Michael Jackson’s doctor violated medical standards, lawyer says

 

Michael Jackson’s personal physician compromised his professional responsibility to keep his lucrative position, a prosecutor told jurors Tuesday at the doctor’s involuntary manslaughter trial.

Wrapping up his opening statement, Deputy Dist. Atty. David Walgren ran through a list of actions by Dr. Conrad Murray that he said violated the standard of medical care, including leaving the singer unattended and failing to call 911 when he found Jackson stricken in bed.

“Dr. Murray was working for $150,000 a month. He was an employee, he acted as employee. He did not act as a medical professional using sound medical judgment,” Walgren said.

Live video: Full coverage of Conrad Murray's trial

Walgren addressed a courtroom darkened to accommodate an elaborate multimedia presentation.

As the prosecutor recounted Murray’s conduct the morning Jackson died, a picture of the singer dead in his bed appeared on a large screen in front of jurors.

Murray, 58, has pleaded not guilty. His lawyer is to address jurors later Tuesday.

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-- Harriet Ryan and Victoria Kim at Los Angeles Hall of Justice

Credit: Michael Jackson's brother Jermaine Jackson arrives to court Tuesday. Credit: Jason Redmond / Associated Press