Nurse Cherilyn Lee testifies about treating Michael Jackson – Day 17 and 18
Jurors heard from nurse Cherilyn Lee who told the court Michael Jackson asked for something to help him.
Cherilyn Lee is a nurse who has said Jackson asked her for the powerful sedative Propofol.
Lee said she refused to administer the anesthetic, usually reserved for surgical use.
The pop star was healthy, but Lee said she believed his consumption of caffeinated drinks probably didn’t help his sleep issues.
“I said, ‘Michael, the only problem with you taking this medication,’ and I had a chill in my body and tears in my eyes three months ago, ‘the only problem is you’re going to take it and you’re not going to wake up,’” Lee told Jackson.
Lee kept detailed notes of her treatments on Jackson unlike Murray who kept no records. Besides the ethical issue of no records, it means prosecution’s expert testimony was based on other information available, such as statements from other witnesses, investigators and their own research.
“He drank a lot of Red Bulls,” Lee said.
On the second day of testimony, Lee complained of feeling dizzy shortly after beginning her testimony. She noted it was very sensitive to her. She appeared visually distraught over testifying and was given an opportunity to rest for a short while.
After a short break Lee returned and continued her testimony.
Prosecutor David Walgren read from Lee’s medical records, where she told the singer, “I understand you want a good night sleep, you want to be knocked out, but what if you don’t wake up?”
Lee told the jury she had no idea what Propofol was at first but warned Michael about the drug after doing some research. She told Jackson “nobody who cared or had you best interest at heart is going to give you this.”
Lee claims Michael assured her it was safe as long as he was monitored.
According to Lee, Jackson eventually became frustrated with her holistic remedies and stopped calling her.
The last time she heard from the singer was on June 21, when his bodyguard frantically called to tell her Jackson wasn’t feeling well. She said she could hear Jackson shouting in the background, “Tell her what’s happening with me… half of my body is hot and the other half is cold.” She said she told the bodyguard to take him to the hospital immediately.
It was obvious from her testimony how torn she was in testifying, her genuine feelings toward Michael and the thought that he believed he would be monitored – the very thing that ultimately killed him – was to difficult for her.
