LOS ANGELES |
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The doctor charged in the death of pop star Michael Jackson removed evidence from the scene before seeking help when he found the singer unconscious, a prosecutor said on Tuesday.
The accusations came during a preliminary hearing in the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, who was caring for Jackson when he died of a drug overdose on June 25, 2009, and is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the singer's death.
Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney David Walgren said more than 20 minutes passed between the time Murray discovered the 50-year-old megastar in his bed not breathing and when a member of Jackson's security team called paramedics.
"It is important that at this point 911 (emergency service) has not been called or ordered to be called by Dr. Murray," Walgren told the judge in the Los Angeles courtroom, which included reporters and members of Jackson's family.
"Instead, Dr. Murray is having (a staff member) assist him in collecting medical evidence and various paraphernalia," Walgren said.
Jackson, among the best-selling recording artists of all time whose hits include "Thriller," died after a dose of the powerful anesthetic propofol that is typically used in surgery but which Jackson asked for as a sleep aid.
Murray, a Houston-based doctor with a second practice in Las Vegas, was hired to care for Jackson in advance of a series of concerts in London that were to have begun in July.
Prosecutors believe Murray administered an overdose of propofol. In the preliminary hearing, they will offer evidence to advance their theory, and a judge will determine if the facts are strong enough to bring Murray for a full trial, possibly in front of a jury.
Murray has admitted giving Jackson propofol, but has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
In a separate hearing last week, Walgren said prosecutors believe the defense will claim Jackson may have died by injecting himself with propofol. [nN29261854]
Prosecutors have said they expect to call as many as 30 witnesses in the preliminary hearing.
After opening statements, Walgren called longtime Jackson collaborator Kenny Ortega to the stand as Jackson's mother Katherine, his sister La Toya and brother Jackie looked on.
Legal experts expect the judge to rule that evidence does exist to force Murray to stand trial.
(Writing by Bob Tourtellotte; Editing by Doina Chiacu)
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