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.

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.

Dr Waldman did, however, contend that Jackson was "dependent" (ie had a physical need, but not destructive need, for a drug) on Demerol.

The trial continues.

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.

She and four other former patients gave testimony about Dr Murray's medical skills, and described him as a kind and generous physician.

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.

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.

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.