The involuntary manslaughter trial against former Michael Jackson doctor Conrad Murray is officially winding down, as the defense called its final two witnesses to the stand Thursday (October 27). Day 19 featured crucial testimony from addiction expert Robert Waldman and the man believed to be the defense's star witness, Dr. Paul White, a propofol expert.
The Witnesses
� Dr. Robert Waldman, addiction expert
� Dr. Paul White, anesthesiologist and propofol expert
Key Testimony
� Dr. Waldman testified that in examining the records of Jackson's use and reception of the sedative Demerol, the singer received unusually large doses of the drug and that Jackson had started to become immune to its potency. Waldman admitted, after a heated cross-examination by the prosecution, that while Jackson seemed to have a dependency on the drug, he was not addicted to it.
� At one point during cross-examination, Waldman was asked if he would consider administering a dangerous or harmful drug to a patient if the patient requested it. Waldman's response: "Absolutely."
� Dr. White kicked off the afternoon session by explaining to the court that he has been researching the use and effects of propofol since 1983, six years before it was approved by the FDA.
� When asked by the defense if he could justify administering propofol to a patient and then leaving that patient unsupervised, as Murray is said to have done, White said, "Absolutely not." He also stated that he wouldn't have expected Jackson to die from the amount of propofol Murray claimed he administered to the pop star. White is expected to take the stand again Friday when the trial resumes at 8:45 a.m. PT.
Murray has pleaded not guilty to the charge of involuntary manslaughter. He faces four years in prison and the loss of his medical license.
Erica Leerhsen Erika Christensen Estella Warren Esther CaÒadas
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