Dr. Conrad Murray’s lawyers not providing required court information

Dr. Conrad Murray is about to stand trial for the death of Michael Jackson but on Thursday the prosecution told the court that lawyers for the doctor are not handing over required documents to them. They asked for a delay but the judge refused. The documents not yet shared include findings of its star forensic witness.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor left the scheduled March 24 start of Dr. Conrad Murray’s trial in place, but said he shared the prosecution’s frustration and reminded defense attorneys that they could be fined or barred from calling witnesses if they did not comply with legal obligations to turn over the materials.

“Dr. Murray is entitled to have a speedy trial, but it’s not trial by lack of information,” Pastor said.

Deputy District Attorney Deborah Brazil complained that with only a month before trial, Murray’s lawyers have not handed over a report or notes about the expected testimony of Dr. Paul White.

The defense acknowledged in court that White, a Dallas anesthesiologist with an expertise in propofol is its most important witness.

Defense Attorney J. Michael Flanagan insisted the expert had not prepared a report and had communicated his findings verbally. Those findings, Flanagan said, included the opinion that Jackson was addicted to Demerol and that Murray did not cause Jackson’s death.

“I’m just finding it very difficult to believe that a renowned forensic expert in any subject is going to take the stand without having documentation in front of him,” the judge said.