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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Refiled

The late Michael Jackson's father, Joe Jackson, has refiled a wrongful death lawsuit against Dr Conrad Murray who is charged over his son's death.

Joe Jackson has also added the Las Vegas pharmacy that sold Dr Murray the anaesthetic blamed for the death to the law suit.

Judge Nixes Joe's Death Suit

US District Judge John F. Walter has refused to hear the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Michael Jackson's father (Joe), and noted that Joe would not be likely to collect tens of millions of dollars in damages.

The case will be refiled in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Jackson Tops The Rich List

The late Michael Jackson has come top of the Forbes' Top-Earning Dead Celebrities list.

He earned $275M last year, more than the other 12 dead celebrities on the list combined. Additionally, Jackson has out earned all living "celebrities" with the exception of Oprah Winfrey.

The question is, what possible use is all this money to him now?

Money, Money, Money

The media reports that Joe Jackson (the late Michael Jackson's father) is seeking between $10M-$500M from Dr Conrad Murray via a wrongful death lawsuit.

Will that money bring Jackson's son back?

Another Day, Another Lawsuit

Now, in death, the late Michael Jackson has become a wealthy man again he (or rather his estate's money) is much in demand.

Dr Tohme Tohme, Michael Jackson's last business manager, has filed a lawsuit in LA seeking at least $2.3M from Jackson's estate.

He claims that he is entitled to revenue from various posthumous deals, including last year's "This Is It" documentary.

The case is scheduled for a court hearing on 7 October.

As ever, the legal profession is making a very comfortable living out of all of this.

More Money

The media report that Katherine Jackson, Michael Jackson's mother, has asked the court to increase her monthly allowance of $26K from the late Michael Jackson's estate.

Apparently she is having trouble making ends meet.