Possible Smoking Gun Found in Dr. Conrad Murray Case Involving Michael Jackson

The 'smoking gun' that so many Michael Jackson fans have been looking for in the case against Dr. Conrad Murray has reportedly been found.

A published report today indicates the Dr. Murray, who faces criminal charges for his handling of Jackson prior to his death, never told paramedics who arrived at Jackson's house that he had given Propofol to the King of Pop.

Reportedly, Murray only told the EMT's that he had given Jackson the sedative Lorazepam to help Jackson sleep.

A doctor's failure to provide information this important to those trying to save his life is explosive and perhaps incriminating. At best, it suggests extreme negligence on part of the doctor and at worst, it suggests a dangerous cover-up.

While Murray awaits his trial, there is little doubt that prosecutors will use this report as evidence that Murray at least played a hand in the death of Michael Jackson.

Conrad Murray's conduct since the time of Jackson's death has been extremely odd at best. He has at times displayed bizarre behavior; at one point actually visiting Jackson's grave and allowing his picture to be taken doing so. He also allowed a British film crew to follow him around and shoot footage for a documentary that would be released after his trial. While allowing a crew to film him is not a criminal act, it would seem to be an extremely questionable idea given the seriousness of the charges he faces.

The Jackson family, in particular Jermaine Jackson, have suggested on several occasions that Conrad Murray seems to be getting off with a 'slap on the wrist', as the charges against him are involuntary manslaughter, and not more serious.

As this report was leaked today, it will be interesting to see how and if the prosecution will strengthen its charges against Murray and try to win extended prison time.

One significant factor not working in the favor of Murray is the court of public opinion. While during the later stages of his life Jackson was suspected by many to have engaged in inappropriate behavior with young boys, since his passing last June, the 'establishment' has, in many ways, followed the lead of his loyal fans and reassessed its view of Michael Jackson.

Among many tributes, recent months have seen Disneyworld reintroduce its Captain Emo attraction (shuttered years back when Jackson faced allegations), the National Film Archives have accepted Jackson's landmark music video Thriller as the first short film in its collection, and the Grammy Awards dedicated a good portion of its recent show in tribute to Jackson.

While ultimately Dr. Conrad Murray's fate will be decided in a court of law, any experienced prosecutor and defense attorney knows that the court of public opinion, particularly in a case involving a celebrity as well known as Michael Jackson, matters quite a bit.

If this report leaked today is indeed the 'smoking gun' that prosecutors surely hope it is, Dr. Conrad Murray could be facing trouble deeper than he imagined.

Source: TMZ Staff, "Dr. Conrad Murray Withheld Info About Propofol", tmz.com