Week two of Dr. Conrad Murray's trial on an involuntary manslaughter charge kicked off today—and the testimony was detailed and heartbreaking.
Sensing a theme, here?
Taking the stand Monday to further the prosecution's version of how Jackson died on June 25, 2009, were two doctors who oversaw the futile resuscitation attempts made on Michael Jackson at UCLA Medical Center, two cell phone company reps, and, from Murray's camp, a former patient, a volunteer at his Houston office and a longtime friend.
Here's what popped during the long hours of clinical testimony:
1. Murray Really Didn't Want Jackson to Die: He's charged with involuntary manslaughter, which in and of itself means that the prosecution doesn't think Murray intended to kill Jackson. But while witnesses last week testified that Murray was hesitant about calling 911 and didn't mention propofol when paramedics asked what happened, a cardiologist on call when Jackson arrived at the ER testified that Murray desperately pleaded with them to not give up on the pop icon, even though an ER doc had authorized paramedics to pronounce him dead at 12:57 p.m. while they were still at Jackson's home. Dr. Thao Nguyen testified that Murray didn't mention propofol to her, either. The implication appears to be that Murray was terrified of Jackson dying—for reasons other than natural sentiment.
2. Jackson Died Twice: Though Dr. Richelle Cooper said that she authorized paramedics to call time of death at the Holmby Hills house, staffers at UCLA Medical Center worked on the singer for an hour and 13 minutes at Murray's behest. Jackson was officially pronounced dead—for all the world to know—at 2:26 p.m. "I did go to check on the children...they were crying," Cooper said. "They were fairly hysterical, being comforted by someone referred to as their nurse."
3. Life Goes On: Family matriarch Katherine Jackson was notably absent from the front row today. Michael's mother took a day off from court after attending last night's premiere of Cirque du Soleil's Jackson-themed show, The Immortal World Tour, in Montreal with Michael's three children. Katherine has been as vigilant as anybody as far as keeping on top of what's happening with Murray and these proceedings, but we're happy to see her take a break to spend quality time with the living. Prince, Paris and Blanket's cousins Jaffar and Jermajesty, as well as uncles Tito, Jackie and Marlon, were at the opening, as well. "The @cirque show last night was incredible! The dancers & acrobats were on fiya!!" Jackie tweeted today.