Michael Jackson's personal physician told the court Monday that he has not decided whether he will take the stand as his involuntary manslaughter trial draws to a close.
Conrad Murray Trial: Dr. Murray's LAPD Interview, Who's Who, Testimony Timeline
"At this time, I have not made a final decision,'' Dr. Conrad Murray said after testimony Monday when Judge Michael Pastor asked Murray when he would decide. "It depends on how the case progresses."
The judge has repeatedly reminded Murray that he has a right to testify and a right to remain silent.
"I will still need more time to talk to my counsel about it,'' Murray said.
Murray might have to make a decision soon. Testimony will resume Tuesday morning with a defense expert on the drug blamed in the King of Pop's death. Defense attorneys also might call a researcher who prepared computer simulations used to support the defense's claim that Jackson administered the fatal dose of the surgical sedative propofol.
Witnesses who have already testified also might be called back to the stand.
Jurors already heard Murray's account of the day Jackson died when prosecutors played audio of his interview with Los Angeles Police Department detectives. In the interview two days after the pop star's death, Murray described a restless night during which Jackson pleaded for something to help him sleep.
Propofol was at the center of testimony Monday when the defense's drug expert faced stinging cross-examination. Dr. Paul White admitted that Murray deviated from the accepted standard of care in the months before his superstar patient's death on June 25, 2009. Murray gave Jackson the drug, usually reserved for use in surgical settings, in the bedroom of a rented Holmby Hills mansion.
"Without careful bedside monitoring, it could be dangerous,'' White said Monday when he was asked whether it would be extremely dangerous to administer propofol with an IV drip for about two months.
"Have you ever administered propofol in someone's bedroom?" Deputy District Attorney David Walgren said.
"No, I have not," White said.
"Have you ever heard of someone doing that prior to this case?" Walgren said.
"No, I have not," White said.
The seven-man, five-woman jury might begin deliberations late this week. The trial has included testimony from medical experts, medical personnel who responded to Jackson's rented mansion, Murray's girlfriends and Jackson staff members.
The defense has attempted to portray Jackson as an addict willing to take great risks in his quest for sleep as he prepared for a series of planned London concerts. Prosecutors claim Murray administered the fatal dose of propofol, then failed to properly monitor his patient.
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