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Dr. Conrad Murray is accused of involuntary manslaughter (Getty Images) |
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LOS ANGELES (KTLA) -- The judge in the manslaughter trial of Michael Jackson's physician decided Monday to delay the trial until September.
Dr. Conrad Murray is accused of giving Jackson a lethal dose of propofol mixed with other sedatives June 25, 2009. He has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter.
Superior Judge Michael Pastor, during a Monday morning hearing, asked Murray if he agreed with a delay.
"I believe it is in the best interest of all parties involved," Murray told the judge.
Jury selection, which began in late March, was expected to conclude this week. Opening statements and testimony had been schedule to begin next Monday.
"We have to pause for a moment and take a breath," Pastor said. "All of us should be ready before we go into further proceedings with a jury." He said the jury selection will begin around September 8, and opening statements could begin on September 20.
The delay is likely to mean the 171 potential jurors already "hardship qualified" for a two-month trial will be dismissed and the jury selection process will start from scratch.
Last month, Pastor ruled that prosecutors can use rehearsal footage of the late pop singer, as well as photos from his autopsy.
The judge also barred prosecutors from using information about Murray's personal life, including details about extramarital affairs and out-of-wedlock children.
Instead, Pastor said, he wants both sides to focus on Murray's medical care of Jackson before his death.
To that end, he also ruled that the defense cannot use evidence about Jackson's mounting debt and pending lawsuits.
Murray's lawyers had planned to argue that Jackson's desperate financial situation led him take a fatal dose of propofol.
Potential jurors have been asked to fill out an extended questionnaire about their knowledge in the case.
Prosecutors contend the Houston-based cardiologist was on the phone and distracted after administering a powerful anesthetic to Jackson.
They also believe the singer was dead by the time Murray summoned help.
Pastor has ruled that cameras will be allowed in the courtroom.
The case is expected to last about two months.
Murray faces a maximum of four years in prison if convicted of involuntary manslaughter.
At a preliminary hearing in January, a security guard testified he was told to place vials of medicine in bags before calling 911.
Dr. Conrad Murray is accused of giving Jackson a lethal dose of propofol mixed with other sedatives June 25, 2009. He has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter.
Superior Judge Michael Pastor, during a Monday morning hearing, asked Murray if he agreed with a delay.
"I believe it is in the best interest of all parties involved," Murray told the judge.
Jury selection, which began in late March, was expected to conclude this week. Opening statements and testimony had been schedule to begin next Monday.
"We have to pause for a moment and take a breath," Pastor said. "All of us should be ready before we go into further proceedings with a jury." He said the jury selection will begin around September 8, and opening statements could begin on September 20.
The delay is likely to mean the 171 potential jurors already "hardship qualified" for a two-month trial will be dismissed and the jury selection process will start from scratch.
Last month, Pastor ruled that prosecutors can use rehearsal footage of the late pop singer, as well as photos from his autopsy.
The judge also barred prosecutors from using information about Murray's personal life, including details about extramarital affairs and out-of-wedlock children.
Instead, Pastor said, he wants both sides to focus on Murray's medical care of Jackson before his death.
To that end, he also ruled that the defense cannot use evidence about Jackson's mounting debt and pending lawsuits.
Murray's lawyers had planned to argue that Jackson's desperate financial situation led him take a fatal dose of propofol.
Potential jurors have been asked to fill out an extended questionnaire about their knowledge in the case.
Prosecutors contend the Houston-based cardiologist was on the phone and distracted after administering a powerful anesthetic to Jackson.
They also believe the singer was dead by the time Murray summoned help.
Pastor has ruled that cameras will be allowed in the courtroom.
The case is expected to last about two months.
Murray faces a maximum of four years in prison if convicted of involuntary manslaughter.
At a preliminary hearing in January, a security guard testified he was told to place vials of medicine in bags before calling 911.
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