Dr. Conrad Murray’s lawyers will reportedly argue Michael Jackson killed himself at a preliminary hearing in the physician’s involuntary manslaughter case next week.
The physician is set to face trial over the involuntary manslaughter of the singer – who died of acute Propofol intoxication in June 2009. An initial hearing yesterday (Dec. 29) indicated his legal team plans to argue the King of Pop administered the lethal dose of the anesthetic 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 woke up 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 on Jan. 4. At that time, 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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source: eurweb.com
