Bodyguard to Testify Against Michael Jackson Doc
A bodyguard, who prosecutors say was ordered by the doctor charged in
Michael Jackson's death to conceal syringes and other items before calling 911, is expected to shed light on the chaotic efforts to revive the King of Pop.
Alberto Alvarez will testify Wednesday at a preliminary hearing against Dr. Conrad Murray about the doctor's attempts to revive the singer on June 25, 2009, his attorney said.
The bodyguard's testimony could provide key corroboration to the prosecutors' argument that Murray's actions demonstrated "an extreme deviation from the standard of care" by administering the powerful anesthetic propofol without the proper equipment, and also concealing it and botching efforts to resuscitate the singer.
An autopsy report found Jackson died from an overdose of propofol.
Deputy District Attorney David Walgren said Tuesday that Murray forced Alvarez, 34, to gather and conceal items before calling 911 to try to help Jackson. Walgren told a judge that he would present evidence that Murray waited as much as 21 minutes before calling for paramedics.
At the end of the preliminary hearing, which was expected to go into next week, a judge will rule whether there is enough evidence for Murray to stand trial on an involuntary manslaughter charge in the pop star's death. He faces up to four years in prison if convicted.
The Houston cardiologist has pleaded not guilty, and his attorneys have contended he did not give Jackson anything that "should have" killed the singer.
On Tuesday, Jackson friend and choreographer Kenny Ortega described how the singer appeared sick during one rehearsal days before his death and left early. The rehearsals were for a series of planned comeback concerts in London.
Ortega said after that incident, Murray "was upset that I had sent Michael home the night before and didn't allow him to rehearse."
The hearing, attended by international media and fans, provided another glimpse into the private life of Jackson, a one-time superstar who grew reclusive after his acquittal on child molestation charges in 2005.
He was described fondly by former workers, even though the singer wouldn't allow staff into his bedroom or even the second floor of his rented mansion.
It was in that room that Walgren said Murray was providing Jackson propofol roughly six times a week since being hired as the singer's personal physician in May 2009. It was also in that room where Jackson died, the prosecutor said, long before help was summoned.
Another bodyguard, Faheem Muhammad, testified that he saw Jackson lying on his bed, his eyes and mouth wide open, when he arrived. He described Murray as panicked, and that the doctor asked whether anyone knew CPR.
The hearing was expected to include testimony from police, coroner's officials and forensic experts who will describe the mix of sedatives found in Jackson's system.
Preliminary hearings have a lower burden of proof than trials, and defense attorneys rarely present a case. Murray's attorney, Ed Chernoff, did not make an opening statement.
The 57-year-old cardiologist passed notes to his attorney, but did not speak during Tuesday's proceedings.
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He's guilty as sin but I bet he never spends a day in prison. Why do you think Jackson hired him, so he could get propofol when he wanted it. Without an MD on his staff, he couldn't get it legally.
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Which part of "First, do no harm" did he not understand?
This guy belongs in prison.
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this doctor was supposedly a cardiologist and he had no idea how to hold his head up during a crisis and figure out how to do CPR on an unresponsive patient? where the hell did he get his medical license at?...even a nurses aide has to know how to do CPR on someone before they can get their certification...talk about a quack doctor
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Prosecutor's argument, Murray's (quack's) actions demonstrated "an EXTREME deviation from the standard of care". Doc & doesn't know CPR?? Nothing 2 kill, yet Propofol given in mansion not hospital? WAITING crucial minutes prior to 911? Case should be closed -vs- preliminary stage. GUILTY!!!!
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Americans always disgrace Michael Jackson by all means. Please just present and believe the facts. The whole world is waiting. Justice for Michael Jackson in many levels.
from Hong Kong
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Bottom line: Michael Jackson would be here alive today if not for this quack. GUILTY. He should go to prison PRONTO. Can't do CPR? Then eventually tries CPR ON A BED? How in the world can this guy sleep at night knowing he waited for so long to get help? Michael is dead because of him. We love you and miss you, Michael. God bless your children......maybe we will treat them better than we did you.
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Has anyone noticed the wording in the above paragraph, "his attorneys are saying that this doctor gave MJ something that SHOULD NOT HAVE KILLED HIM." Maybe it "should not have done so, but the fact still remains that it did. There is doubt in the word should itself. When someone uses it, it implies that they are not absolutely certain something will or will not happen. In any event, his behind "SHOULD" GO TO JAIL DEFINITELY, without any doubt whatsoever.
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