Jury selection starts in trial of Michael Jackson physician Dr. Conrad Murray

(CBS/KCBS/AP) LOS ANGELES - Jury selection began Thursday in the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, the physician accused of killing Michael Jackson in 2009.

Murray's defense attorneys are preparing their case after it was announced that the jury will not be sequestered during the anticipated five-week trial. They are worried media coverage could leak into the jury pool and are asking for the trial to be put on hold, reports CBS station KCBS.

Roughly 160 potential jurors began an initial screening Thursday as a small group of Jackson fans gathered outside. Jurors will have to fill out a 30-page questionnaire to determine their knowledge of the case.

Jury selection is expected to last another three days.

Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death.

Murray's lawyers are unhappy they will not be able to call witnesses to testify about Jackson's previous alleged use of Propofol, the powerful anesthetic linked to his death. A judge ruled that such testimony is not relevant in the case.

Attorneys for the 58-year-old Murray allege Jackson administered the deadly dose of Propofol himself.

Complete coverage of the Michael Jackson-Dr. Conrad Murray case on Crimesider