Monday, October 31, 2011

Michael Jackson caused his own death, defense witness argues

Dr. Paul White argues pop star gave himself the lethal dose

Dr. Paul White, an anesthesiologist and propofol expert, holds a bottle of propofol during the final stage of Dr. Conrad Murray's defense during Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial in the death of singer Michael Jackson.
Pool/Getty Images
Dr. Paul White, an anesthesiologist and propofol expert, holds a bottle of propofol during the final stage of Dr. Conrad Murray's defense during Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial in the death of singer Michael Jackson.
Pop star Michael Jackson caused his own death, a defense witness argued on Saturday.
Dr. Paul White said, based on the coroners' report, that Jackson gave himself the fatal dose of propofol and also gave himself an sedative orally after an original propofol infusion by Dr. Conrad Murray failed to put him to sleep, the Associated Press reported.
Murray, Jackson's personal doctor, is on trial for involuntary manslaughter in the singer's death.
White said that Murray's original dose would have taken 10-15 minutes to work, giving Jackson ample time to inject himself with more once Murray left the room.
That, combined with additional drugs in his body, is what killed him, according to the witness.
"It potentially could have lethal consequences," said White. "... I think the combination effect would be very, very profound."
The prosecution argued last week that Murray gave Jackson as much propofol as he requested, no matter the consequences. Dr. Steven Shafer testified that Jackson would have been groggy from the medicine Murray had already administered - and could not have given himself the drug, according to the AP.
He can't give himself an injection if he's asleep," Shafer reportedly said.
Murray has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

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