Michael Jackson 'dead' when doctor called help, court is told

Published on Tuesday 4 January 2011 19:18

MICHAEL Jackson was already dead when his physician summoned help, a prosecutor said yesterday.

David Walgren was opening a preliminary hearing in Los Angeles to decide whether Dr Conrad Murray should stand trial for involuntary manslaughter.

Mr Walgren said evidence would show that Murray also tried to conceal his administering the powerful anaesthetic propofol to the pop superstar, ordering a bodyguard to collect items before paramedics were called.

Jackson died in June 2009, and authorities contend Murray gave him a lethal dose of propofol and other sedatives in the bedroom of his rented mansion.

"The evidence will show through the expert testimony, by all accounts, Michael Jackson was dead in the bedroom at 100 North Carrolwood prior to the paramedics arriving," Mr Walgren said.

Murray's lawyer, Ed Chernoff, declined to give an opening statement.

At the end of the hearing, a judge will determine whether there is enough evidence for Murray to stand trial.

The cardiologist has pleaded not guilty and his lawyers have said he did not give Jackson anything that should have killed him.

The highly-anticipated hearing opened with a little star power. The prosecution's first witness was Kenny Ortega, a choreographer working on Jackson's final concert series and who later directed the concert film This Is It, which was based on rehearsal footage.

Mr Walgren said he will rely on Murray's statements to police, as well as text messages, phone records and testimony to show the doctor should stand trial.

He said evidence will show Murray waited at least 21 minutes to call for an ambulance and ordered a bodyguard to help him clean up evidence before summoning help.

In the most favourable interpretation, Mr Walgren said, Murray waited at least nine minutes before calling paramedics. He faulted the doctor in opening statements for performing chest compressions during his attempt to resuscitate Jackson with one hand on his bed, rather than a hard surface as is generally required.

Mr Walgren also plans to call several experts whom he said would testify, "there are a number of actions displayed by Dr Murray that show an extreme deviation from the standard of care".

The prosecutor also said he would call a bodyguard who would testify that Murray ordered him to collect items from Jackson's bedroom.

Mr Walgren said Murray had been giving Jackson propofol, an anaesthetic normally administered in hospital settings, six nights a week for roughly two months before his death. Jackson's mother, Katherine, his sister, LaToya, and brother Jermaine attended the proceedings.The presence of Mr Ortega suggested the hearing will also focus on Jackson's preparations for his the London comeback shows. Mr Walgren said that two days before his death, the singer had a "fabulous" rehearsal and was set to go to London in a few days.

A handful of Jackson fans staked out the courthouse, displaying signs seeking justice. A few dozen more waited in line for a lottery in which five courtroom seats were awarded to the public.

Outside the courthouse, Sean Kang of New York City wore a replica of a Jackson performance jacket and a sequinned glove to show his support for his fallen idol.

Mr Kang, 35, shivered slightly while waiting with other fans for Murray's arrival.

"My heart is very cold to Dr Conrad Murray," he said.

Later, Mr Ortega told the judge that Jackson seemed unwell and not in condition six days before he died. He said Jackson went home early from rehearsals at his suggestion.

Mr Ortega says Murray suggested that Jackson should not have been sent home because he was physically and emotionally fine.