Attorney: Murray Said Jackson Was "Perfectly Healthy"
The attorney who drafted an employment agreement between Michael Jackson and his personal physician testified Wednesday that the Dr. Conrad Murray told her multiple times that the singer was in excellent health.
"Dr. (Conrad) Murray told me repeatedly that Michael Jackson was perfectly healthy, in excellent condition," said attorney Kathy Jorrie.
Up until the final weeks before Jackson's death, Jorrie said Murray told her, "Don't worry about it, he's great."
Murray has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter charges in relation to Michael Jackson's death on June 25, 2009. Jackson died at the age of 50 from acute propofol intoxication.
Murray denies he gave Jackson anything that should have killed him. Defense attorneys claim that Jackson somehow administered himself the lethal dose.
Not only do authorities claim that Murray is responsible for administering a lethal dose, they also believe he did not have proper equipment to revive Jackson.
Jorrie was hired by concert promoter AEG to draft Murray's contract. In court, she testiified that she questioned Murray's request to have a CPR machine at his disposal.
She said she raised the issue because she wanted to make sure that Jackson did not have a heart condition.
Murray assured her that his request for a CPR machine was because he would be putting on an "extraordinary" performance and given Jackson's age, he wanted the machine solely as a precaution.
Jorrie also testified regarding two conversations she had with Murray in the week before his death, while she was preparing the contract between the singer and doctor.
"He had seen Michael Jackson rehearse and he looked extraordinary," Jorrie said of Murray.
Jorrie also said Murray wanted to continue being paid $150,000 per month during a three month hiatus of the "This Is It" tour. Murray told Jorrie that Jackson had agreed to this payment.
The day before Jackson died, Murray signed the final draft of the employment contract and sent it to Jorrie.
The preliminary trial that took place earlier this year resulted in a judge ruling that there was enough evidence to move forwards, however this time around, more details will be disclosed. And many of the originial witness recollections will be reexamined.
However, Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor has made on stipulation about the trial. Murray's lawyers are to limit the information they disclose in regards to Jackson's history with drugs, his financial difficulties and personal problems.
Murray is currently free on $75,000 bail. If convicted of involuntary manslaughter, Murray could face four years in prison and the loss of his medical license.
Many of Jackson's family members showed up Tuesday to listen in as events unfolded. Family members present included his mother Katherine, father Joseph, sisters LaToya and Janet, and brothers Jermaine, Randy and Tito.
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