Michael Jackson doctor defence may say singer killed self

LOS ANGELES, (Reuters) – Lawyers for the doctor  charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael  Jackson could claim the pop star killed himself when a hearing  begins next week, a prosecutor said yesterday.

In a court session to discuss evidence in the case against  Dr. Conrad Murray, Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney David  Walgren said he believes it is clear defense attorneys are  looking into that theory, which has long been a consideration.

Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson

Outside the courtroom, Murray’s attorney J. Michael  Flanagan declined to comment on Walgren’s statement.

“I’m not going to respond to that characterization. But  apparently it is a consideration of Mr. Walgren,” Flanagan told  reporters.

Walgren spoke at a hearing in which a judge cleared the way  for Murray’s defense to test residue from syringes and an IV  tube used to administer drugs to Jackson.

The “Thriller” singer died at age 50 on June 25, 2009, of  an overdose of prescription drugs, primarily the powerful  anesthetic propofol which can be used in surgery. Other drugs  in Jackson’s system included lorazepam, known under the brand  names Ativan and Temesta, and diazepam, the generic version of  Valium.

Murray, hired as Jackson’s physician while the singer  prepared for a series of concerts that would have begun in July  2009, has admitted giving Jackson propofol to help him sleep.  But Murray has pleaded not guilty to the charge of involuntary  manslaughter.

The court session on the syringe testing came only days  before a Jan. 4 start date for a preliminary hearing in which a  judge will decide if there is enough evidence against Murray to  proceed to a full trial.

Representatives for the prosecution and defense told  Reuters they expect the preliminary hearing to begin as planned  and take roughly two weeks to complete.