Michael Jackson Trial Update: Conrad Murray Refuses to Testify Further
As the testimonies for the 'involuntary manslaughter' trial end, Jackson's physician Dr. Conrad Murray told the judge that he will not add any other statements to his defence.
Closing arguments for the 22-day old case will start tomorrow, which is considered one of the final steps before the jurors begin to deliberate.
The doctor held up his hands over his mouth as if he was praying a few seconds before the Supreme Court Judge Michael Pastor asked the cardiologist if still wished to take the stand.
Pastor queried, "Have you made up your mind?"
"My decision is I will not testify in this matter," Dr. Murray responded. As he said that, he paused, looked at all his lawyers and seemed to sigh.
Judge Pastor also inquired him once more if the decision was entirely his. He also asked the lead attorney, Ed Chernoff, if he discussed this with Murray, along with his other rights and agreed.
"The court finds the defendant has knowingly, freely and explicitly waived his right to testify," the juror said. "I certainly will respect that decision."
This decision of was a result of a rigid interrogation by Dr. Paul White from the prosecution. The anaesthesia expert believes that Michael Jackson injected himself with the lethal amount of propofol when Murray left.
Deputy District Attorney David Walgren got White to confirm that Murray had indeed violated the physician's 'standard of care' repeatedly. The expert also told the jurors throughout the day's session that he would not have done what Murray did - which was handing the sleeping drug to Jackson.
However, Dr. Murray still left possibility of testifying next Monday, as he told Judge Pastor that no final decision has been made just yet. That leaves only him, for defence attorneys already declared that there are no more witnesses to be called.
Even though the physician has already pleaded not guilty in this case, he could still face up to a measly four years in prison plus the revocation of his medical license if found guilty.
Flip through the slideshow to view photos from yesterday's trial.