The long-awaited trial of the doctor charged in Michael Jackson’s drug death was delayed Monday for four months, with a judge saying defense lawyers needed additional preparation time to effectively represent their client. Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor said he was more concerned with justice for Dr. Conrad Murray than with the speed of the proceedings.
Murray, who had insisted on a speedy trial, waived that right and agreed to start jury selection anew on Sept. 8. Lawyers estimated opening statements would begin Sept. 20. Attorneys for Murray filed a motion Sunday complaining about the last-minute addition of expert witnesses to the prosecution case and saying they needed at least two weeks to find experts of their own and have them prepare reports. They also are trying to get raw footage from Jackson’s posthumous concert movie, “This Is It.”
Prosecutors plan to use clips to show Jackson was in good health just before he died. Pastor said he did not think two weeks was sufficient for the defense to accomplish its goals. The Murray defense has posed the theory that Jackson, who was desperate for sleep, swallowed more propofol than the doctor gave him. The drug normally is administered intravenously.
The prosecution presented new reports last week from two experts who say it’s impossible to overdose by taking the drug orally because it would not be absorbed into the intestines.
