Preliminary Hearing Updates only. NO DISCUSSION

All updates from the courthouse please post them here. No discussion in here guys, there is a thread for that already. Please just post updates only.

Thanks

Team MJJC

Re: Preliminary Hearing 4/1/11-Updates only. NO DISCUSSION

hearing runs 0900-16.30 LA time with an hour for lunch.prelim is exepcted to last approx 2 weeks

Three of Michael Jackson's employees, including one who was with the pop star when he went into cardiac arrest, are expected to take the witness stand Tuesday at a preliminary hearing for Jackson’s doctor, Conrad Murray.

Michael Amir, Jackson's chief of staff; Alberto Alvarez, a security staffer; and Faheem Muhammad, chief of security, have been subpoenaed to testify for prosecutors seeking to prove they have enough evidence to try Murray for involuntary manslaughter, said the employees' lawyer, Carl Douglas.

Douglas, who declined to comment for the story, confirmed that he would appear with his clients following their court appearance Tuesday and make some brief comments.

Douglas, perhaps best known for being a member of O.J. Simpson's defense team, complained in August 2009 that his clients wanted to provide more information to LAPD detectives. Investigators had conducted "informal" interviews with the men about what they saw and heard June 25, 2009, the day Jackson died. One of the interviews lasted about two minutes, and the other filled a one-page transcript, Douglas said at the time. He maintained that some of their information could shed new light on the time line police had established covering Jackson's final hours and the actions of his doctor. Police eventually did conduct formal and complete interviews with all three men in late August 2009.

Alvarez was with Jackson and Murray in the pop star's bedroom in the moments before paramedics arrived and could provide independent insight into what transpired, the attorney said. But he would not elaborate on those details at the time.

In search-warrant documents released at the time, police said Murray told them he gave Jackson the powerful anesthetic propofol at 10:40 a.m., watched him for 10 minutes and went to the restroom briefly. When he returned about 11 a.m., Jackson had stopped breathing. Police said three phone calls totaling 47 minutes were made from Murray's phone, beginning at 11:18 a.m. -- all before 911 was called at 12:22 p.m.

Murray's attorney at the time was critical of the time line as "theory, not fact."

Douglas, who in 1993 served as an attorney for Jackson, said at the time that Amir received a frantic four-second message from Murray at 12:13 p.m. with words to the effect of "come quick."

-- Andrew Blankstein

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lano...ns-doctor.html

Re: Preliminary Hearing 4/1/11-Updates only. NO DISCUSSION

Jermaine, Latoya and Katherine are there.
Randy will not attend.

Re: Preliminary Hearing 4/1/11-Updates only. NO DISCUSSION

Katherine, Jackie and Latoya arrived

Re: Preliminary Hearing 4/1/11-Updates only. NO DISCUSSION

Murray arrived.

Re: Preliminary Hearing 4/1/11-Updates only. NO DISCUSSION

According to TMZ Stream - No more family members to arrive, Murray and the four Jackson's already inside and the 5 public seats for lottery went to 5 Justice4MJ members...

Re: Preliminary Hearing 4/1/11-Updates only. NO DISCUSSION

Kenny Oretga arrived.

Re: Preliminary Hearing 4/1/11-Updates only. NO DISCUSSION

Kenny entered courtroom.

Re: Preliminary Hearing 4/1/11-Updates only. NO DISCUSSION

Kenny is testifying in front of everyone its so packed we're all in an overflow room

Re: Preliminary Hearing 4/1/11-Updates only. NO DISCUSSION

Update from AP about opening statement

A prosecutor has opened a hearing that will determine whether Michael Jackson's doctor will stand trial in the superstar's death by saying Jackson was already dead by the time help was summoned.

Dr. Conrad Murray appeared in a Los Angeles court Tuesday to begin a multi-day hearing during which prosecutors will lay out some of their evidence to support an involuntary manslaughter charge.

Prosecutor David Walgren says he will rely on Murray's statements to police, as well as text messages, phone records and expert testimony to show the doctor should stand trial.

He says evidence will show Murray waited at least 21 minutes to call 911 and ordered a bodyguard to help him clean up evidence before summoning help.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap...3T7nvA?docId=6074e1c1e64f470a8f5311fa73d68b40

Re: Preliminary Hearing 4/1/11-Updates only. NO DISCUSSION

another detail about the opening statement

Michael Jackson was already dead when his physician summoned help, a prosecutor said Tuesday to open a preliminary hearing that will determine whether the doctor stands trial for involuntary manslaughter.

Prosecutor David Walgren said evidence would show that Dr. Conrad Murray also tried to conceal his administering the powerful anesthetic propofol to the pop superstar, ordering a bodyguard to collect items before paramedics were called.

Jackson died in June 2009 and authorities contend Murray gave him a lethal dose of propofol and other sedatives in the bedroom of his rented mansion.

"The evidence will show through the expert testimony, by all accounts, Michael Jackson was dead in the bedroom at 100 North Carrolwood prior to the paramedics arriving," Walgren said.

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

At the end of the multi-day hearing, a judge will determine whether there is enough evidence for Murray to stand trial. The Houston cardiologist has pleaded not guilty and his attorneys have said he did not give Jackson anything that should have killed him.

The highly anticipated hearing opened with a bit of star power. The prosecution's first witness was Kenny Ortega, a choreographer working on Jackson's final concert series and who later directed the concert film "This Is It," which was based on rehearsal footage.
Walgren said he will rely on Murray's statements to police, as well as text messages, phone records and expert testimony to show the doctor should stand trial.

He said evidence will show Murray waited at least 21 minutes to call 911 and ordered a bodyguard to help him clean up evidence before summoning help. In the most favorable interpretation, Walgren said, Murray waited at least nine minutes before calling paramedics.

He faulted the doctor in opening statements for performing CPR on Jackson with one hand on his bed, rather than a hard surface as is generally required.

Walgren also plans to call several experts whom he said would testify, "there are a number of actions displayed by Dr. Murray that show an extreme deviation from the standard of care."

The prosecutor also said he would call a bodyguard who would testify that Murray ordered him to collect items from Jackson's bedroom.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/7365180.html

Re: Preliminary Hearing 4/1/11-Updates only. NO DISCUSSION

news about who will also testify

Michael Amir, Jackson's chief of staff; Alberto Alvarez, a security staffer; and Faheem Muhammad, chief of security, have been subpoenaed to testify for prosecutors seeking to prove they have enough evidence to try Murray for involuntary manslaughter, said the employees' lawyer, Carl Douglas.

Douglas, who declined to comment for the story, confirmed that he would appear with his clients following their court appearance Tuesday and make some brief comments.

Alvarez was with Jackson and Murray in the pop star's bedroom in the moments before paramedics arrived and could provide independent insight into what transpired, the attorney said. But he would not elaborate on those details at the time.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lan...y-at-hearing-for-michael-jacksons-doctor.html

Re: Preliminary Hearing 4/1/11-Updates only. NO DISCUSSION

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.

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.

Re: Preliminary Hearing 4/1/11-Updates only. NO DISCUSSION

inside courtroom update

mc8755 said:

Kenny just talked about This Is It in general but then talked about June 19th. Michael came to rehersals, had chills, was out if it and quiet. He said he shouldnt be here and didnt rehearse that night. Kenny didnt know why but was concerned. Defense asked him about Karen Faye and he said he never talked to her ever about Michael's condition. They said he did talk to her and he yelled at her and he says that isn't true, he never talked to her.

Click to expand...

Michael Jackson hearing: Dr. Conrad Murray withheld information about powerful drug, prosecutor says
January 4, 2011 | 10:41 am
Michael Jackson’s personal physician caused the pop singer’s death by abandoning his patient, performing ineffective CPR, failing to call 911 in time, and hiding from paramedics and emergency room doctors that he had given Jackson a powerful anesthetic used in surgery, a prosecutor said Tuesday.

Deputy Dist. Atty. David Walgren made the comments in opening statements for the doctor’s preliminary hearing, which will determine whether there is enough evidence for Murray to stand trial.

Dr. Conrad Murray stands accused of involuntary manslaughter in connection with Jackson’s June 25, 2009 death.

Walgren outlined for Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor the time line of events that led up to Jackson’s death. He repeatedly emphasized that Jackson’s final rehearsal at Staples Center had been “energetic” and “fabulous.”

“Michael left the rehearsal very optimistic for the future,” he told the judge.

After the singer returned to his Holmby Hills estate, Walgren said Murray gave Jackson various medications, including benzodiazepines such as lorazepam or Valium, throughout the night.
Sometime between 10:40 and 11 the next morning, Murray gave the singer a dose of propofol, a dangerous anesthetic normally used in surgery. He then made a phone call around 11:51 a.m. and about 10 minutes into the call he appeared to first realize there was something wrong with his patient, the prosecutor said.

Yet rather than calling 911, Murray’s next move was to call Jackson’s security personnel, most of whom weren’t at Jackson’s home, Walgren said.

When a security guard, Alberto Alvarez, walked over from the security trailer parked next to the home, he saw Murray performing CPR with one hand on Jackson on a soft bed, according to the prosecutor. The doctor then instructed Alvarez to help him collect medical paraphernalia and stuff it into a bag, and only then told Alvarez to call 911, he said.

The prosecutor said the physician waited a minimum of nine minutes, and possibly as many as 21 minutes, before the 911 call was made. When paramedics arrived, Murray made no mention of the propofol Jackson was given, Walgren said.

Coroners ruled that Jackson died from acute propofol intoxication. Walgren said prosecutors would call as witnesses medical experts to testify about Murray’s conduct.

“The court will learn that in the opinion of these medical experts, there were a number of actions displayed by Dr. Murray that showed an extreme deviation from standard medical care,” Walgren said.

The producer of Jackson’s planned 2009 tour, Kenneth Ortega, was called as the first witness.

Ed Chernoff, Murray’s defense attorney, declined to make an opening statement. The hearing is expected to last seven to eight days.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lan...tion-about-powerful-drug-prosecutor-says.html

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Choreographer Kenny Ortega, the last person to work with Michael Jackson on his ill-fated concert tour, has told a Los Angeles judge that the superstar seemed unwell and not in condition six days before he died, and went home early from rehearsals at his suggestion.

The testimony Tuesday came in a preliminary hearing to determine if Jackson’s physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, stands trial on a charge of involuntary manslaughter for administering the powerful anesthetic propofol to the singer to help him sleep.

Ortega says that the morning after Jackson left rehearsal early he was summoned to Jackson’s home and was told by Murray to not try to be Jackson’s doctor or psychiatrist. He says Murray suggested Jackson should not have been sent home because he was physically and emotionally fine.

Murray has pleaded not guilty.

http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/3152212-417/jackson-murray-hearing-manslaughter-michael.html

Re: Preliminary Hearing 4/1/11-Updates only. NO DISCUSSION

inside courtroom update

Alberto Alvarez is testifying - correction it looks like Michael Amir is testifying

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

YOU MIGHT ALSO BE
INTERESTED IN
BofA Scrambling Amid WikiLeaks Threat, Report Says
Expedia Dumps American Airlines Listings
NY Sanitation Bosses Targeted 'Political' Areas
Undercover Cruise-Line Boss Earns Angel Wings, the Hard Way
Issa to Holder: 'Stop Hurting the Administration or Leave'
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.

http://liveshots.blogs.foxnews.com/...-the-preliminary-hearing-of-dr-conrad-murray/

Re: Preliminary Hearing 4/1/11-Updates only. NO DISCUSSION

Preliminary hearing begins for Michael Jackson's physician
By Alan Duke, CNN
January 4, 2011 2:59 p.m. EST

STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Prosecutors begin calling witnesses
The defense declines to make an opening statement
A concert director testifies about the singer's energy
Los Angeles, California (CNN) -- Dr. Conrad Murray waited at least 21 minutes after he found pop star Michael Jackson unresponsive before calling for an ambulance, a prosecutor said at the start of Murray's preliminary hearing Tuesday.
"By all accounts, Michael Jackson was dead in the bedroom at 100 North Carolwood prior to the paramedics' arrival," said Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney David Walgren.
Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine, sister La Toya, and brothers Randy and Jackie sat on the second row of the courtroom during Tuesday's opening session.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor will hear testimony over the next two weeks as he decides whether there is probable cause to try Murray on an involuntary manslaughter charge in the pop star's June 25, 2009, death.
The coroner concluded Jackson died from "acute propofol intoxication," in combination with "the contributory effects of the benzodiazepines," Walgren said.
Dr. Conrad Murray faces court hearing A look back at MJ's death as trial nears
RELATED TOPICS
Conrad Murray
Michael Jackson
Criminal Trials
Propofol is a powerful anesthetic used to "put people under for surgery," and the benzodiazepines were sedatives Murray later acknowledged giving Jackson in the morning before his death, he said.
"Michael Jackson was preparing for one of the most important tours of his life" in the months before his death, Walgren said.
Murray's defense team has hinted it would argue that Jackson was under pressure from the concert promoter, which led him to demand treatments to help him sleep.
Defense attorney Ed Chernoff declined to make an opening statement Tuesday.
Kenny Ortega, who directed Jackson's comeback "This Is It" concerts, was the first of about 30 witnesses to be called by the prosecution.
Ortega described Jackson as "involved, active, participating" at his last rehearsal, which ended just 12 or 14 hours before the singer died.
"He was in a delightful mood and we had an absolutely fantastic day," Ortega testified.
But Ortega described a different, "scary" Michael Jackson at the Staples Center rehearsal on June 19, six nights before his death.
"I just felt that he appeared, you know, really lost," Ortega said. "It was scary. I didn't know what was wrong. I couldn't put my finger on it."
Ortega suggested to Jackson that he cut his rehearsal short and go home to rest.
He was called to a meeting at Jackson's home the next day, where he was "scolded" by Murray for having sent Jackson home the night before, Ortega said.
"Dr. Murray told me that this was not my responsibility and he asked me not to act like a doctor or psychologist," he said.
Ortega said it was an emotional meeting, but he denied yelling at Jackson. "It wasn't yelling," he said. "It was about caring."
"Michael said 'I know you love me and I know you care about me, but you don't have to worry. I'm fine.'" Ortega said. "It was Michael's voice that calmed me."
Randy Phillips, the CEO of concert promoter AEG Live, and Jackson manager Frank Dileo were at this meeting, along with Murray and Jackson, Ortega said.
A civil lawsuit filed last year by Michael Jackson's mother against AEG Live alleged that Phillips visited Jackson's home on June 18, 2009, to warn "that if Jackson missed any further rehearsals, they were going to 'pull the plug' on the show."
"AEG told Murray that he had to make sure Jackson got to rehearsals," Katherine Jackson's lawsuit charged.
Murray remains free on $75,000 bond.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/04/california.conrad.murray.hearing/?hpt=Sbin

Re: Preliminary Hearing 4/1/11-Updates only. NO DISCUSSION

Testimony of Michael Amir Williams

Michael Jackson's personal assistant is testifying in Los Angeles about a chaotic scene at the singer's rented mansion and a hospital on the day that he died.
Prosecutors questioned Michael Amir Williams on Tuesday about a brief conversation he had with Dr. Conrad Murray, who is charged with involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death.
Williams describes Murray calling him and frantically asking him to get help from bodyguards for the singer, who was in a bedroom. Prosecutors contended earlier in Murray's preliminary hearing that Jackson was already dead.
Williams says Murray told him the singer had a "bad reaction" and that immediate help was needed, but that the doctor didn't ask him to call 911.
Williams says it was "chaos" at the mansion and the hospital, with crowds gathering.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/7365372.html

Re: Preliminary Hearing 4/1/11-Updates only. NO DISCUSSION

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.

Re: Preliminary Hearing 4/1/11-Updates only. NO DISCUSSION

From TMZ

Murray's baby mama, Nicole Alvarez, was in court today -- but ordered to return on Friday. Murray was on the phone with Alvarez when he realized MJ was in trouble.

More info about Michael Amir's testimony

Michael Jackson’s personal assistant, Michael Amir Williams, is the second person to take the stand in the preliminary hearing of Dr. Conrad Murray, Jackson’s personal physician.

Williams testified, on the night Jackson died he got an urgent call from Murray saying ” Jackson had a bad reaction, a bad reaction, get here right away.” But he said, Murray did not ask him to call 911

Williams said he arrived at the house when the ambulance was already there and helped put the children in a car to follow the ambulance. He said the scene at the hospital was chaotic and he was in the room when the Jackson kids were told their father had died. Williams said Dr. Murray then approached him and said” Mr. Jackson has some cream in his room that I know he wouldn’t want the world to know about it, can you drive me back to the house to get it? Williams told Murray he didn’t have a key to the house when in fact he did. He says he called the house and ordered that it be put on lock down and not to let anyone in.

http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2011/01/michael-jacksons-personal-assistant-stand

More info about Kenny Ortega's and Michael Amir's testimony

The first witnesses to testify in Tuesday’s preliminary hearing for Michael Jackson's physician described a run-in with Dr. Conrad Murray six days before the pop star's death on June 25, 2009.

Renowned choreographer Kenny Ortega was the first to take the stand and said the singer showed up at a rehearsal at Staples Center seeming “lost” and too weak to perform.

“It was scary. I didn’t know what was wrong, but I knew there was something going on,” Ortega recalled.

The next day, he said, he was summoned to a meeting at Jackson’s mansion with the singer, his manager, the concert promoter and Murray.

He said the doctor insisted Jackson was emotionally and physically strong enough to perform and scolded Ortega for sending Jackson home -- something he said he hadn’t done.

“Dr. Murray told me that this was not my responsibility and asked me to not act like a doctor or psychologist ... and leave Michael’s health to him,” he said.

Ortega said that earlier in June, there was a week during which Jackson was “sort of missing” from rehearsals without explanation, a situation he said “created anxiety for me.”

But in two rehearsals preceding Jackson’s death, the singer appeared to have turned a corner.

“It was like the Michael we all knew and loved,” he said.

The judge also heard from Jackson’s personal assistant, the first person Murray called after discovering Jackson had stopped breathing.

Michael Amir Williams said Murray left a “frantic” message saying Jackson “had a bad reaction” and urging him to come to the house. At the hospital, Murray went with Williams and Jackson’s manager to inform the singer’s children their father was dead.

His voice faltered as he recalled how the children, still thinking their father was alive, began listing his allergies for the doctors.

“It was horrible,” he said.

Shortly thereafter, Murray took him aside with a strange request, Williams said in his testimony.

“He said, ‘Brother Michael, Mr. Jackson has some cream in the house that I knew he wouldn’t want the world to know about,’” Williams said. “It was an odd question, to ask to go to the house to get the cream.”

The doctor asked for a ride back to the mansion, but Williams said he and other security guards demurred.

Subsequently, Murray said he was going to get something to eat and left the hospital. In his cross-examination, Murray’s attorney, Ed Chernoff, questioned Williams about his connection to the Nation of Islam and about other phone calls he made in the minutes after Murray’s call.

He also asked the personal assistant how frequently he went upstairs to Jackson’s bedroom, and whether his fingerprints may be found on vials, intravenous bags or syringes.

“I don’t know how that’s possible, I never touched any of that,” Williams said.


http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lan...n-too-weak-to-perform-just-before-death-.html

Re: Preliminary Hearing 4/1/11-Updates only. NO DISCUSSION

One of Michael Jackson's bodyguards says the pop star's two eldest children watched as the doctor charged in the singer's death frantically attempted to revive him in the bedroom of his rented mansion.

Faheem Muhammad testified Tuesday in Los Angeles that Dr. Conrad Murray appeared panicked as he performed chest compressions on the singer on a bed. Muhammad says the doctor asked at one point whether anyone knew CPR.

The guard says he saw Jackson's children Prince and Paris watching their father, who he described laying on the bed with his eyes and mouth wide open. Muhammad says Paris was crying on the floor and he eventually escorted them from the room.

The testimony comes in a preliminary hearing to determine if Murray must stand trial on a charge of involuntary manslaughter for injecting Jackson with an anesthetic to help him sleep. Murray has pleaded not guilty.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/7365686.html

Re: Preliminary Hearing 4/1/11-Updates only. NO DISCUSSION

TMZ update

Faheen Muhammad, one of Michael Jackson's bodyguards, just testified he was in Michael's room after Murray noticed MJ stopped breathing. Faheen told the prosecutor, Murray was on his knees doing compressions on MJ in a panicked state, when he turned to Faheen and another bodyguard and asked, "Does anyone in the room know CPR?"

Faheen recalled how Prince and Paris were near the room and Paris was on her hands and knees crying. The nanny took them away.

Faheen also said after Michael was pronounced dead at UCLA, Dr. Murray told him he was hungry and wanted to leave. Faheen said he told Murray to eat at the hospital, but Murray left.

On cross-examination, Ed Chernoff got Faheen to admit Murray spoke with MJ's family and police before leaving.

Security guard describes frantic efforts to revive dying pop star


After the lunch hour, a security guard for Michael Jackson took the stand and described the frantic final moments when he saw Jackson’s physician kneeling over the singer, who was sprawled next to his bed.

Jackson was lying with his eyes and mouth open, appearing not to be alive, testified Faheem Muhammad. “I recall him being in a sort of panic state, and I recall him shortly after asking if anyone in the room knew CPR,” Muhammad testified of Dr. Conrad Murray.

Muhammad said he and another security guard exchanged looks of surprise.

“I knew Dr. Murray was a heart surgeon, so I looked at Alberto [Alvarez] kind of shocked,” he said. Alvarez eventually began helping Murray administer CPR, Muhammad testified. He said he left the room to whisk two of Jackson’s children, Paris and Prince, away from the foyer at the front of the room to keep them from the commotion.

Muhammad testified that less than an hour after the singer had been declared dead, the doctor approached him, saying he was hungry and wanted to get something to eat, and abruptly left the hospital soon afterward.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lan...frantic-efforts-to-revive-dying-pop-star.html

Re: Preliminary Hearing 4/1/11-Updates only. NO DISCUSSION

inside courtroom updates by mc8755

I didn't know that nobody was allowed upstairs besides Michael, the children and Murray... Mohammed was allowed up this time, saw Michael on the bed and he said he knew he was DEAD right there he had his eyes open he was totally gone, Murray very panicedly said did he know CPR... While they were saying this they showed pictures of the room Michael died in, I didn't see them but a lot of the fans who could were crying... Mohammed then realised that Prince was in the door way and he couldn't move, Paris was on the landing outside crying and so he took them down to the nanny, and the nanny put them in the car to follow the ambulance.

We all thanked Mohammed so many times when he came out of the courthouse for being so kind to Michael and the children...

The judge said he wanted to continue but he has a tight schedule so it starts all over again tomorrow morning at 9:30am... And could last for up to two weeks

----

Oh and something no one is talking about - Murray had a REALLY bad day today. His lawyers kept asking these stupid questions and the prosecution kept objecting and getting sustained.. and then they would ask again in a different way all the time about being allowed up to Michael's bedroom and would they find their fingerprints up there and all... It was stupid they were trying to make a case from nothing, today was absolutely a win for the prosecution!

And I heard this from a girl who got in the actual courtroom, Katherine was getting really angry when they were talking about Murray calling people the whole time and people kept leaning over to her and rubbing her back :'(

---

I dont know what media reported but all that happened was the defense laywer said to Kenny did he ever talk to Michael about his condition and he said no. He said did he talk to Michael's friends about it and he said no. He said he heard he had yelled at Michael long time friend and colleague Karen Faye about it and Kenny said he didn't. This was weird in general because Kenny had been giving such big answers before and he just said no to all these...

-----

Re: Preliminary Hearing 4/1/11-Updates only. NO DISCUSSION

Dr. Conrad Murray seemed not to know how to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation as he waited for paramedics to arrive at Michael Jackson's house, a witness at Murray's preliminary hearing testified Tuesday.

Former Jackson security chief Faheem Muhammed said he and and guard Alberto Alvarez saw Murray crouched next to Jackson's bed "in a panicked state asking, 'Does anyone know CPR?'"

"I looked at Alberto because we knew Dr. Murray was a heart surgeon, so we were shocked," Muhammed said.

When defense lawyer Ed Chernoff asked if perhaps Murray was only asking for help because he was tired, Muhammed said "The way that he asked it is as if he didn't know CPR."

Jackson appeared to be dead at that time, with his "eyes open and his mouth open, just laying there," he said.

Prosecutor David Walgren earlier said that Murray used "ineffectual CPR with one hand while the patient was prone on a soft bed." Two hands with the patient prone on a hard surface is the proper method, he said.

Muhammed, the third witness on the opening day of the hearing, said he never saw Murray performing CPR on Jackson before paramedics arrived and carried him to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.

Jackson's mother, Katherine, sister La Toya, and brothers Randy and Jackie sat in the second row of the courtroom during Tuesday's opening session.

Jackson's two oldest children, Prince and Paris, were at their father's bedroom door as the drama unfolded just after noon on June 25, 2009, Muhammed said.

"Paris was on the floor on her hands and knees and she was just crying," he said.

The children would learn two hours later that their father had died when Dr. Murray and Jackson manager Frank Dileo talked to them in a hospital room.

"Frank blurted out and said "Your daddy had a heart attack and died," Jackson personal assistant Michael Williams testified.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor will decide whether there is "probable cause" to try Murray on an involuntary manslaughter in the pop star's death. The hearing is expected to last two or three weeks, with 20 to 30 witnesses testifying.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/04/california.conrad.murray.hearing/?hpt=Sbin