Dr. Conrad Murray's Defense: Lorazepam Killed Michael Jackson; Not Propofol
Oct. 13 2011, Published 3:00 p.m. ET
Dr. Conrad Murray's legal team disagrees with the finding that Michael Jackson died of acute Propofol intoxication and will tell jurors when they present their case that the King of Pop died of a Lorazepam overdose, RadarOnline.com is exclusively reporting.
"This case isn't about Propofol, Michael Jackson didn't die from that. He died because of extremely high level of Lorazepam found in his body,” a source close to Dr. Murray tells RadarOnline.com.
“The defense whole heartedly disagrees with the findings of the coroner that Michael Jackson died of acute Propofol intoxication. Michael Jackson's death certificate lists acute Propofol intoxication as the official cause of death, with other contributing factors of death: benzodiazepine effect. The benzodiazepine is Lorazepam," the source adds.
Dr. Murray's attorney, Michael Flanagan, told Los Angeles Judge Pastor on Wednesday that they wouldn't be pursuing the theory that Jackson ingested Propofol, because medical studies they consulted wouldn't support their position. However, the defense isn't abandoning the contention that Michael Jackson self administered the Propofol.
"The defense will present experts that will say Michael Jackson self administered a dose of Propofol, but that isn't what killed him. It was the Lorazepam," the insider says.
The defense will have a hard time convincing jurors that Michael Jackson overdosed on Lorazepam because his fingerprints WEREN'T found on the prescription bottles that were recovered from his nightstand. "Michael Jackson's fingerprints weren't on any of the Lorazepam bottles taken from his nightstand, " a law enforcement insider reveals.
As RadarOnline.com previously reported, Michael Jackson's fingerprints weren't found on any of the Propofol bottles, i.v. tubing, or syringes recovered by cops.
"Dr. Murray won't be taking the stand in his defense, his lawyers have decided. He wouldn't be able to withstand the grilling by the D.A., period. Of course, that could change, but unless something drastic happens, Dr. Murray won't testify," the source says.
The D.A. is expected to rest their case after calling one more expert witness, an anesthesiologist; then, the defense will have its turn to present its case.
If convicted of involuntary manslaughter, Dr. Murray faces up to four years in state prison.
You can watch the trial live, here on RadarOnline.com.
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LIVE STREAM: Dr. Conrad Murray On Trial In Michael Jackson’s Death – Watch It Here Live
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