About Michael Jackson's death

Katherine Jackson Sues AEG Over Michael's Death



Katherine Jackson and Michael Jackson's children are suing AEG Live -- claiming the company breached its agreement to provide physical care for Michael Jackson -- and that AEG was negligent in their hiring of Dr. Conrad Murray as MJ's physician.


In the suit, Katherine claims AEG's contract with Michael "created a legal duty for AEG to act reasonably toward the physical well-being of Michael Jackson."

In the document, Katherine also blames AEG for hiring Dr. Murray without a proper background check -- claiming, "AEG did not provide a doctor who was truly looking out for Jackson's well-being and did not provide equipment."

The suit also alleges AEG caused emotional distress to Michael's son Prince because he witnessed Michael suffering and dying, and "he was put in a position as bystander to these tragic events."

Kenny Ortega, who produced the planned London concerts for Michael, is also named as a defendant.

The attorney who filed the suit, Brian J. Panish, released a statement saying, "The purpose of this lawsuit is to prove to the world the truth about what happened to Michael Jackson, once and for all."

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TMZ

JACKSON FAMILY LAWSUIT BLAMES AEG FOR MICHAEL'S DEATH

Wed Sep 15, 2010 @ 05:59PM PST
By Matthew Belloni

Michael Jackson's family has sued AEG Live claiming the event production company is responsible for Jackson's death.

Here's the complaint, filed today in Los Angeles Superior Court by Katherine Jackson on behalf of the family. The lawsuit claims AEG, president and CEO Tim Leiweke, Anschutz Entertainment and others are responsible for Jackson's death because his contract with AEG for the planned "This Is It" tour created a legal duty to keep him healthy.

"By the nature of their contractual, joint-venture, and special relationship, AEG had legal duties to Michael Jackson to treat him safely and to not put him in harms' way," the lawsuit alleges. "But AEG, despite its knowledge of Michael Jackson's physical condition, breached those duties by putting its desire for massive profits from the tour over the health and safety of Michael Jackson."

The Jackson family says AEG was negligent in insisting that Jackson drop his own doctor and use Dr. Conrad Murray, hired by AEG to care for Jackson in advance of the concerts. Murray allegedly administered Propofol without necessary resuscitation equipment or nursing support, and Jackson died with the drug in his system.

Kenny Ortega, director of the "This Is It" tour, is also named as a defendant. We've reached out to AEG for comment and will update with a response.

The complaint for unspecified damages alleges causes of action for breach of contract, negligent hiring, training and supervision, fraud and negligent infliction of emotional distress.

The family is repped by Brian Panish at Panish Shea Boyle, who released a statement saying "The purpose of this lawsuit is to prove to the world the truth about what happened to Michael Jackson, once and for all."

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Dr. Murray Targets Arnie Klein in MJ Death
9/15/2010 2:12 PM PDT by TMZ Staff



Dr. Conrad Murray is going after Michael Jackson's longtime physician and friend, Dr. Arnold Klein, claiming Klein is at least partly to blame for the singer's death and should be a defendant in Joe Jackson's wrongful death lawsuit.


In legal papers filed today and obtained by TMZ ... Dr. Murray challenges Joe Jackson's decision not to name Dr. Klein as one of the physicians allegedly responsible for his son's death.

In the new docs, Murray quotes from Joe's lawsuit, "Dr. Klein may have been medicating Michael Jackson up until or even beyond June 18, 2009, less than one week before Michael Jackson's death."

And Murray continues quoting from Joe's lawsuit that Dr. Klein "prescribed or may have over medicated Michael Jackson including to such point that AEG Live, LLC had to hire Dr. Murray in order to separate Michael Jackson from Arnold Klein."

And Murray goes on to quote Joe's lawsuit which claims "AEG Live, LLC read Michael Jackson the proverbial 'riot act' to get him to stop subjecting himself to overmedication by Dr. Arnold Klein."

So with all that, Dr. Murray concludes, "The plaintiff [Joe Jackson] does not explain why, given these allegations, Dr. Arnold Klein is not a required party to be added to accord proper relief."

In other words ... why didn't Joe sue Arnie?

As TMZ first reported, Dr. Klein shot Michael full of Demerol -- 51 injections in a 3-month span, right up until the week of his death.

Dr. Murray also points the finger at other doctors who treated Michael Jackson, citing TMZ stories revealing that 7 doctors other than Murray were fueling MJ with meds at or near the time of his death.

Murray's team also asked the court to dismiss Joe's wrongful death lawsuit -- claiming Jackson doesn't have the right to file because he's not a beneficiary of MJ's estate.

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Katherine Jackson Interview: MJ Death Was Avoidable
9/16/2010 10:05 AM PDT by TMZ Staff

TMZ has obtained a clip of Katherine Jackson speaking about the very reason she filed a new lawsuit against AEG -- she believes Michael Jackson's death could have been prevented ... if not for negligence.




During a recent interview for an MJ documentary -- shot by the Michael Jackson Secret Vault -- Katherine was asked if MJ's death was avoidable and her answer clearly points the finger at Dr. Conrad Murray.

As we reported yesterday, Katherine filed a lawsuit for negligence against AEG -- the company that hired Dr. Murray as MJ's personal physician during the "This Is It" tour rehearsals.

TMZ

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AEG -- Don't Blame Us for Dr. Murray!
9/16/2010 2:17 PM PDT by TMZ Staff

AEG is finally lashing back at Katherine Jackson's lawsuit over the death of her son Michael Jackson -- claiming it had nothing to do with the hiring or supervision of Dr. Conrad Murray.



In a statement released through AEG's lawyers -- the company calls Katherine's lawsuit "inaccurate, unsubstantiated and meritless" and then goes on to explain its relationship with Dr. Murray.

The statement continues ... "Dr. Murray was Mr. Jackson's longtime personal physician. AEG did not choose him, hire him or supervise him. That said, and in honor of our professional relationship with Mr. Jackson and his Estate, we will have no further public statements."

It is true that Michael handpicked Dr. Murray -- but Katherine claims that AEG was negligent because they didn't check Murray's credentials. Katherine also claims AEG pushed Michael way too hard during rehearsals.

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Katherine: MJ Feared People 'Wanted Him Dead'
9/17/2010 12:25 AM PDT by TMZ Staff

Katherine Jackson says her son, Michael Jackson, told her "several times" that he felt like people "wanted him dead" ... and she believes his paranoia was a product of the molestation allegations.



In an interview for Michael Jackson Secret Vault, Katherine said, "One of the reasons I think that [Michael] knew people didn't want him around any longer" was due to the "vicious rumors about him molesting children."

Katherine goes on to say that "mean, evil, vicious people didn't want him around for some reason" ... then adamantly states she believes those people were "greedy."
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Michael Jackson Forced to Switch Doctors by Promoters
Posted on Sunday, September 19, 2010 (EST)

Days before his death, AEG Live forced Michael Jackson to stop seeing his doctor, Arnold Klien, and placed him under the care of Dr. Conrad Murray.

Splash News
September 19, 2010, (Sawf News) - Days before his death, AEG Live forced Michael Jackson to stop seeing his doctor, Arnold Klien, and placed him under the care of Dr. Conrad Murray [via People].

AEG, who were promoting Michael's O2 residency in London, had contacted Dr Murray a month earlier to be Michael's "personal concierge physician" during the tour for $150,000 a month and a rental house near the concert venue.

According to the lawsuit filed by Katherine Jackson and Michael's children on September 15, AEG officials met Michael at his home on June 18 after he missed a rehearsal the day earlier.

The promoters told Michael to stop taking his personal physician Dr Klien's medicines saying they "made him sleepy and prevented him from rehearsing." They warned Michael that if he missed another rehearsal they would call off the tour and sue him.

After he switched to Dr. Murray - who started pumping him with sedatives such as Valium, Ativan and Versed; as well as the sedative Propofol - Michael's health deteriorated further.

According to the lawsuit, at 9:30 pm on June 18, the day AEG read out the riot act to him, Michael arrived for rehearsals "visibly shaken" and "not himself."

Later that night, Dr Murray administered him sedatives and Propofol.

The next day at rehearsals "Jackson was upset, not coherent, and seemed drugged and disoriented," according to the lawsuit.

After the Father's day weekend, on June 23, Michael was "freezing cold," though it was warm inside the Staples Center. Michael's assisstant gave him extra shirts to wear under his coat. Despite the vigorous rehearsal, Michael remained cold and had to use a heater.

The next day too, Jackson was cold; he was shivering and appeared disoriented. He died the next morning from acute Propofol intoxication.

The lawsuit alleges: "AEG was well aware of his condition but did not postpone any rehearsals, nor did AEG relent in its demands that Jackson continue to maintain the grueling rehearsal schedule."

According to an AEG spokesman the lawsuit "is inaccurate, unsubstantiated and meritless. Dr. Murray was Mr. Jackson's longtime personal physician. AEG did not choose him, hire him or supervise him."

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Claims on Michael Jackson's shocking last days filed in lawsuit

Michael Jackson's final days are now being explored from a new perspective, and it's a shocking story.

According to new reports Michael Jackson was four weeks from his sold out concert series when a sickly Michael failed to show up for rehearsals. According to People Magazine, the "This Is It" concert promoter gave Jackson an ultimatum. Take the drugs the doctor gave him, or be sued for millions.

A new lawsuit filed by Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine, the King of Pop was not the active and energetic Michael seen in the "This Is It" movie, but a sickly, worn out, 50 year old, barely able to rehearse.

New allegations claim that concert promoter AEG wanted to protect it's huge investment as well as cash in even more, by hiring Dr. Conrad Murray to attend to Michael's health problems. A decision which could have lead to the death of Michael Jackson.

A spokesperson from AEG stated that the claims were "inaccurate, unsubstantiated and meritless. Dr. Murray was Mr. Jackson's longtime personal physician. AEG did not choose him, hire him or supervise him."

The promoters allegedly visited Michael's home in June before his death and ordered him to stop taking the medications given to him by his personal doctor, Dr. Klein, due to the fact that they made him sleepy and unable to rehearse.

Instead the promoters called it "tough love" allegedly telling Michael to follow Dr. Murray's orders or they had plans to sue for millions of dollars, which Michael did not have.

"This is a scary thought," said one Cleveland resident of the new rumored reports. What are your thoughts? Do you think AEG really pushed Michael Jackson into taking drugs from Dr. Conrad Murray? Leave your comments below.

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MICHAEL Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray plans to call Jacko's kids Paris and Prince as defence witnesses over the death of their dad - and they are happy to talk.

He believes Prince, 13, and Paris, 12, will reveal Jacko had long-standing addictions and had been ill for months.

After tearfully saying goodbye to her father in A&E Paris said: "My daddy is so cold again. He was always cold."

Murray faces manslaughter charges over Jacko's death in June 2009. The children are not obliged to give evidence at the trial, set to start in 2012.

A source said: "If they back him it will work well in the eyes of a jury."

Last week we revealed how requests for medical assistance, such as a heart start machine and nursing help will be the cornerstone of Murray's defence.

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INSIDE STORY: A Chilling New Version of Michael Jackson's Final Days




Michael Jackson

With his sold-out concert series only four weeks away and a sickly Michael Jackson missing yet another rehearsal, the promoter gave the star an ultimatum: Start taking drugs from a new doctor to keep you going, or we'll sue you for millions.

This dose of "tough love" administered at Jackson's house is alleged in a lawsuit filed this week that provides a new account of the days before Jackson died from a dose of a powerful anesthesia.

In the suit by Jackson's mother Katherine and his children, Jackson is not portrayed as the rejuvenated King of Pop on the comeback trail, as seen in the movie This Is It, but as a tired, drug-addled 50-year-old barely able to rehearse – much less embark on a high-stakes concert series.

To protect its huge investment and the potential for even bigger profits, the lawsuit alleges, promoter AEG Live drove the entertainer – once so out of it that he was disoriented and shivering in a hot arena – into a premature death through the poor medical care from the physician hired by the promoter: Dr. Conrad Murray.

Promoter Denies Allegations

An AEG spokesman would only say that the Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit "is inaccurate, unsubstantiated and meritless. Dr. Murray was Mr. Jackson's longtime personal physician. AEG did not choose him, hire him or supervise him."

The lawsuit, which alleges breach of contract, negligence and fraud, provides a detailed narrative of what it claims were AEG's heavy-handed tactics in the weeks prior to Jackson's U.K. concerts, when Jackson was faltering during rehearsals.

According to the suit, the promoters went to Jackson's Los Angeles house on June 18, 2009, and insisted he stop seeing his personal physician, Dr. Arnold Klein, and stop taking Klein's medications, because they "made him sleepy and prevented him from rehearsing," says the legal papers.

"Tough love," the promoters allegedly called it: Just take the drugs from Dr. Murray and don't miss another rehearsal, the promoters allegedly said, or we'll call off the tour and sue you.

"Rather than act reasonably and relax the rehearsal schedule to Michael Jackson could recuperate from his physical problems, AEG insisted that he attend every rehearsal in a grueling schedule," according to the lawsuit.


Differing Accounts of Jackson's Health

A month earlier, the suit also says, AEG had contracted Murray, a Las Vegas cardiologist, to be Jackson's "personal concierge physician." For $150,000 a month and a rental house near the London concert venue, Murray would make sure Jackson got the sleep he needed and that he made every rehearsal.
Dr. Conrad Murray
Jason Redmond / AP


Only Jackson's health worsened, the lawsuit says, as Murray pumped him full of such sedatives as Valium, Ativan, Versed and the drug Propofol, an anesthetic for minor surgeries. Under his contract, Murray was also supposed to receive from AEG a nurse and CPR equipment, but these were never furnished, the lawsuit says.

At 9:30 p.m. on June 18, hours after the "riot act meeting," Jackson showed up at rehearsal "visibly shaken" and "not himself that day," the lawsuit says. At home that night, Murray administered the usual sedative cocktail, including Propofol, still without the resuscitation equipment and nursing support.

Back at rehearsal the next day, "Jackson was upset, not coherent, and seemed drugged and disoriented," the lawsuit says.

'Had to Have a Heater'

After a Father's Day weekend break, Jackson returned to rehearsal on June 23 "freezing cold," the lawsuit says. "His assistants had to give him several shirts to wear under his long, heavy coat. Although it was warm in Staples Center that day, and although the rehearsal was vigorous, Jackson had to have a heater."

The lawsuit says: "AEG was well aware of his condition but did not postpone any rehearsals, nor did AEG relent in its demands that Jackson continue to maintain the grueling rehearsal schedule."

The suit says Jackson was in bad shape on June 24, too, shivering and seeming disoriented. This is in stark contrast to the picture of Jackson painted by other witnesses, who said he seemed enthused and healthy that night as he ran through classics like "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," "Billie Jean," "Smooth Criminal" and "She's Out of My Life." He and his dancers also performed "Thriller" in full costume. They worked until midnight.

According to various accounts, Jackson arrived home fatigued but had trouble sleeping that night. Murray has told police that he gave into Jackson's demands at 10:40 p.m. on the morning of the 25th, pushing 25 milligrams of Propofol into the IV. Soon, Jackson stopped breathing. Murray, still without the heart resuscitation machine he was supposed to get, was unable to save Jackson's life.

The coroner conducted an autopsy the following day and concluded that Jackson died from acute Propofol intoxication and that he had a "polypharmacy" of drugs in his system.

Charles Peckham, a civil attorney for Murray, declined to discuss the case in detail, citing civil and criminal litigation. The doctor has been sued by Jackson's father, Joe. Katherine's attorneys may go after him as well. Murray also is awaiting preliminary hearing on an involuntary manslaughter charge brought by the Los Angeles DA.

"Dr. Murray has a great deal of respect for Katherine Jackson and for Michael Jackson's children and wants to give them all the peace that they deserve as they grieve the loss of their son and their father," Peckham says. "But for Dr. Murray, it's just another day and another lawsuit."

See what other readers have to say about this story – or leave a comment of your own

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Source People

Katherine Jackson: 'I Want Justice'
9/19/2010 12:45 AM PDT by TMZ Staff

Katherine Jackson doesn't think any judicial resolution with Dr. Conrad Murray or AEG that will bring her peace ... but that doesn't mean she's not gonna fight the fight.



In another interview from the Michael Jackson Secret Vault, Katherine Jackson says, "I want justice done," yet she explains that any victory will be hollow.

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Lawsuit: Michael Jackson Shivering and Disoriented at Last Rehearsal

Michael Jackson's three children and mother, Katherine, are suing concert promoter AEG Live for allegedly strong-arming the singer into poor medical care and imposing a grueling rehearsal schedule that led to his death.

By Jackson's final rehearsal in June 2009 for a big comeback concert series, the entertainer was shivering and disoriented in the warm Staples Center, the lawsuit alleges, and would soon be dead from an acute level of the powerful anesthesia Propofol.

"AEG had legal duties to Michael Jackson to treat him safely and to not put him in harm's way," says the lawsuit. "But AEG, despite its knowledge of Michael Jackson's physical condition, breached those duties by putting its desire for massive profits from the tour over the health and safety of Michael Jackson."

The lawsuit adds: "Due AEG's actions and inactions, three loving children lost their father, a loving mother and father lost their son, the Jackson siblings lost their brother, and the world lost its most celebrated entertainer."

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Michael Jackson's Lawyer -- Mystery Suicide Note

Peter Lopez -- the music attorney who had close ties to Michael Jackson -- left a suicide note that was completely silent as to why he took his life ... sources connected to the situation tell TMZ.

We're told the one-page, handwritten note expressed his love for his wife and kids and asked for forgiveness, but did not even hint at why Peter would end his life.

A source close to the family tells TMZ Peter dropped the kids off at school at about 9:00 AM Friday. When he got home, we're told Peter went to the backyard and shot himself in the head.

We're also told people close to Peter thought he seemed "stressed out" in the weeks leading up to his death ... but that he did not tell anyone -- including his family -- what was bothering him.

Lopez was married to Catherine Bach from "The Dukes of Hazzard" for 20 years. They had two children together.

In addition to working with Michael Jackson, Lopez -- who worked with Jackson on the 25th anniversary of "Thriller" -- was an attorney for The Eagles and served as a co-producer on the movie "Selena."

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Catherine Bach 911 Call: My Husband Was Shot
5/11/2010 12:35 PM PDT by TMZ Staff

TMZ has obtained the 911 call made on April 30 when Catherine Bach's husband Peter Lopez took his own life.

During the call, which was made by the former "Dukes of Hazzard" star, she says her husband has been shot and is not breathing.

At one point, she says, "maybe he shot himself ... we have no idea what's going on up there."
More Catherine Bach

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Evidence of Other Doctors in Michael Jackson's Death
Certain items found in the room where Michael Jackson died could help shape Dr. Conrad Murray's defense -- namely, that other docs were medicating Michael.



Sources connected with the case tell TMZ ... evidence in the room suggests certain potent drugs were "prescribed and prepared" for MJ to self-medicate.

As we first reported, Dr. Murray's team will not challenge the L.A. County Coroner's finding that Jackson died of a massive Propofol overdose. But as we told you, Murray's team will present evidence in the doc's manslaughter case that Michael awakened, then gave himself the fatal dose of Propofol when Murray left the room.

We're told Murray's team hasn't decided if it will use the evidence found in the room to implicate other doctors in Jackson's death. But we do know Murray's legal team will present evidence during the trial that the fruits of Jackson's notorious doctor shopping over two decades wore his body down.

The rep for Dr. Murray's lawyer refused comment.

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Michael Jackson Manslaughter Prelim - 30 Witnesses



TMZ has learned more than 2 dozen witnesses will testify at Dr. Conrad Murray's preliminary hearing in the Michael Jackson manslaughter case.


Sources say the prelim will last roughly 2 weeks and approximately 30 witnesses will be called.

We're told there won't be a "Perry Mason" moment -- instead, prosecutors will lay out their case, piece by piece, to show Dr. Murray acted recklessly by medicating Michael with Propofol and other drugs at his home the day he died.

Sources say the witnesses include various medical experts, as well as 3 LAPD detectives who investigated the case.

And, we're told, prosecutors will present more evidence than in a typical manslaughter case, because the legal theory here is novel -- that a doctor committed a homicide in the treatment of a patient.


TMZ

Handwritten MJ Note -- I'm Gonna 'Make Huge $'


Michael Jackson planned to "make huge $" before his death last year -- at least according to a note handwritten by the King of Pop himself that recently sold for a ton of cash.

The memo -- which was just auctioned off on eBay for more than $3,000 -- was allegedly found in June 2009 by staff working at MJ's home in Holmby Hills.

The note -- purportedly handwritten by MJ -- seems to reference his then upcoming "This Is It" concert series in London -- "One year in London 3? International # 1 2 3 4 5 albums and single."

The note -- written on Dr. Arnie Klein's stationary -- continues, "Talk to digital people, Universal, Warner ... make huge $" ... followed by the words, "Who's doing sculpture for Halloween special."


FYI -- the red stuff on the note ain't blood ... the seller claims it's simply a drink stain.


True or fake?

Dr. Conrad Murray's Attorney Refused To Recognize Coroner's Declaration In Michael Jackson Death




print it send it

Splashnews/WENN
Dr. Conrad Murray’s attorney appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom Wednesday afternoon to appeal to the LA County Coroner to perform tests on forensic evidence in the criminal case surrounding Michael Jackson’s death – but refused to recognize the coroner’s declaration at the judge’s request, RadarOnline.com has learned.

PHOTOS: Katherine Jackson Holds Memorial For King Of Pop In His Hometown

District Attorney Dave Walgren countered, asking the defense to acknowledge that the Coroner might destroy the evidence in question during the testing.

"I'm not going to litigate the facts. The defense seems to be operating under the guise that Michael Jackson killed himself,” Walgren said Wednesday during the court hearing.

PHOTOS: Stars Who OD’d

“They won't come out and say that, but that is where they are headed."

Walgren didn’t object to testing, he just asked that it be done correctly and that a chain of custody be placed for the evidence.

PHOTOS: Michael Jackson – A Life In Pictures

Judge Pastor told Murray’s attorney, Michael Flanagan, any order he would sign off on must include that the defense acknowledges certain elements of the coroner's declaration.

Flanagan was not ready to make that concession yet.

PHOTOS: Inside Michael Jackson’s Mansion

As RadarOnline.com previously reported, Murray’s attorneys say the fluid testing is urgent before the evidence deteriorates. Prosecutors are asking the doctor’s attorneys be given only half the residue in the syringes and will only agree to the testing if it’s done correctly.

Murray plead not guilty to involuntary manslaughter for allegedly injecting Jackson with drugs the night he died.

PHOTOS: Michael Jackson Memorial At Forest Lawn

Despite media reports that there would be 20 witnesses called for the preliminary hearing, the DA said it would be approximately 35 witnesses.

Murray did not appear in court Wednesday for the hearing.



Radar online.com

Michael Jackson Manslaughter Prelim - 30 Witnesses

TMZ has learned more than 2 dozen witnesses will testify at Dr. Conrad Murray's preliminary hearing in the Michael Jackson manslaughter case.

Sources say the prelim will last roughly 2 weeks and approximately 30 witnesses will be called.

We're told there won't be a "Perry Mason" moment -- instead, prosecutors will lay out their case, piece by piece, to show Dr. Murray acted recklessly by medicating Michael with Propofol and other drugs at his home the day he died.

Sources say the witnesses include various medical experts, as well as 3 LAPD detectives who investigated the case.

And, we're told, prosecutors will present more evidence than in a typical manslaughter case, because the legal theory here is novel -- that a doctor committed a homicide in the treatment of a patient.

'This Is It' Producer -- Star Witness in MJ Prelim

Michael Jackson's producer/director for the "This Is It" tour will be a star witness for the prosecution in Dr. Conrad Murray's preliminary hearing which begins today ... sources tell TMZ.




Our sources tell us ... Kenny Ortega will testify that on June 19, 2009 -- a week before MJ died -- Michael complained he was cold, had the shakes and was unable to perform ... so the rehearsal was canceled.

The next day -- June 20 -- an emergency meeting was held at Michael's home. Kenny Ortega, several big wigs from AEG, Michael, and Dr. Conrad Murray were present. We're told the meeting was "intense, loud and argumentative." Kenny read Michael the riot act, imploring him to take better care of himself because the tour was imminent.

Ortega will testify, during the meeting, Dr. Murray said some "terrible things," showing a lack of concern and respect for Michael. Our sources would not reveal specifics, but we're told it's "damaging" to Murray.

Sources say rehearsals were canceled on June 21 and 22 so Michael could regain his strength. Ortega will testify ... when rehearsals resumed on June 23 and 24 -- the day before Jackson died -- Michael did a complete turnaround, wowing the backup dancers and others present with his moves and singing.

Ortega's testimony is important, because prosecutors will argue MJ was fine before Murray began pumping him with drugs the day he died.

TMZ

People vs. Dr. Conrad Murray

Kenny Ortega Testifies

Kenny Ortega, MJ's producer/director for "This Is It," was the first to testify, stating just days before MJ died, Dr. Murray was upset that Kenny sent MJ home from rehearsal on June 19. According to Ortega ... Murray felt only he should make such decisions.

According to Ortega ... Dr. Murray said during the June 20 meeting at MJ's home that Michael was "physically and emotionally fine," even though Ortega said MJ had the chills and was not well during the failed rehearsal the day before.

The June 20 meeting at MJ's home is important for prosecutors, who claim it shows Murray did not care about MJ's health.

And Ortega said June 23 and 24 were "two wonderful days of rehearsal" and that MJ was happy and healthy. The point -- that Jackson wasn't in distress the day before he died, and it was the Propofol that did him in.

During cross examination, Ortega denied he read Michael "the riot act" during the June 20 meeting.

__________________________________________________________

Prosecutor: Jackson Was Already Dead

Los Angeles County Prosecutor David Walgren began to lay out the case against Dr. Conrad Murray ... saying in his opening statement that Michael Jackson was dead even before paramedics got to MJ's home.

Walgren also told Judge Michael Pastor Murray tried to conceal the fact he had administered Propofol to Jackson.

Walgren said the evidence will show Murray ordered a bodyguard to help him clean up evidence and waited at least 20 minutes before he called 911.

He also pointed out Murray performed CPR incorrectly -- with one hand on his bed, rather than a hard surface.

Murray's attorney, Ed Chernoff, declined to make an opening statement.

The first witness the prosecution will call is "This Is It" producer/director Kenny Ortega.

tmz.com

Entertainment
Courtroom Notes: Inside the Preliminary Hearing of Dr. Conrad Murray


Fox News Reporter Sally Arthy was in court today for the preliminary hearing of Michael Jackson’s Doctor Conrad Murray. Here are her notes from inside the courtroom.

There are no definite witnesses in court today
Judge goes through court proceedings regarding photographs etc/comings and goings/cell phones
There is a lottery for public seating each morning


Judge Walden opening statement 0910
7-8 Day hearing
20-30 witnesses
Show Michael Jackson preparing for important tour in U.K.
Major world event also important for MJ career
MJ crew rehearsal at Staples Centre in the evening
Defendant Murray working as personal psychologist, preventative treated
Murray treating MJ at home in Holmby Hills
Murray going late evening-midnight-1am at night and provide care..6 nights a week at MJ home giving Propofol to help MJ sleep for 2 straight months every night
No indication Propofol can be used for sleep aide
TIMELINE:
June 23rd 2009..MJ normal routine to Staples Centre..rehearsal fabulous
June 24 same routine good rehearsal at staples..MJ optimistic
Returns home at 1am June 25th
Murray’s BMW car in driveway according to security
MJ dropped off at home
June 25
1:30am Court learned through evidence that Murray began treatment
2:00am valium pill administered
3:00am Intravenous diazebeem, IV of benzso
5:00am other treatment
7:30am other drugs through IV
10:40-11am infusing with propofol..at some point he ceases to breathe and dies after that
MJ dead before paramedics arrived
Only 2 pepople in room at the time— MJ and Dr. Murray
11:51am call- lasted 11 mins..witness heard noises at other end of phone
Likely Conrad Murray who realized MJ was not breathing.
12:12pm Call by Murray to Michael Emeer Williams, security, saying he needs help..left a message.
12:15pm Williams returns call and Murray says MJ had a bad reaction.
Williams calls another member of security who is not at house.
12:17pm Williams then calls Alberto Alvarez who is in second trailer outside house, checks permission to go in house, goes upstairs to MJ’s bedroom.
He Sees MJ on bed, Murray doing one handed CPR on the soft bed.
Murray reports MJ had a bad reaction and asks Alvarez to collect medical evidence.
Prosecution says Murray has still not called 911 at this point.
12:21pm Alvarez told to get a bag and Murray collects medical bottles, and IV bag etc., as told and only then is he told to call 911.
Possible that Murray waited 20 minutes to call 911...MJ could have been dead before noon.
12:26pm Paramedics treating MJ on site. MJ’s Eyes fixed and dilated and he was cool to touch. He flatlined so heart action taking place. MJ dead...no observation of appropriate equipment for treatment with propofol, according to paramedics.
Asked Murray about underlying medical condition.
Murray asked what drugs he had given...doesn't mention propofol
Prosecutors says this could have been useful.
UCLA medical center advised futher care on MJ useless..they in contact with paramedics.
1:07pm Paramedics transport to UCLA with MJ
1:13pm Arrive in ER room.
Doctors at hospital only asked Murray what he treating MJ for. Mentioned on drug, valium and flomax..no mention of propofol to UCLA doctors.
Doctors still tried to bring MJ to life.
2:26pm Dr. Cooper at UCLA pronounced MJ dead.
Murray had conversation with security personnel at hospital.
Detectives question Murray next day and then learned of propofol.
Autopsy - acute propofol intoxication
Court will hear from medical experts...extreme deviation from expected standard of care...
Key points made by Prosecution:
-Lack of appropriate equipment
-Propofol doesn't help imsomnia
-Cocktail of drugs
-Ineffective CPR
-Failure to call 911 immediately
-Failure to maintain appropriate medical records


End of opening statement from prosecution
No opening statement from defense.
Kenny Ortega called to stand.
Kenneth Ortega states name.
Told to speak in loud voice
Walden starts questions:
Job?
Director and Choreographer in theatrical production
How long?
Chore since 1970’s and director since 1980’s
First meet MJ?
1991
MJ interested in creative partnership and directing tour dangerous world tour which Ortega did.
1991-2009 relationship?
Most of time when rehearsing production..MJ looking to do something at right time when appropriate..most time spent working together.
This is it tour...did u discuss w MJ?
Talks started April 2009...MJ and me co-directed productions.
April interaction from then on with MJ?
3-4 days a week before prod then 4-5 days when rehearsing per week
MJ demeanor?
Called and invited..great about this ...like u to work with me...excited about it...tremendous potential to be creative..MJ shared reasons for wanting to do it.
Reason?
Good time to perform again, his kids appreciate it, for his fans, remind people to take care of planet and each other.
Plans beyond tour
MJ asked about going to India....wanted Ortega to go..MJ asked if Ortega had visited Japan...taking show to these places.
Professionally...MJ post tour?
After tour MJ wanted to help direct with Ortega on motion pictures. MJ liked film making and wanted to dev movie ideas.
Rehearsals prior to June 25...were u at rehearsals at Burbank at start before moved to staples?
Yes...at beginging of May and April.
Transitioned to forum in L.A. in June...then to staples..large scale rehearsals.
Yes
U on staples every day?
Yes
When start staples?
At some point in June moved to staples
Demeanour of MJ at staples...excited?
Yes
General schedual at staples?
Diff call times for crew, dancers, MJ etc
What mj sched?
Late pm
Evening?
Yes
Length?
6 hours max...4 days a week
MJ involved in every creative decision.
Friday June 19 2009...incident at rehearsal...what?
Ortega: at staples..MJ arrived he didn't appear well at all. MJ chilled soft spoken seemed not well...
Did u have concerns?
Absolutely
He wasn't in condition to be at rehearsal..he didn't seem well enough to be there...he didn't rehearse and didn’t want to go home..asked for choreography to do his part and watch from arena..this happened for a while. He just appeared very lost it was scary..it felt scary..said MJ
Asked--would you rather go home..he said would u be ok with that..Ortega said absolutely.
Previously like this?
Meeting next day at MJ home on June 20th.
Did u know what meeting about? No
Who there?
MJ there. Murray there (Ortega asked to i.d. Murray in court)...Frank Deleo MJ manager and Randy Phillips.
What next?
Quickly clear meeting about me that Murray upset I had sent MJ home and not allow to rehearse and voiced my concerns about MJ health..Murray said not my responsibility..to leave MJ’s health to him
Murray scolding towards me...
Response?
Tried to explain..choice made together...MJ in danger and others if went on stage..it was MJ’s choice and I supported it.
Better for all if I focus on show
MJ physically and emotionally fine according to Murray.
Tues June 23 rehearsals resumed. How was this?
Fantastic, MJ in great form..MJ we all knew...
Weds june 24?
Involved active participation in rehearsal...
Discussion at end w MJ...?
2 wonderful days of rehearsing...was feeling good and confident..MJ asked if happy? He said was happy..MJ said he was happy..asked to thank crew for all hard work and talked regarding next days rehearsal..
Practicing illusion..
Said goodnight
Thurs june 25
Learned news of MJ
Had phone call to Staples....
I was on way to rehearsal and Randy going to pick up MJ for rehearsal..Randy said calling for different reason and I am at house for different reason there is ambulance outside
Prosecution finished:
Chernoff cross examine Ortega:
Tour would enhance your reputation?
If dancers etc
If u created show was poor
Would that affect reputation?
It could
Meeting at house..who called meeting?
I don't know.
Why manager there?
Who is Randy Phillips...high up in AEG?
On 19th observed MJ to be chilled. First time MJ came to rehearsal and looked sick?
First time came and looked like he couldn’t perform?
Yes
For most part we were headed to greatness...but MJ sometimes didn't show up..created anxiety for me...difficult to move forward...if not there
Why not present?
Don't know
19 June: anything else observed?

Ortega: seemed to be in state that he wasn’t present...I was troubled by his appearance.

Fox News

MJ's Family -- Michael Predicted He'd Be Murdered

Michael Jackson's family claims the singer predicted his own death shortly before he died -- telling TMZ, the King of Pop was paranoid he'd be murdered ... for his incredibly valuable Sony catalog.

The statement is in response to the story TMZ first broke in April -- that Dr. Murray's defense will argue MJ accidentally killed himself by self-injecting a lethal dose of Propofol.

But a rep for Michael's family tells us the Jacksons are "absolutely mortified" by the implication that MJ took his own life -- insisting, "Michael did NOT kill himself.

The rep adds, "What is incredibly ironic is that Michael told his mother shortly before he died that he thought someone was going to kill him ... and they were going to kill him for his catalog."

The family is also concerned that video surveillance of Michael's last living moments -- crucial evidence in Murray's trial -- is still missing.

People vs. Dr. Conrad Murray

Michael Jackson's Assistant Testifies

The prosecution began to paint a picture of Dr. Conrad Murray's reckless actions on the night MJ passed away ... by calling to the stand the Jackson assistant Murray telephoned before he called 911.

Michael Amir Williams testified that he received a frantic voicemail from Murray at 12:13 PM on June 25, 2009. Williams said Murray's VM said, "Where are you? Get here right away, hurry."

Williams says he then called Alberto Alvarez, MJ's security guard, and asked Alvarez to walk to the front door. Williams says he heard Murray's voice in the background, then Alvarez hung up.

Williams said that later on at the hospital, Murray approached him and said Michael had some cream in his room that Murray knew MJ wouldn't want the world to know about. Williams said he wanted someone to give him a ride back to MJ's house to retrieve it.