Jurors hear audio of Michael Jackson slurring words at manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray
(CBS/AP) LOS ANGELES - Jurors at the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, who is charged in Michael Jackson's death, heard an audio recording of the pop superstar slurring his words and talking about his upcoming concerts while under the influence of the very powerful anesthetic propofol.
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In addition, jurors saw a photo of Jackson's pale body lying on a gurney after he died from an overdose on the drug.The recording and image played a major role in the prosecution's multimedia presentation in Tuesday's opening argument.Deputy District Attorney David Walgren introduced the voice recording made on May 10, 2009 on Murray's Iphone. Walgren told jurors the recording indicates Murray's knowledge of the state of the pop star and knowledge of what Murray was doing to Jackson a month and a half before his death.
On the recording Jackson's voice was unrecognizable. He was speaking slowly and Walgren described the singer as highly under the influence during the conversation.
"When people leave my show, I want them to say, "I've never seen nothing like this in my life," the slurred voice on the recording says.
It was the first time the audio was disclosed or played in public. After playing the clip once Walgren asked for the audio to be turned up to make his point that Murray should have known better than to continue to give Jackson the highly potent anesthetic.
On June 25, 2009, Jackson died of an overdose of propofol.
"What happened during that itme frame is that the acts and omission of Michael Jackson's personal doctor Conrad Murray directly led to his premature death at age 50," Walgren told jurors.
He said Jackson trusted Murray as his physician.
"That misplaced trust in Conrad Murray cost Michael Jackson his life," Walgren said.
Walgren also provided details on shipments of propofol sent to Murray, saying the physician was sent more than four gallons of the anesthetic in the time he worked for Jackson.
Murray has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter and he and his attorneys have denied he gave Jackson anything that should have killed the pop superstar.
A number of Jackson's family members were in the courthouse, including
his father Joseph, mother Katherine, sisters LaToya and Janet, and
brothers Jermaine, Randy and Tito.
Witness testimony is expected to begin later in the day.
Complete coverage of the Michael Jackson - Dr. Conrad Murray case on Crimesider
