Boston Criminal Lawyer Blog
According to law enforcement, the Los Angeles County Coroner has ruled that Michael Jackson’s death was a homicide.. On Monday, court documents were released that indicated that Jackson died of an overdose of propofol, a powerful sedative he was given to help him sleep. This, of course, increases the likelihood that Doctor Conrad Murray is about to experience the criminal justice system as he has been the apparent target of the manslaughter investigation. Be assured, though, his lawyer is prepared.
Dr. Murray’s attorney has already begun the defense by claiming that the police timeline of Jackson’s death is not accurate. Dr. Murray himself, who was said to be cooperating with the police investigation, released a YouTube video last week, as if from a bunker, thanking his supporters. This week, his position is that he told police the truth, but that said truth has been ignored or changed.
The bottom line for the coroner, however, is that the fatal combination of drugs given to Jackson hours before he died on June 25th in his rented Los Angeles mansion acted together with to cause Jackson’s death.
Of course, just to keep it more interesting, this was released by an unnamed police official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the report had not been publicly released yet.
Nonetheless, Jackson’s family commended the coroner’s office in a statement released Monday.
Attorney Sam’s Take:
We have not had a Michael Jackson criminal justice drama for quite a few years, but it would appear we have one coming.
While it would be easy to concentrate on the ironies involved in this unfolding story, or the theatrics thereof, we must remember that this is a blog which concentrates on criminal justice. So…what does this story reveal to you?
Actually, it is more evidence, if such was really needed, that the ever-present finger of blame can be brought down to your eye level at any time. I have yet to meet the individual who has not made a “gut decision” that could not be criticized. When that results in something that even smells criminal, however, there is often an investigation and the investigators are seldom very forgiving. Of course, this does not usually involve the death of a beloved pop superstar. That element in this case merely promises the high level of public scrutiny.
Do not be misled, however. It does not take an untimely death to bring about an allegation of criminal activity. Sometimes, it does not even take that actual act…but the mere belief that the act took place.
Yes, as Dr. Murray is learning, criminal investigations, whether or not foreseen, can be a very menacing experience. It can easily change your life, and usually not for the better.
If you suspect that something has occurred that could bring a criminal investigation to your doorstep, it is advisable that you not delay. Consult an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to advise and defend you.
If you believe you are being investigated, and wish to discuss the matter with me, feel free to call me at 617-492-3000.
For the full article concerning today’s posting of the Boston Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog, go to http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,542221,00.html and http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/08/24/michael.jackson.propofol/index.html
