About Michael Jackson's death

Dr. Conrad Murray Ordered to Stand to Trial
7 minutes ago by TMZ Staff

Dr. Conrad Murray was just ordered to stand trial in the death of Michael Jackson.




Judge Michael Pastor ruled there is sufficient evidence to warrant a manslaughter trial.

Judge Pastor's ruling follows a 6-day preliminary hearing in which more than 20 witnesses were called.

If convicted Murray faces a maximum of 4 years in prison.

Dr. Conrad Murray Ordered to Stand to Trial
11 minutes ago by TMZ Staff

Dr. Conrad Murray was just ordered to stand trial in the death of Michael Jackson.


Judge Michael Pastor ruled there is sufficient evidence to warrant a manslaughter trial.

In his closing statement, Deputy District Attorney David Walgren told the judge, "It was not Michael Jackson's time to go. Michael Jackson is not here today because of the negligence and reckless acts of Dr. Murray."

Walgren said Murray cared more about covering up evidence than helping MJ.

Judge Pastor's ruling follows a 6-day preliminary hearing in which more than 20 witnesses were called.

If convicted Murray faces a maximum of 4 years in prison.

Dr. Conrad Murray's Medical License SUSPENDED
37 minutes ago by TMZ Staff

Dr. Conrad Murray's medical license has just been suspended.

Judge Michael Pastor just ordered the suspension, as a condition to Dr. Murray's bail in the Michael Jackson manslaughter case.

The Medical Board of California has asked the court twice before to yank Murray's license, to no avail. But minutes after ordering Murray to stand trial, Judge Pastor granted the request.

Dr. Murray has 24 hours to notify the medical boards in Texas and Nevada of Judge Pastor's decision.

It's a devastating blow to Murray, because he needs to practice to make enough money to pay his legal team. Murray's team believes the move is designed to take away his right to defend himself in the manslaughter trial.

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Rabbi Shmuley: Dr. Murray Isn't the Only Guilty One in Michael's Death | PopEater.com

Jackson's Rabbi: Michael's Doctor Was a Drug Pusher

Michael Jackson's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, learned on Tuesday that he will face trial on an involuntary manslaughter charge in the pop star's death. One person, however, has already decided that he's guilty: Michael's longtime friend, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach.

"Here is a doctor, who essentially acted as a pusher, now denying any and all responsibility for dispensing to Michael a truckload of prescription drugs that eventually killed him," the rabbi tells me. "Bodyguards have already testified that as emergency workers came to try to save Michael's life, Murray was gathering bottles of pills and removing them from the scene of the tragedy."

Boteach is convinced that Murray isn't the only person who needs to go to jail for Michael's death.

"I am still amazed that a year-and-a-half after Michael's death, we have still heard nothing about anyone else who facilitated his self-destruction," Boteach says. "Professionals who were on his payroll had a responsibility to protect him from harm, both from others and from himself. Instead, they pursued the opposite, content to allow Michael to indulge his growing dependency on piles of prescription drugs."

And why, Michael's friend asks, did the singer's so-called friends let him down?

"Because if they gave Michael what he wanted, you could stay on the inside, continue to get their big salaries and remain in the retinue of the world's biggest star."


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MJ Producer Dropped From Wrongful Death Suit
2/1/2011 10:13 AM PST by TMZ Staff

Michael Jackson's producer of the "This Is It" tour just got a break in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Katherine Jackson -- he's been dropped as a defendant ... TMZ has learned.


Kenny Ortega was sued by Katherine, who claimed he was part of AEG's alleged plan to give Michael anything he needed in order for him to perform.

Katherine's lawyer, Kevin Boyle, tells TMZ, "Based on recently discovered information, the Jackson family has determined that Mr. Ortega should not be a defendant," adding, "The Jackson Family apologizes for any discomfort or inconvenience this may have caused Mr. Ortega."

It's always a discomfort to be sued for wrongful death.


TMZ

Dr. Conrad Murray Pleads Not Guilty in MJ Death
1/25/2011 9:18 AM PST by TMZ Staff

Dr. Conrad Murray just pled not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson ... telling the judge, "I am an innocent man."

When the judge asked Murray for his plea, he said, "Your Honor, I am an innocent man," adding, "I therefore plead not guilty."

Judge Michael Pastor ruled earlier this month that there is enough evidence to force Murray to stand trial.

Today's brief arraignment is part of the process.

The trial date is set for March 28.

If convicted, Murray faces a maximum of four years in prison.

By the way, we promised you we'd go live with the arraignment, but the technical wizards at KABC TV in Los Angeles couldn't find the right cables to plug in -- they cover L.A. like no one.

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Jackson family lawsuit can proceed against AEG

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – A judge on Wednesday ruled the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Michael Jackson's mother can proceed against concert promoter AEG Live, setting up a legal showdown between Katherine Jackson and the company she blames for the "Thriller" singer's demise.
The lawsuit accuses AEG of being responsible for medical decisions made by Jackson's physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, whose care was funded by the company.
Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Jackson's June 25, 2009, death, age 50, from an overdose of the powerful anesthetic propofol which the doctor gave as a sleep aid and other sedatives and painkillers.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos on Wednesday denied a motion by AEG, a subsidiary of the Anschutz Entertainment Group, to dismiss Katherine Jackson's case against the company.
But the judge said lawyers for the singer's 80 year-old mother would need to show evidence of fraud, negligent infliction of emotional distress and civil conspiracy.
Palazuelos said she had doubts about civil conspiracy, because there were no details in the lawsuit saying AEG and Murray had an agreement to break the law, in providing medical care to Jackson.
"If the object was to get him to rehearsals, I don't see that as a wrongful or illegal act," she said.
Jackson was preparing for his "This Is It" series of 50 comeback concerts in London when he died, and Murray was going to accompany him to Britain for the shows.
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AEG attorney Marvin Putnam, in arguments before the judge, said the company could not have realized beforehand that Murray's medical decisions would lead to Jackson's death.
"It's not foreseeable that Michael Jackson or anyone else was going to die in their own home of propofol," Putnam said.
During a preliminary hearing last month in the criminal case against Murray, witnesses testified that propofol is administered in surgery and never recommended for home use.
The judge in that separate case found there was sufficient evidence to try Murray, and he wondered out loud why the doctor would have used propofol on Jackson as a sleep aid.
Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial is scheduled to begin on March 28. He faces a maximum of four years in prison.
Katherine Jackson's wrongful death lawsuit was filed in September and includes the singer's three children as co-plaintiffs.
Kenny Ortega, a choreographer who was directing Jackson's rehearsals, was originally named as a defendant. But Katherine Jackson's attorneys recently dropped him from the suit, citing new information.
In court papers, AEG's attorneys said the company "did not choose or hire Dr. Murray" and merely conducted negotiations aimed at "retaining him as an independent contractor."
The next hearing in Katherine Jackson's civil case is scheduled for March 22.

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Karen Faye’s Statement to Detectives Revealed

Faye told LAPD, “He was scared to death because AEG was funding everything. He said he would have to work at McDonalds if he didn’t do these shows” reports TMZ.



Faye also told investigators she believed Michael was “self-sabotaging” with drugs because he couldn’t do all 50 shows. Faye said she believed Michael needed psychological help because he was losing so much weight — adding, “I thought he was under the influence of something.”
Faye says Michael’s assistant told her MJ was seeing Dr. Arnold Klein 3 to 4 times a week and was exhibiting signs of drug use. Days before Michael died, when MJ seemed to be more lucid, she asked Michael’s manager if he knew why Michael had taken a turn for the better. His response, according to Faye — “’Cause Klein is out of town.”
Keep your eye on Faye’s Twitter for some kind of response, we are.


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Jackson family lawsuit can proceed against AEG


By Alex Dobuzinskis – Wed Feb 2, 5:46 pm ET
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – A judge on Wednesday ruled the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Michael Jackson's mother can proceed against concert promoter AEG Live, setting up a legal showdown between Katherine Jackson and the company she blames for the "Thriller" singer's demise.
The lawsuit accuses AEG of being responsible for medical decisions made by Jackson's physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, whose care was funded by the company.
Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Jackson's June 25, 2009, death, age 50, from an overdose of the powerful anesthetic propofol which the doctor gave as a sleep aid and other sedatives and painkillers.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Yvette Palazuelos on Wednesday denied a motion by AEG, a subsidiary of the Anschutz Entertainment Group, to dismiss Katherine Jackson's case against the company.
But the judge said lawyers for the singer's 80 year-old mother would need to show evidence of fraud, negligent infliction of emotional distress and civil conspiracy.
Palazuelos said she had doubts about civil conspiracy, because there were no details in the lawsuit saying AEG and Murray had an agreement to break the law, in providing medical care to Jackson.
"If the object was to get him to rehearsals, I don't see that as a wrongful or illegal act," she said.
Jackson was preparing for his "This Is It" series of 50 comeback concerts in London when he died, and Murray was going to accompany him to Britain for the shows.
AEG attorney Marvin Putnam, in arguments before the judge, said the company could not have realized beforehand that Murray's medical decisions would lead to Jackson's death.
"It's not foreseeable that Michael Jackson or anyone else was going to die in their own home of propofol," Putnam said.
During a preliminary hearing last month in the criminal case against Murray, witnesses testified that propofol is administered in surgery and never recommended for home use.
The judge in that separate case found there was sufficient evidence to try Murray, and he wondered out loud why the doctor would have used propofol on Jackson as a sleep aid.
Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial is scheduled to begin on March 28. He faces a maximum of four years in prison.
Katherine Jackson's wrongful death lawsuit was filed in September and includes the singer's three children as co-plaintiffs.
Kenny Ortega, a choreographer who was directing Jackson's rehearsals, was originally named as a defendant. But Katherine Jackson's attorneys recently dropped him from the suit, citing new information.
In court papers, AEG's attorneys said the company "did not choose or hire Dr. Murray" and merely conducted negotiations aimed at "retaining him as an independent contractor."
The next hearing in Katherine Jackson's civil case is scheduled for March 22.
(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis: Editing by Bob Tourtellotte)

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Michael Jackson Trial May Be Televised

Key elements in the Michael Jackson murder trial will be broadcast on the small screen, according to a new court ruling.


On Monday, Los Angeles Judge Michael Pastor has granted entry of approved television cameras to the trial of Dr Conrad Murray, who is accused of involuntary manslaughter in the June 2009 death of the King of Pop.

Opening statements are set for March 24 as prosecutors plan to argue that Murray overdosed Jackson with a fatal shot of the surgical sleep agen Propofol.

The cardiologist was hired as the singer’s personal doctor to prepare him for his planned 50-date comeback series of shows at London’s O2 Arena nearly two years ago. Dr. Murray is reportedly planning to argue that Michael’s body failed him because he was “driven over the edge” by concert promoters.

Dr. Murray to Cops: Where's the Surveillance Video?

Dr. Murray 's legal team has only received 4 minutes of video from the surveillance cameras capturing the last 24 hours of Michael Jackson's life ... TMZ has learned.

Lawyers for Dr. Murray will go to court Wednesday and ask a judge to order authorities to turn over all of the surveillance videos.

Sources connected to Murray tell TMZ ... the only video the LAPD turned over was from around 12:30 AM the day MJ died ... showing Michael returning to the house after his rehearsal.

Sources connected with Murray claim the cops only downloaded 11 minutes of the video. Murray's lawyers want to see all 24 hours ... particularly who comes in and out of the house in the hours before MJ died.

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Katherine Jackson Fires Her Lawyer

Katherine Jackson has just escalated her battle royale with the Michael Jackson Estate by firing her lawyer.
TMZ has obtained a letter Katherine sent to Adam Streisand, wishing him the best on the one hand ... and giving him the boot on the other.

The letter does not explain the reasons for the firing, simply saying, "... I have decided to move in a different direction."

But sources connected with Katherine tell ... she's upset that Streisand gave TMZ a statement yesterday in which he said Katherine "denies signing any statement to the court that makes accusations against the executors of any wrongdoing with respect to her son or his estate."

The Heal the World Foundation had filed a declaration -- purportedly written by Katherine Jackson -- in which she accused John Branca of being a crook who stole from Michael.

Streisand told TMZ Wednesday, "She did not and would not make any such statements about the executors."

HERE IS THE PREVIOUS STORY!! IN WHICH ESTATE TRIED TO SAY IT WAS NOT MRS JACKSON SIGNATURE!!

Katherine Jackson is furious about a declaration filed with the court -- purportedly signed by her -- in which she attacks the Executors of the Michael Jackson Estate. TMZ has learned ... Katherine insists she never signed that declaration.

TMZ reported this morning ... a declaration filed in the Estate's lawsuit against the Heal the World Foundation makes shocking allegations against John Branca, calling him a thief.

But Katherine's lawyer, Adam Streisand, tells TMZ, "Mrs. Jackson categorically denies signing any statement to the court that makes accusations against the executors of any wrongdoing with respect to her son or his estate."

Streisand adds, "She did not and would not make any such statements about the executors." And Streisand says, Katherine told him, "These are not my words."

As for the Heal the World Foundation lawyer -- Edgar Pease -- who filed the declaration in question, he tells TMZ someone from the Foundation faxed Katherine's manager the final copy of the document and it was then sent on to Pease with the signature in question.

Pease says if the signature is a fraud, "Heads will roll."

Conrad Murray Juggling 3 Women On Day MJ Died


Dr. Conrad Murray crossed the professional line in treating Michael Jackson based on his involvement with three women -- one of whom was a stripper ... this according to new documents filed by prosecutors in his manslaughter case.

According to the docs, Dr. Murray was on the phone with a cocktail waitress whom prosecutors say was his girlfriend ... minutes before the 911 call was made.

Prosecutors say the woman ... Sade Anding, was in Houston where she met Murray while working as a cocktail waitress. Prosecutors say the call proves Murray was paying attention to his girlfriend, and not MJ, during the critical period before Michael's death. And, prosecutors want to admit a $500 check that Murray wrote to Anding "after the two came back from a social outing."


Prosecutors also say Murray had communications with 2 other women on the day Michael died, one of whom is a stripper at Spearmint Rhino Gentleman's Club in Las Vegas. Prosecutors want to admit text messages between Murray and stripper Michelle Bella sent on June 25, 2009 at 8:30 A.M. Prosecutors also want the jury to see a receipt for $1,100 -- showing what Murray paid for at the Spearmint Rhino the day he met Bella.

A third woman -- Bridgette Morgan -- also called Murray on June 25, to ask about a plane ticket he said he was purchasing for her so she could fly out to see him.

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Conrad Murray claims dermatologist caused Jackos addiction to painkillers
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March 22, 2011

Michael Jackson's former dermatologist fuelled the King of Pop's addiction to powerful painkillers, according to new court documents. Lawyers acting for Dr Conrad Murray, the medic accused of killing Jacko, claim that Dr Arnold Klein caused the singer to become addicted to Demerol. The court papers accuse Klein of giving Jackson "frequent intramuscular injections" of Demerol and the sedative Midazolam. "Due to Dr Klein's actions, Mr Jackson became physiologically and psychologically dependent on Demerol," the documents state. Murray's lawyers want to use evidence from the music legend's medical records with Klein as part of their defence against his involuntary manslaughter charge. Klein claims that he should not have to hand over the information, as it breaches patient/doctor confidentiality laws. But, in court documents filed in Los Angeles yesterday, Murray's team claims the records are "required for his defence in this action". "Mr Jackson was receiving injections of Demerol and Midazolam from Dr Klein for several months preceding the last days of his life," the legal papers state. "Indeed, Mr Jackson received about 26 intramuscular injections of Demerol and Midazolam during his visits with Dr Klein…" The court documents also state: "Dr Murray's right to this information in this criminal case greatly outweighs any privilege or privacy rights asserted by Dr Klein pertaining to the records of Mr Jackson, who is now deceased." Murray is due to go on trial, accused of killing Jackson, later this year....

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Murray Wants MJ Rehearsals To Show Warning Signs
4/29/2011 6:50 AM PDT by TMZ Staff

Dr. Conrad Murray's lawyers have subpoenaed Sony for the raw footage from the "This Is It" rehearsals to show the jury ... Michael Jackson was a physical and mental mess before he died ... TMZ has learned.


We've learned Murray's lawyers want the tapes to show Jackson was slow, lethargic and weak in the days prior to his death. Although some of the video shows an alert MJ, other portions, we're told, clearly show something is wrong with the singer.

Murray's lawyers want to show jurors in the manslaughter case ... Michael was ill or even dying before the fateful morning ... so it wasn't really the June 25 Propofol injections that killed MJ.

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Stripper Says Dr. Murray Wanted Sleep As MJ Died
4/18/2011 1:00 AM PDT by TMZ Staff

A stripper who received a call from Dr. Conrad Murray just hours before Michael Jackson died told LAPD detectives the doc "sounded tired and he was like I'm gonna get some sleep whatever."

The stripper, Michelle Bella, met Dr. Murray at the Spearmint Rhino gentleman's club in Las Vegas in 2008. The story of how they met is hilarious, but first the important stuff.

Bella told detectives ... on June 25, 2009, Dr. Murray left a message on her phone at about 8:30 AM. According to sources with direct knowledge of the case ... Bella told cops Murray had mentioned Michael Jackson to her before and said, "I mean his schedule was obviously, you know -- I know that he was like up all hours because of his work so when -- so when he called, you know, he sounded tired and he was like I'm gonna get some sleep whatever."

The interview is significant -- TMZ broke a story on July 27, 2009 that "Authorities believe Dr. Murray may have actually fallen asleep during the time the drug [Propofol] was administered and may have awakened to find Jackson already dead from heart failure."

Now the hilarious part. Bella told cops about the magic moment when she met Murray at Spearmint Rhino -- "He came in there with his scrubs and he was there with like a client of his." Bella, who says she was studying to be a chiropractic assistant, says, "We were just sharing some like, you know, medical knowledge and this and that and I know he was intrigued with me."

Murray must have been intensely impressed with her medical knowledge. According to the transcript, Bella says she "sat with him for about roughly like an hour and a half and he paid me $1,000."

Dr, heal thyself!

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Interview with Tom Mesereau

He was a very special person, and I’ve always said repeatedly that he was one of the nicest, kindest people I ever met. I will always say that because it’s true.

Tom Meserau was not sure he wanted to be a lawyer; in fact, his first career choice was journalism. But after taking his father’s advice, Tom graduated from Harvard University (cum laude) with a major in International Relations; he received a Master of Science from The London School of Economics and graduated from The University of California’s Hastings College of Law.
He first gained national attention in the Robert Blake murder case preliminary hearing which was widely televised, and became internationally known for acquitting Michael Jackson in a case seen by many as unwinnable. In one year alone, Tom Meserau obtained 7 acquittals and 2 hung juries. Now he is deemed as one of the best trial lawyers in the country and the recipient of many public service awards and honors. But there is another side to Tom that he sees as perhaps his greatest accomplishment in a career both long and distinguished, and that is his humanitarian and charitable work.
Apart from his pro-bono work, Tom operates a free legal clinic in south central Los Angeles, called “The Mesereau Free Legal Clinic” and donates his time to such inner city organizations as the N-Action Family Network, Save Our Sons, Women of Watts, and Families to Amend California Three Strikes.
In this exclusive, heart-to-heart interview, Tom gives us his insight not only into the upcoming trial of Conrad Murray, his “lawyer” persona and Michael Jackson, but also into the man he is inside; a man dedicated to justice, the community and educating the young against gang violence, and to giving people a sense of worth and value in lives that might seem to them hopeless and pointless.

Transcribed by Valmai Owens

Valmai: Tom, you were educated at Harvard University (cum laude), The London School of Economics and The University of California’s Hastings College of Law. Was it always in your heart to become a lawyer?
Tom: No, actually. My father was a graduate of The United States Military Academy at West Point in New York, and he took a law course while he was in college. He always said to me, "Consider law school, particularly if you’re not sure what you want to do; it’s a great background for many things." I always had it in the back of my mind, but I never was sure that I wanted to be a lawyer; in fact, I thought seriously of being a journalist.
My major in college was government; I concentrated in International Relations. After college I tended bar in Denmark for the summer, and then I was a speech writer for a United States Congressman from New York. Then I went to The London School of Economics and received a Master of Science in International Relations. So I applied to law school; I still thought about being a journalist, but ultimately I decided to be a lawyer.
Valmai: Well, we’re awfully glad you did.
Tom: Well, thank you.
Valmai: Now you specialize in both criminal and civil trials and are widely recognized as one of the best trial lawyers in the country. You have also received many public service awards and honors. What do you consider as being the greatest achievement of your career to date?
Tom: Well first of all, you have to understand that every life is valuable; I don’t value one life as more important than another life. So whether the case is high-profile or low-profile, a life is a life. When I save a life, it’s just as important to me whether the person is rich or poor or known or unknown, valued or not.
But I would say, to answer your question, my greatest accomplishment has been my ability to blend the practice of law with charitable work. I do a lot of pro-bono work. I founded my own free legal clinic in South Central Los Angeles, called The Mesereau Free Legal Clinic, where judges, lawyers, law students, college students and activists donate their time at least two Saturdays a month, to assist the poor who have legal problems. I’m talking about every kind of legal problem, both civil and criminal. It could be landlord/tenant, it could be healthcare, it could be Social Security, it could be probate or criminal, you name it.
I think because I’ve gotten to be a high-profile defense lawyer, it’s made it easier for me to spread the word that lawyers must get back to the community, that we can make a tremendous difference and that a lot of the idealism we had in law school that we lost through the hard knocks of living can be recaptured. So I think my greatest accomplishment has been to serve as an example of lawyers who get back to the community.
Valmai: So that would be your motivation behind your civil rights and pro-bono work, to get lawyers back to the humanity of law?
Tom: Yes! First of all, there’s a selfish motivation as well as a charitable motivation. The selfish motivation is that I feel better as a person and I feel better as a lawyer. It’s good for the soul; it’s good for the spirit. So, when I talk to law students and lawyers about the need for pro-bono work, the need to find a certain percentage of your practice that is devoted to giving rather than receiving, I always tell them there is a selfish component: You will feel better as a human being.
Valmai: You also assist local organizations and churches in drug recovery and youth counseling?
Tom: Yes, I speak at schools whenever I can, including middle schools and high schools, about the need for education. I try to encourage students to consider being lawyers, and I also speak out against violence, particularly gang violence. I try to educate kids on the justice system because Los Angeles is the gang capital of America. The gang problem is worse here than any other city in the country. Some of these gang families are now multi-generational. The grandparents, the parents and children have been associated with violent street gangs, and because it is so deep in a cultural way, I think people have to direct these young people as to what is really going on in the justice system when it comes to gang arrests and gang prosecution. A lot of these kids don’t realize that the tattoos they put on themselves or the nicknames they have, the way they conduct themselves, could get them convicted even of crimes they didn’t commit. There is such an anti-gang fervor in Los Angeles, it’s considered to be a form of urban terrorism.
I also just try to give positive direction to young people to let them know they have value, that they’re brilliant, that they’re smart, that they’re creative and that they should have high goals for themselves. I look at a lot of these young people and they can’t believe that someone is telling them they can be a lawyer, because no-one ever has. So I do like to go to the schools whenever I can.
I also counsel people at my clinic. Very often parents will bring young people in who are troubled, and I will do what I can to talk to them. I also have associated with various organizations that deal with youth. I march through the Projects once or twice a year with the Women of Watts and their children, against gang violence. These are some of the most violent Projects in Los Angeles. We usually march in June through the city with the police department, and we sometimes have shorter marches through individual projects, where we will light a candle on a spot where a young person was shot to death in gang violence and say a prayer. We try to focus attention on just what is wrong with all of this.
I’m also on the advisory board of a group that deals with women and drug recovery or who are in jail, and also homeless children, particularly children whose parents are in jail. So we try to do what we can to help people transition into a better form of life. I get called from time to time to participate in various functions that deal with issues like this in the inner city.
Valmai: Tom, what is your advice to young people with drug problems or going through recovery?
Tom: Well, I don’t pretend to be an addiction expert. I can only give people the advice that I think is helpful. I try to let people know they’re not the only ones who are troubled, that all of us as human beings go through ups and downs. We all have our problems. Their problem might be drugs; for other people it may be emotional or it may be depression, maybe self-esteem. They may have turned to drugs for a reason; other people turn to other forms of anti-social behavior. So I try to let them know, don’t be down on yourself because you have this problem. All of us have similar types of problems in one form or another.
I try to tell them that they are very special people. They have value. They have uniqueness. This is just one obstacle to overcome. I do the best I can to let people know they have value because very often, young people come out of family situations, you know, where the recurring message is, "You have no value. You’re not special. You have nothing to contribute." When you hear messages like this directly and indirectly for a long period of time, it can do damage. I learned a long time ago that I had an ability to let people know how special they are and let them know what they can accomplish.
I remember a number of years ago when I spoke at a small middle school. It was for very troubled youth in Los Angeles, and these were young people who had been kicked out of every school. There was no other school left for them to go to; this was the last school that would take them. It was in a low-income neighborhood, a lot of poverty, a lot of violence and gang activity, and I was telling these students they should consider being lawyers. They first looked at me like I was crazy; they couldn’t believe I was telling them this.
So at the end of this talk, a young African American girl came up to me who had had a terrible upbringing, and she had bullet scars on her forearm and shins where she had survived drive-by shootings on the street. She said to me, “I want to be a lawyer. I didn’t know I could be.” So I told her, “Yes you can. I think you would be a very good lawyer.” I saw the look on her face, and I realized that no one had ever told her anything like this.
A lot of these young people in the inner city need to be told they’re special, need to be told they’re brilliant. They have to be told they have value and that they can accomplish things. Nobody has ever told them this. Every message they’ve ever gotten has been quite the opposite.
So this is something I strongly believe in, in the way I conduct my personal and professional life. I very much believe that you have to find a way to let people know they have value.
Valmai: I guess if you’re told something often enough, if you’re told you’re stupid or ugly or worthless for example, you start to become the label you are given; you start to live it.
Tom: Yes! And also remember, as I said before, that Los Angeles is the gang capital of America. This is where the Crips and the Bloods were founded and it’s now into its third generation. A lot of these young people don’t have families. They’ve been turned out on the street early. They’re being raised by one parent who may be a crack addict or have all sorts of other problems, and the gang becomes their family. People want to have a family and they do their best to find it somehow.
So the gang becomes their family; their identity for protection, their direction, their religion, and it’s not all their fault. Someone has to do what they can to break that cycle, to let them know that there is an alternative which values them as people because too many of societies messages are, "You don’t count."
Valmai: Yes, it’s very sad. We actually have the Crips and the Bloods where I live. Tom, are you following the Murray trial in this lead-up phase?
Tom: Well, I’ve been following it in the media, but I’m not involved.
Valmai: Are you able to give a professional opinion at all on the defense tactics?
Tom: I’m hoping he’s convicted; I admit I’m not objective. My opinion is that he acted very improperly; he should never have been administering propofol and certainly not allowing it to be in the home. That’s ridiculous!
I didn’t know until the preliminary hearing that there was evidence that he had allegedly tried to clean up the crime scene. I didn’t know that there was evidence that he allegedly did not tell paramedics and police about the propofol, at least initially. I was very surprised to hear that.
But you know, I’ve followed too many celebrity cases... Elvis Presley, Anna Nicole Smith, and you find these physicians become enablers. They’re afraid to deny the celebrity what they want for fear that they’ll be out of the fold, and I think it’s something law enforcement has to take very seriously.
Valmai: Well how do feel about the defense strategy in saying that Michael killed himself?
Tom: I think it’s ridiculous! I’ve already been on television saying it’s absurd. The Michael Jackson I knew was not suicidal. The Michael Jackson I knew had problems; you know I met him during a very difficult period, his anxiety, his sleeplessness, his depression was very acute, you know, as he was on trial for his life for things he never did. Anyone in that position would probably have needed some sleep medication or some anti-depressants, and I don’t know what he was using because I never saw him use anything. Nevertheless, I met him during a very difficult period, a very stressful period, but the Michael Jackson I knew was not suicidal and would never have wanted to leave his children. So I think it’s absurd!
Valmai: Yes, I think we all agree with that, but I think it’s safe to say that what we can expect from the defense is the portrayal of Michael as suicidal.
Tom: Well yes, defense lawyers have an ethical and professional obligation to vigorously defend their client. From a strictly professional standpoint, the lawyers appear to be acting in a professional way consistent with their obligations. However, I disagree with what they’re doing and I think their client is guilty.
Valmai: Another point we agree upon. Tom, have you had any experience with Judge Pastor? Do have an opinion on him?
Tom: Yes I have. He’s a very, very smart judge, very experienced, very intelligent, very wise and I think he’s going to be a very good trial judge.
Valmai: Well I’m a layman; I’m not that familiar with the judicial system or the law. Many of the fans aren’t. Can you tell me how much leeway does a judge actually have in his decisions regarding subpoenas, who testifies, and how expansive or restricting questioning can be?
Tom: Well judges have considerable leeway to direct the course of the trial. They have tremendous power to do what they think is necessary to keep the trial orderly, to keep it dignified, and depending on who the trial judge is can have a tremendous effect on what happens.
Valmai: The defense requested that Michael’s financial records be made available. Do you think they were aware the judge might deny this motion and this is why they have called Dr. Tohme as a witness?
Tom: I don’t know if they were aware the judge might deny it. I think they are on a fishing expedition; I think they are desperate to try and find some kind of defense theory that might seem plausible. I’m very happy the judge denied the request to pursue a fishing expedition into Michael’s finances. I think Michael’s finances have absolutely nothing to do with what Conrad Murray allegedly did.
Valmai: No they don’t. I agree with that, but I think what they are trying to prove is that Michael’s finances were in such disarray, that he was in so much debt and so stressed out, this is why he allegedly killed himself.
Tom: That’s absurd! It just shows how desperate they are to come up some kind of defense.
Valmai: Do you think Murray will be called to take the stand?
Tom: I don’t know the answer to that. I think that’s just going to depend on how the trial progresses and how well the defense believes they are doing. Trials always have surprises. No matter how prepared you are, you always know that certain witnesses are going to come up with things that no one expected them to say or do. I don’t think they’ll make that decision until the end.
Valmai: Tom, what are your feelings about the lawyer hired by the defense who was peripherally involved in Michael’s 2005 trial? Do you see this as a conflict of interest?
Tom: Well, I don’t know what he had access to, I really don’t. The judge apparently did a thorough investigation into the issue, and concluded there was no actual or potential conflict interest. So I have to assume in his confidential discussions with the attorney, that he concluded the attorney had no information that would create a conflict. But I really don’t know what this lawyer had access to, I really don’t.
Valmai: What do you think about the decision to televise the trial? Do you see it becoming the same media circus as it was in 2005?
Tom: Well, they didn’t televise the 2005 trial. I think there will be tremendous media interest in the case, particularly because it’s televised. It will give the public the opportunity to really look at these witnesses and see how they behave, and to really look at the evidence that the prosecution thinks should result in a conviction. So I think there will be tremendous interest around the world. Michael was the best-known celebrity on the planet, and much loved all over the world, on every continent.
Valmai: I think what a lot of people are concerned about is the way the media portrayed Michael, especially in 2005, and whether they are going to do the same this time round. I know in 2005 the trial wasn’t televised, but the media weren’t exactly impartial in the way they reported on it. If fact, some were quite cruel.
Tom: Well the media are not interested in justice or fairness, they are interested in business, and business to them is revenue and ratings. They love shock value, they love controversy and you have to look at the media with that in mind. To them this is entertainment. It’s not a quest for justice; it’s not a quest for fairness. In their mind it’s strictly entertainment, so they will focus on whatever they think entertains, and that makes themselves profitable.
You have to be very wary of the reports you hear about trials when those reports come through the media. At least in this case people will be able to watch it, as opposed to listening at the end of the day to very shallow, short summaries from the media.
Much of the reporting in the Michael Jackson trial in 2005 was dreadful. They simply weren’t being accurate. They were just trying to report what was sensational and shocking. They would sometimes report what a witness said under direct examination, without even waiting to hear the cross-examination from the defense. So I think they presented a very illegitimate, a very awkward and poor portrayal of what was happening in the courtroom.
Valmai: Will you be making yourself available to news outlets if they request your input on the proceedings?
Tom: It depends on who they are, who the outlet is and if I think it’s going to be a professional type of situation. I’m available for that.
Valmai: Tom, how do you see this trial ending?
Tom: Well, I have no way of knowing; I’m not involved in the case and I haven’t seen the evidence. I’m hoping that it ends with a conviction. I’m hoping that he is held accountable for what I think in my opinion, was a very unprofessional, very selfish and very foolish way in treating his patient.




Valmai: You spent many, many hours with Michael during what was one of the most traumatic periods in his life. What do you remember about his personal strength and composure?
Tom: Michael was one of the nicest, kindest people I’ve ever met, and my law firm partner Susan Yu, feels exactly as I do. He was nice. He was kind. He was well-meaning. He liked to see people do well, and he liked to use his reputation and resources to help disabled people, children from the inner city who grew up in poverty and violence. He liked to see people happy. He could have taken his wealth and prestige and just not dealt with children, not dealt with worthy causes. He could have been purely selfish if he wanted to, but that wasn’t what he chose to do. He truly wanted to make a difference. He wanted to bring people of all races, all religions and all nationalities together. You can see this in his music; you can see this in the way he lived. He had a great empathy for animals because he was such a kind person and he wanted to make a difference.
He was somewhat naive when it came to the forces of evil circling around him and trying to destroy him. He didn’t quite believe that was going to happen and unfortunately, they put him through a nightmare.
Valmai: Did you stay in touch with Michael after the trial?
Tom: Off and on for about 9 months after he moved to Bahrain. Susan Yu and I were helping him out, but he was talking to Susan much more than me. We did help out for about 9 months with the transition and then we moved on to other things.
Valmai: How do you think your life has been affected by Michael? What do you remember most about him?
Tom: Well as I said before, what I remember most is a very, very kind, decent, sensitive person. One of his great gifts was to make a positive difference in the world. He could have been more selfish. He could have simply rented a home on the Riviera and party if he’d wanted. He could have been purely self-centered, but that wasn’t the way he wanted to live. He felt that God had given him wonderful gifts and wonderful success, and hoped to change the world in a positive way. I believe he did.
Valmai: Well, I agree most certainly with that. Tom, the MJTP and all the fans just want to thank you for believing in Michael, and for all the wonderful humanitarian work that you do. We love and respect you very much, and I thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me.
Tom: Well thank you very much. I’m honored and privileged to speak to you about all this and I wish everyone the best. He was a very special person, and I’ve always said repeatedly that he was one of the nicest, kindest people I ever met. I will always say that because it’s true.

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Dr. Klein Hands Over Michael Jackson's Records
4/6/2011 10:20 AM PDT by TMZ Staff

Michael Jackson's friend and dermatologist Dr. Arnold Klein was forced to turn over medical records today from the final months of Michael's life ... TMZ has learned.

Dr. Klein and his attorney handed over the documents during a pretrial hearing in Dr. Conrad Murray's manslaughter case.

Murray's team wants the paperwork to determine exactly what drugs Klein used to treat MJ. As TMZ reported ... Klein's medical records show he injected Michael with Demerol 51 times in the three months before he died.

Last month, Dr. Klein asked the judge to quash the subpoena for his records. Fail.

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Dr. Murray: Don't Show MJ Autopsy Pics in Court
4/7/2011 4:40 PM PDT by TMZ Staff

Dr. Conrad Murray is begging the judge to ban Michael Jackson's autopsy photos from being shown in court during his manslaughter trial.

In a motion filed today in LA County Superior Court ... Murray's legal team argues the photos "will only unnecessarily and unfairly prejudice the jury against Dr. Murray."

They also claim the photos will not help the jury determine the cause of Michael's death.

On the juicier side ... Murray's attorneys also filed a motion to exclude testimony or evidence dealing with the doc's visits to strip clubs, the women he met there, and the amount of money he spent in those clubs.

They also want Murray's extramarital affairs left out of the proceedings.

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Defence witnesses listed for Michael Jackson trial

Nine medical staff are set to give evidence that Michael Jackson was mentally unstable at the time of his death.

Lawyers acting for Dr Conrad Murray - who is due to stand trial for the involuntary manslaughter of the music legend following his passing from acute Propofol intoxication in June 2009 - have a list of 103 potential witnesses, including doctors and nurses, in hope of strengthening his claim that he did not administer the lethal dose of the anaesthetic that killed the iconic singer by exposing Michael's erratic behaviour and demanding personality.

Among those who could be called as witnesses are Dr Arnold Klein - a dermatologist who Murray's lawyers previously blamed for getting Michael addicted to painkillers - and Cherilyn Lee, a nurse who claims the 'Thriller' hitmaker asked her for Propofol in the weeks leading up to his death, but she refused to supply the powerful anaesthetic.

A source told RadarOnline.com: "Cherilyn is prepared to testify at the trial and tell the truth. Cherilyn has never spoken with anyone from the District Attorney's office. She was interviewed in the weeks after Jackson's death by the coroner and the LAPD. Cherilyn hasn't heard from those agencies since that time."

Dr Neil Ratner, who toured with the singer in 1996 and 1997 is also on the witness list following previous claims that he would keep medical equipment which would monitor his client's vital signs as he was "under".

Ratner was allegedly hired to combat the singer's sleeping problems by "taking him down" and "bringing him back up", a CNN report has previously claimed.

It is expected that Murray's lawyers will quiz Dr. Ratner about the specific details of his medical treatment for the star, as he has previously refused to disclose more than the fact Michael had a sleep disorder.

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Dr David Adams, a Las Vegas anaesthesiologist who gave the singer Propofol at least four times for medical reasons, will also be asked to testify.

According to a source, the defence feels "Dr Adams is clearly relevant."

Jury selection for the trial begins on September 8, with opening arguments scheduled to begin on September 26, with the case potentially lasting until November.

Dr Murray could be jailed for up to four years if convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

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Dr. Conrad Murray Dealt Crushing Blow In Upcoming Michael Jackson Trial

By Jen Heger - Radar Legal Editor

Dr. Conrad Murray's criminal defense team has been dealt a crushing blow when the judge presiding over his involuntary manslaughter trial, ruled that Michael Jackson's dermatologist and long time friend, Dr. Arnold Klein won't be allowed to testify.

Dr. Murray wasn't in court for the pre-trial hearing on Monday in Los Angeles.

PHOTOS: Michael Jackson Through The Years

Judge Michael Pastor agreed with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office -- which opposed the defense's attempt to call Dr. Klein as a witness in the trial.

Judge Pastor stated that Dr. Klein's testimony isn't relevant to the case, and that it could confuse the jury.

PHOTOS: Stars Who OD’d

“Dr. Murray's lawyers were planning on asking Dr. Klein about Demerol that he allegedly prescribed to Michael Jackson in the days before he died. The defense was going to contend that Dr. Murray didn't know that Dr. Klein was giving Michael Jackson Demerol, at the same time he was giving him Propofol, to sleep," a source close to the case tells RadarOnline.com.

Judge Pastor also ruled that no testimony would be allowed regarding past allegations of child abuse and molestation involving Michael Jackson.

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

However, the two doctors that gave Michael Jackson Propofol in medical settings will be allowed to testify at the trial. The singer’s former nurse Cherylin Lee will also testify and in documents filed by Murray’s high powered defense attorney Nareg Gourjian, they claim she will discuss Michael asking her for Propofol on April 19, 2009, just two months before he died.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin on September 8, with opening arguments most likely to take place the last week in September.

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Attorneys claim Michael Jackson was drug addict, wants inner circle to testify

Defense lawyers for Michael Jackson's personal physician signaled Monday that they intend to rely on witnesses from Jackson's own inner circle to portray the singer as a desperate drug addict constantly "on the hunt" for the surgical anesthetic that killed him.

In papers filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, attorneys for Dr. Conrad Murray detailed the testimony they plan to elicit at the physician's upcoming trial from a host of Jackson confidants, including longtime friends, medical providers, the nanny to his three children and his make-up artist.

Photos: Michael Jackson's life in pictures

Most of these insiders have not cooperated with Murray's defense. But in the court filing, his lawyers suggest that accounts the prospective witnesses gave police concerning Jackson's drug use and career worries make their testimony vital to the doctor's claim that Jackson gave himself a fatal dose of propofol.

Jackson's longtime make-up artist Karen Faye, for example, told detectives that the recording star "was weak, extremely thin and seemed to be under the influence of drugs" the week before his death and told her he didn't think he could "physically complete" a 50-show comeback attempt in London, according to the filing.

A friend, Susan Etok, told police the singer expressed the same doubts about performing in the "This Is It" shows and asked her to help him get propofol and other drugs, the filing states.

The nanny, Grace Rwaramba, told investigators she had repeatedly tried to stage interventions and once fielded a call from Jackson's children when their father had passed out on the floor. She was fired two months before the singer's death after complaining about his drug use, according to the filing.

Whether jurors will hear from those closest to Jackson remains unclear. Prosecutors have questioned the relevance of the confidants' testimony. A hearing before Judge Michael Pastor is set for Monday afternoon.

Murray's lawyers have said they will present evidence that another doctor, Beverly Hills dermatologist Arnold Klein, was giving Jackson the narcotic painkiller Demerol "for no valid medical purpose" and that the singer sought propofol to deal with severe insomnia, a side effect of the painkiller that was hindering rehearsals for his make-or-break comeback effort.

Defense attorney Edward Chernoff said in an interview that the intimate accounts of Jackson's friends and employees were meant not to malign the pop star but to document a drug addiction that stretched back to the 1990s.

"We're not interested in character assassination. If the prosecution would concede the Demerol addiction, it would greatly reduce the number of witnesses we need to call," he said.

In their court papers, Chernoff and another defense lawyer, Nareg Gourjian, wrote that they expect prosecutors to argue that the singer was not an addict and only "liked" Demerol.

The defense also hopes to summon more than ten medical professionals to the witness stand to recount Jackson's use of and desire for propofol and other drugs. Among them are:

• David Adams, a Las Vegas physician who the defense filing says told police that Jackson "was so familiar with" propofol that he referred to it as "milk."

• Cherilyn Lee, a nurse, who is said to have told investigators that Jackson pledged to pay "her or another doctor whatever they wanted" for propofol.

• Allen Metzger, a West Hollywood doctor who according to the filing said Jackson sought intravenous sleep medication two months before his death.

Prosecutors have asked the judge to bar testimony from other doctors and medical professionals who treated Jackson over the years, saying the only issue for jurors is Murray's conduct.

"None of these individuals was caring for Michael Jackson on the night of June 24, 2009, or the day of June 25, 2009, and none of these doctors was present with Michael Jackson when he died of acute propofol intoxication," wrote David Walgren and Deborah Brazil, deputy L.A. County district attorneys.

The defense also intends to call a Santa Barbara sheriff's detective to the stand to testify that a 2003 search of Jackson's Neverland estate in connection with a child molestation investigation yielded propofol and Demerol. A jury acquitted Jackson in 2005 and prosecutors have said they oppose any mention of the molestation case at Murray's trial.

Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter. Jury selection in his trial is set for Sept. 8.

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Jackson molestation evidence ruled irrelevant to Conrad Murray trial
By Alan Duke, CNN

Los Angeles (CNN) -- Michael Jackson's sexual molestation trial is "no-go territory" for defense lawyers in the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, a judge ruled Monday.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor, however, will allow testimony from two doctors about what the defense contends was Jackson's request for the surgical anesthetic propofol, a drug the coroner ruled played a major role in his death.

Defense lawyers appeared frustrated with the rejection of their witnesses, although they declined to speak to reporters about it as they left the downtown Los Angeles courthouse after Monday's hearing.

Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the June 25, 2009, death of Jackson, who would have turned 53 Monday.

The defense wanted to have a Santa Barbara County, California, detective testify about drugs found at Jackson's Neverland estate during a search related to the sex charge.

"In particular, it is relevant to the defense that Michael Jackson possessed both propofol and Demerol in his residence as early as 2003," the defense said in a motion filed Monday.

Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney David Walgren argued testimony about drugs Jackson possessed in 2003 "has absolutely nothing to do with the standard of medical care" Murray gave Jackson the day he died on June 25, 2009.

Bringing up anything about the molestation trial, which ended with Jackson's acquittal, would be "character assassination on the victim," Walgren said.
Defense lawyer Ed Chernoff, in a hearing Monday afternoon, assured the judge that he did not intend to question the detective about the sex charge, but only about drugs he found in his search.

Murray's defense lawyers want to argue that Jackson was addicted to the painkiller Demerol and was undergoing withdrawal from the drug when he died, Chernoff said. He said he expects the prosecution will say he "merely liked Demerol" and was not addicted.

Jackson's "past drug addictions, use desires, possessions" is relevant, Chernoff said in court.
Pastor ruled that the events were too far in the past for this trial and could mislead the jury.

"Anything having to do with the year 2003, any incident with Neverland, Santa Barbara, medical doctors, fundamentally is irrelevant," Pastor said. "It proves absolutely nothing with regard to the year 2009."
Pastor ruled that Beverly Hills dermatologist Dr. Arnold Klein could not be called to testify about giving Jackson Demerol shots. Testimony about Jackson's visits to Klein's office in the days before his death could lead the jury "down the path of prescribing to Dr. Klein some sort of criminal culpability in the death of Mr. Jackson."

However, Klein's medical records can be used in the trial, he ruled.
Two of Klein's office employees also cannot be called as witnesses, he ruled.
Prosecutors in the trial of Murray, Jackson's last doctor, had asked the judge to exclude or limit the testimony of 26 witnesses Murray's lawyers said they might call.

Pastor has indicated he would keep the trial limited to what happened the last several days of Jackson's life. His decisions on the prosecution's request to limit witnesses indicate how tightly the judge will limit the defense arguments.
Other witnesses the judge said the defense could not call include John Branca, the lawyer who became executor of Jackson's estate after his death. Nothing about Jackson's finances can be considered, he said.

The Los Angeles coroner has ruled that Jackson's death was caused by an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol, combined with other drugs.
Prosecutors have accused Murray of having a role in the overdose. Jury selection is scheduled to begin on September 8, with opening statements expected to be heard on September 27. Lawyers estimate the trial will conclude in early November.
If convicted on the involuntary manslaughter charge, Murray could face up to four years in prison.


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MICHAEL JACKSON
Molestation Talk
Banned from Manslaughter Trial


A judge has ruled that witnesses will NOT be allowed to discuss Michael Jackson's child molestation case during Dr. Conrad Murray's manslaughter trial.

L.A. County Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor said any testimony relating to the molestation case is irrelevant -- and would be distracting and misleading to the jury.

The judge also banned Arnie Klein from testifying -- after prosecutors argued the defense would try to blame the dermatologist for the death ... and take away attention from the man on the hot seat -- Dr. Murray.

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