Jackson's "This Is It" concert.
Prosecutors want to show jurors clips from the film "This Is It" to prove that Jackson was healthy in the days leading up to his death. The defence, by contrast, wants to show that he was ill.
Prosecutors want to show jurors clips from the film "This Is It" to prove that Jackson was healthy in the days leading up to his death. The defence, by contrast, wants to show that he was ill.
Friday, July 01, 2011
Fulham Scores Own Goal
Fulham Football Club appears to have forgotten that it is primarily a football club. Not content with erecting a statue to Michale Jackson outside its grounds in April 2011, its club shop is now selling Jackson T shirts, mugs and memorabilia with the caption "Michael At The Cottage".
Unsurprisingly, the fans of the club are not particularly impressed with this.
Unsurprisingly, the fans of the club are not particularly impressed with this.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Top Earner
According to Forbes, which knows a thing or two about wealth, Michael Jackson (since his death 2 years ago) has earned $400M.
This is more than any other musician, living or dead, over the last 2 years.
This is more than any other musician, living or dead, over the last 2 years.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Insurer Seeks To Void Policy
The financial fallout and bickering from the death of Michael Jackson in 2009 continues unabated.
The media report that Lloyd's of London underwriter Cathedral Capital Ltd.'s syndicate 2010 is seeking to void a policy covering the risk of Michael Jackson not appearing at performances.
When Jackson died in 2009, AEG Live filed a claim for $17.5M for the nonappearance and cancellation of the concert. However, Cathedral Capital have now sued AEG. They allege that AEG have failed to provide necessary medical information and details about Dr. Conrad Murray (Jackson's doctor); this information would enable Cathedral to determine if the claim was valid.
The media report that Lloyd's of London underwriter Cathedral Capital Ltd.'s syndicate 2010 is seeking to void a policy covering the risk of Michael Jackson not appearing at performances.
When Jackson died in 2009, AEG Live filed a claim for $17.5M for the nonappearance and cancellation of the concert. However, Cathedral Capital have now sued AEG. They allege that AEG have failed to provide necessary medical information and details about Dr. Conrad Murray (Jackson's doctor); this information would enable Cathedral to determine if the claim was valid.
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Dr Conrad Murray's Trial Postponed
Following a request by lawyers acting for Dr Conrad Murray, Dr Murray's trial for involuntary manslaughter has been postponed until September this year.
The postponement was requested in order to enable the defence to prepare for new prosecution witnesses.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor will dismiss the prospective jurors.
The postponement was requested in order to enable the defence to prepare for new prosecution witnesses.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor will dismiss the prospective jurors.
Monday, April 04, 2011
Go To Hell!
The BBC reports that Mohammed Al Fayed (Chairman for Fulham Football Club) has told fans they can "go to hell" if they do not like the new Michael Jackson statue at Craven Cottage stadium.
Mr Al Fayed unveiled the statue yesterday, Michael Jackson was a friend of Mr Al Fayed.
It was commissioned in 2009 and was due to be erected at Harrods, until Mr Al Fayed sold the store.
Mr Al Fayed is quoted by the BBC:
"Why is it bizarre? Football fans love it."
"If some stupid fans don't understand and appreciate such a gift this guy gave to the world they can go to hell.
If they don't understand and don't believe in things I believe in they can go to Chelsea, they can go to anywhere else."
Mr Al Fayed unveiled the statue yesterday, Michael Jackson was a friend of Mr Al Fayed.
It was commissioned in 2009 and was due to be erected at Harrods, until Mr Al Fayed sold the store.
Mr Al Fayed is quoted by the BBC:
"Why is it bizarre? Football fans love it."
"If some stupid fans don't understand and appreciate such a gift this guy gave to the world they can go to hell.
If they don't understand and don't believe in things I believe in they can go to Chelsea, they can go to anywhere else."
Friday, March 25, 2011
Jury Selection Begins
The jury selection process for the trial in May of Dr Conrad Murray has commenced. Potential jurors who are available for the trial will be asked to fill out a 27 page questionnaire.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Dr Conrad Murray's Trial Delayed
The trial of Dr Conrad Murray for the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson has been delayed from 24 March until 9 May, in order to allow both sides more time to prepare.
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
TV Coverage Dr Conrad Murray's Trial
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has ruled that the trial of Dr Conrad Murray may be broadcast on TV, if the camera is unobtrusive.
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Yet Another Lawsuit!
Katherine Jackson, the late Michael Jackson's mother, has been given permission to proceed with her civil lawsuit against AEG Live.
Superior Court Judge Yvette M. Palazuelos rejected a motion by AEG Live to dismiss the case, which alleges that AEG Live was responsible for medical decisions made by Dr. Conrad Murray, who has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death.
The lawsuit was filed last September 15 on behalf of Katherine Jackson Michael Jackson's three children.
I don't know about anyone else, but I am beginning to lose track of all the litigation arising since Jackson died.
Superior Court Judge Yvette M. Palazuelos rejected a motion by AEG Live to dismiss the case, which alleges that AEG Live was responsible for medical decisions made by Dr. Conrad Murray, who has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death.
The lawsuit was filed last September 15 on behalf of Katherine Jackson Michael Jackson's three children.
I don't know about anyone else, but I am beginning to lose track of all the litigation arising since Jackson died.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Yet Another Lawsuit
The estate of the late Michael Jackson has filed a law suit in Los Angeles against, Howard Mann, a business partner of Katherine Jackson.
The suit alleges that memorabilia, created with her permission, and other commercial ventures constituted "wholesale misappropriation" of Michael Jackson's intellectual property.
The suit accuses Mann of "arrogant disregard" for the estate's rights and asks a judge to stop his company, Vintage Pop Media, from further use of Jackson's name, image and music.
The suit does not name Katherine Jackson.
The suit alleges that memorabilia, created with her permission, and other commercial ventures constituted "wholesale misappropriation" of Michael Jackson's intellectual property.
The suit accuses Mann of "arrogant disregard" for the estate's rights and asks a judge to stop his company, Vintage Pop Media, from further use of Jackson's name, image and music.
The suit does not name Katherine Jackson.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Dr Conrad Murray To Stand Trial
Judge Michael Pastor has ruled that there is enough evidence to proceed with a case for involuntary manslaughter against Dr Conrad Murray (the late Michael Jackson's doctor).
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Got Milk?
Detective Orlando Martinez has told the preliminary hearing into manslaughter charges against Dr Conrad Murray, that the late Michael Jackson told Dr Murray on the day he died that he would have to cancel his comeback concerts unless he had a dose of his "milk" (propofol).
The court also heard from pharmacist Tim Lopez, who claims that Dr Conrad Murray placed an order for 255 vials of propofol two months before Jackson's death.
The hearing continues.
The court also heard from pharmacist Tim Lopez, who claims that Dr Conrad Murray placed an order for 255 vials of propofol two months before Jackson's death.
The hearing continues.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Suicide Speculation
It appears that Dr Conrad Murray's defence lawyer, Michael Flanagan, is attempting to inject into the preliminary hearing in Los Angeles speculation that Michael Jackson may have committed suicide.
Mr Flanagan asked about the proximity of the needles:
"If a person about 136 pounds and 5'9" was on the bed, they should be able to reach them, right?"
The prosecution objected that this was speculation, and the judge concurred.
The hearing continues this week.
Mr Flanagan asked about the proximity of the needles:
"If a person about 136 pounds and 5'9" was on the bed, they should be able to reach them, right?"
The prosecution objected that this was speculation, and the judge concurred.
The hearing continues this week.
Thursday, January 06, 2011
The Alvarez Testimony
Alberto Alvarez, the late Michael Jackson's bodyguard, has testified during the preliminary hearing into the case against Dr Conrad Murray that Jackson's children came into the room when and in which Dr Murray was trying to resuscitate Jackson.
Mr Alvarez went on to tell the court in Los Angeles that he helped Dr Murray remove some medicine from the room, before the emergency services were contacted.
The hearing continues.
Mr Alvarez went on to tell the court in Los Angeles that he helped Dr Murray remove some medicine from the room, before the emergency services were contacted.
The hearing continues.
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Bodyguard To Testify
Alberto Alvarez, one of the late Michael Jackson's bodyguards, will testify on behalf of the prosecution today at the hearing against Dr Conrad Murray.
It is alleged that Dr Murray ordered Mr Alvarez to conceal syringes and other items before calling 911.
It is alleged that Dr Murray ordered Mr Alvarez to conceal syringes and other items before calling 911.
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Conrad Murray In Court Today
Dr Conrad Murray, the physician of the late Michael Jackson, will appear in a Los Angeles court today for a preliminary hearing (expected to last two weeks) presided over by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor to determine if there is enough evidence to hold a full trial of Dr Murray over allegations of involuntary manslaughter.
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