Delay in Michael Jackson's Death Trial

According to an article dated 16 October 2011 by Alan Duke, (CNN) Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial has been put on hold. Dr. Seven Shafer took the stand last Thursday and will continue his testimony when he returns from his father's funeral; the prosecution's expert anesthesiology testimony "...is expected to give a detailed scientific explanation of how propofol is metabolized."

Conrad Murray's defense team will present witnesses next week when the trial resumes. It seems that the defense has abandoned the theory that Jackson orally ingested the fatal dose of Propofol that coroner says caused the King of Pops demise. The defense is apparently now going with the Michael Jackson "self-injected the deadly dose by syringe" theory, and took eight Lorazepam tablets within two minutes.

The defense will call its witnesses to take the stand. Patients of Conrad Murray to take the stand. In my opinion, based on the case thus far there is no question about Murray's likability or treatment of prior patients. I have followed the Jackson death trial and agree with the prosecutors and their expert witnesses; Dr. Alon Steinberg, Cardiologist and Dr. Nadar Kamangar UCLA Sleep specialist. This is about negligence, standard of care and a doctor's responsibilities and obligations.

Patients of Conrad Murray may take the stand and testify as to how caring Murray is because he saved their lives, but that may open the door to analyzing his character fully. His debts, lawsuits, unpaid child support and how some patients felt abandoned when he left his private practice to work for Mr. Jackson.

However, this case is not about character opinions or Murray's personal life.

It is about the care he provided Michael Jackson. It seems that being the private physician of The King of Pop, a world-wide icon and superstar, went to Conrad Murray's head. The bottom line, as a doctor credited with saving lives Murray was willing to do every and anything to remain Michael Jackson's private doctor. The evidence shows that using his position, credentials and status, Murray ordered and shipped a powerful drug, Propofol, to the apartment of his girlfriend. Consider that for a moment.

Now ask yourself, if Michael Jackson had an addiction why would a doctor stockpile a supply of drugs for a patient? So far everything about this case, the evidence presented, the testimonies and the secretly taped conversation while Michael was doped up makes Murray appear to be a money chasing doc. What was the purpose of that tape? Did Michael even know it existed? Was Murray holding it as an ace-up-the-sleeve or planning to profit from its sale?

Obviously Murray knew that Jackson had some issues and suffered with insomnia, yet his actions are contrary to that of a physician with the best interest of his patient as a priority. Not to mention as Murray stated, someone he loved. Was Murray so star-struck that he was willing to do anything to remain in the presence of the King of Pop? Was Conrad Murray so money-hungry that he willingly became his patient's dealer? For the sake of argument, if Jackson was addicted and Murray was supplying his drugs what does that make him?

This is no different than a street dealer supplying illegal drugs to a junkie. Actually, there is one significant difference, Conrad Murray is a licensed doctor. Why was he more focused on gathering and hiding evidence as Jackson's bodyguard testified, rather than calling 911 and possibly saving his patient's life? What do street dealers do when they know that they are about to get busted? Get rid of the evidence, quite a parallel in reactions with reference to drug dealers.

As it stands the Jackson death trial shall continue, the defense will call its witnesses and in the end the jury will decide whether or not Conrad Murray is guilty of involuntary manslaughter or not. If found guilty the consequences for Murray's actions and in-actions are a mere slap on the wrist in my opinion. A man died while in Conrad Murray's care.