BEL AIR/LOS ANGELES—In a pre-trial hearing held on Wednesday, March 16, Judge Michael Pastor stated that the jury selection process in the trial of Doctor Conrad Murray is set to begin on March 24.
Possible jurors will be asked to answer a 30-page questionnaire consisting of approximately 160 questions that Judge Pastor will use with the intent to learn and obtain the most information about the potential jurors before participation in such a high-profile case.
On or before May 4, candidates for the jury will return to discuss their personal opinions and feelings regarding the death of pop icon Michael Jackson. Judge Pastor made it known to the court that he will not tolerate any leaks to the public or media regarding the content of the questionnaire.
During the hearing, trial prosecutors had no objection to Murray’s defense team requesting access to a broken syringe found in Jackson’s bedroom on the date of his death. The defense claimed they were given a copy of the prints, but the copy was of poor quality, which prohibited them from getting an accurate identification or conduct a proper analysis.
The theory of the defense is that while Murray was out of the bedroom, Jackson injected himself with the lethal dose of Propofol when they were at Jackson’s Bel Air home. Propofol is used for induction of anesthesia and for sedating individuals who are receiving mechanical ventilation.
Judge Pastor also revealed that the trial will be televised and he will allow the media in the courtroom as long as there is no interference in the trial proceedings.
Dr. Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter, and he pleaded not guilty to the charges. If convicted, he could face up to four years in a state prison.
