Michael Jackson family appears "shocked" by audio

(CBS News) 

It was an emotional first day Monday in the manslaughter trial of Michael Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray. The defendant shed tears, and so did Jackson's mother.

CBS News national correspondent Ben Tracy reports prosecutors began their case by showing photos of Jackson's lifeless body on a gurney and the room in which he died in June of 2009. Then they played an audio recording of Jackson, said to be made by Murray.

Complete coverage of the Conrad Murray trial from CBSNews.com and Crimesider

Jackson is heard saying, "When people leave this show, I want them to say, 'I've never seen nothing like this in my life. I've never seen nothing like this. Go. It's amazing, He's the greatest entertainer in the world.'"

The words are slurred and barely recognizable.

"Everybody was stunned in that courtroom," Jean Casarez, a correspondent for "In Session" on TruTV who sat near the Jackson family as the audio was played, tells "The Early Show".

"We had never heard a Michael Jackson like that. But the family was sitting in front of me and there were nine of them altogether. They were very stoic, paying attention to the prosecution's opening when this audio tape began to be played. They started looking at each other, they were concerned. They were shocked. They were stunned. You could tell they didn't know about this tape and they didn't like what they were hearing."

"You know, you say to yourself, Michael Jackson is suddenly on trial, but this is what the prosecution is trying to do. They are trying to show that Conrad Murray, who they say recorded it on his own iPhone, saw Michael Jackson, knew this was happening, but continued to buy propofol and other drugs for Michael Jackson," adds Casarez. "They're going into the state of mind of Conrad Murray to show the gross negligence, the deviation from a standard of care that a doctor should have toward a patient."

Prosecutors say in the last two months of Jackson's life he was given propofol on a daily basis by Murray, with the doctor ordering hundreds of vials of the powerful drug.

But the defense says it was Jackson who ultimately killed himself while Murray was in the bathroom.

"Michael Jackson self-administered a dose of propofol that with the lorazapam created a perfect storm in his body that killed him instantly," argued Ed Chernoff, Murray's attorney.

"It's hard to imagine two opening statements being more different," says CBS News legal analyst Trent Copeland. "The prosecution's was slick, almost perfectly choreographed. On the other hand, the defense seemed to be more meandering."

But Murray became emotional as his lawyers talked of his friendship with the singer.

Chernoff said "Jackson would share with (my client) things about his childhood, his family, life, dreams and hopes. They were friends first."

Murray has pleaded not guilty and faces four years in prison and the loss of his medical license if convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

When asked about the defense's strategy, Casarez said the focus is likely to remain on Jackson's responsibility in his own death, and an effort to show Murray as trying to wean the pop icon off propofol.

At the heart of the defense team's strategy, says Casarez, will be an argument that, "when Conrad Murray walked out of the room to go to the restroom that morning of June 25th, he never would have imagined that Michael Jackson took eight pills of an anti-anxiety medication and then ingested the propofol, and when he came back, he was dead. That's the defense theory right there."

Casarez says it's "very likely" Murry himself take the stand himself during the course of the trial.

"Only two people in the bedroom, Conrad Murray and Michael Jackson. One is deceased. The other one - Dr. Murray - can take the stand to talk about what happened and to talk about how, in good faith, he was treating Michael Jackson and did not violate that standard of care. The defense is going to say maybe there was negligence here all the way but that is a medical malpractice claim and that should not be in this criminal court."

[holyghost1]

How many times are we going to hear stories of celebrities out of control, taking medications to calm them down--hiring doctors to give them whatever they want, whenever they want. It's an insult to the sane mind. His family should have intervened a long time ago already. They are the most guilty party here. If you pay a doctor enough money, they give you anything you want. Put this and Michael's death to rest...

[Leo_vargas]

Alcohol withdrawal, panic attacks, insomnia, anxiety disorders, or simply wanting to calm down from too much stress. What do these classes of drugs known as benzodiazepines do and what do they feel like?

If you are having a panic attack, and you're having difficulty breathing, and you think you might be having a heart attack because your left arm is numb, then chances are, you're going to want to take a chill pill.

Findyourdrug.com

[CayleeMarieAnthony]

Please sign this petition for the Federal Gov't. to try Casey Anthony~She made a MOCKERY of our justice system... The Federal Government NEEDS to review their options under the Dual Sovereignty Doctrine. President Obama will review it and respond after Oct. 22nd. https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions#!/petition/try-casey-anthony-federal-court-lying-fbi-investigators/KCkZwXSD

[windrider160]

Sorry but the CONSTITUTION forbids trying someone for the same crime twice. Our justice system worked EXACTLY the way it was supposed to work in Anthony's trial. The prosecutor had a very weak case to begin with, overcharged it, spent two years releasing inflammatory and prejudicial materials in the media hoping to taint the jury pool and when it came time to actually PROVE the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, he failed miserably. The Federal government is NOT going to put Anthony on trial a second time. This case is over and done with. Move on.

[joannsd]

Wow it shocks me everytime I read comments from americans that do not bother to get facts before opening their mouths. Mj had severe medical injuries from burns to a bad back (like so many other americans) and like so many other americans he also suffered from panic attacks being that famous and talented and people constantly in your face following your everymove and watching you so closely you cant even pee in private. who wouldnt suffer from a panic attack. So he took meds for those conditions what american doesnt take some sort of med for high blood pressure etc. That does not make him an addict. For those stupid individuals that dont understand get a dictionary and look it up addict and look up treatments for pain. Did any of you know their are non narcotic meds for pain? Did you know that he took those? No you dont so then how do you know what an addict is duh. For the dumb usmc sgt their is a reason you are not in reread your comment. The FACTS are that Coroners said he was killed by leathal injection of propofol that if you look up the medication states has to be monitored as a doctor that works their are alot of wrongs here patients should never be alone with that med in the room if he had to pee why didnt he take the meds with him ? why didnt he have security watch him while he pee'd ? why didnt he hav a nurse helping him? that is standard protical i knw i work at a hospital. None of the procedures that are in a Doctors Licensing were followed in this case, not by the Dr not by the pharmacy that allowed that much medication etc so the case is about the Negligance by the Dr and now an innocent man is dead the shock of the family was because mj had been complaining to them about side effects that he did not like this medication and they had no idea how bad those side effects were until they heard them and why on earth would the dr record that unless he knew he was breaking protocal and needed to protect his ass ?? why else would you try to protect yourself ?? Hello people look at the facts of the trial not all the bs you have heard in mags and news stories duh ...its FAKE to sell **** hello and not by Mj or his family they make enough money they dont need to sell mags that is all made up I know i have been interviewed at the hospital and watched the media turn it around to make money they didnt even get one fact correct mjs brother said the day he arrived to court in pjs is because he was injuried he fell at home and was in severe pain but the judge didnt care and thought it was a stunt to get out of court so mj didnt have a choice he had to go to court straight from the hospital like i said people get your facts the family doesnt need publicity good or bad right now they need answers so they can have closure and We r praying for them and that they get closure and we are praying for them to be blessed with comfort right now as they find their answers that they tried to get before the trial but were unable to. May they all find peace Mj you are loved by all and many please dont listen to those that fall to the bs of mags to sell their stuff God please stay with the jacksons exspecially those poor kids , protect them so they dont have to see the mean things stupid idots that dont know facts say , may they have the knowledge to know better and may they be blessed with the strength to face each day without their dad but keep the ablity to hold him close to their hearts forever AMEN ...

[bluesky71]

My interpretation of the jumble above: You don't assign an iota of blame to Michael Jackson. You find fault with the public for being constantly in his face, the medical community for botching his care, and the media for distorting the facts. Your closing sentence shows almost a reverence for Michael and his family.

Keep in mind that it was Michael who put himself in this position. Ultimately, he chose his lifestyle. He loved the fan-worship. He could afford the best medical care available. At worst, he tolerated the media; at best, he enjoyed the needed attention it provides to all entertainers. Without media attention, how would he have become a superstar? So I don't quite share your sympathy. There are others in this society who are far my sympathetic figures than Michael Jackson.

[carolo43]

Jackson is said to be a drug addict since his head got burned doing the Pepsi commerical in 1987. That's 27 years of drug abuse. Six years ago he showed up for court in his pajamas can had to be walked in by two men. Again screwed up. Why this family acts all surprised at this drug abuse now I find ludercious. Two of Michaels siblings were on Larry King years ago and said then he was a drug addict and now it's a big surprise?

[cbsnewswensbc]

These facts of the case are undisputed. The coroner has determined that MJ died of propofol intoxication. Propofol was being administered by Dr. Murray to MJ when he died. Dr. Murray was responsible as a physician to monitor MJ during the propofol administration. Dr. Murray failed to provide proper care as evidenced by the fact that MJ is dead.

The defense will try to throw up some smoke try to make you look at other things but in the end these facts are undisputed. Dr. Murray is guilty of involuntary manslaughter.

[thezen2580]

not falling for the scheme they are trying to get the public!!! Michael Jackson was pumped full of drugs and Conrad Murray taped it so everyone would believe Michael was a drug addict!! Michael Jackson cryed out for help to save himself numerous times his life was in danger!! even his kids included!! no one saved him!! Conrad Murray was brought in and gained Michael's trust and the the staff was given orders as well!! no phone in the house ! no security tapes were found! it was a set-up from the beginning to murder Michael!! tight security all around Michael to keep everyone away from him!! its plain to see this is Premediated Murder!!!! yes the family was shocked because Michael wasnt a drug addict!! this is my opinion!!

[Jaylah54]

So we're now expected to believe that the Jackson family was completely unaware of the fact that Michael was a junkie?

Denial ain't just a river in Egypt.

[erasmus111]

They are not denying that he was addicted to prescription drugs. Painkillers and sleeping pills. What they and everyone else is shocked about is how he sounded on the tape. No one has ever heard him in that condition.

[sallychicago]

What I get from this is that the family knew he was addicted but not to that extent.

[blindersoff]

I'm not a doctor and I know the hippocratic oath. FIRST DO NO HARM. This drug is like a coma. It's not sleep. AEG is responsible for hiring this doctor at Michael Jackson's request. People saying mean things are only reflecting what idiots they are. I guarantee anyone in this country as at LEAST one person in their family with a struggle with drugs. Immediate or extended family, if they deny it, they are lying.

[bluesky71]

I suspect the vast majority of people saying "mean" things know very well how difficult it is to overcome a drug addiction. But this CBS story isn't about that. It's about the perception that his family was "shocked" to hear Michael's voice when he was under the influence. I think that's fair game. See my posting below.

[tuggasma]

Enuff already about a dead junkie! If you must air this krap, limit it to the L A area, huh?