Re: Status hearings discussion thread / next hearing April 29th -
Trial of Michael Jackson's doctor could be delayed
By Alan Duke, CNN
April 29, 2011 -- Updated 1809 GMT (0209 HKT)
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Dr. Murray's lawyers say they need more time to prepare
The defense concern began when the judge approved prosecutors' new experts
The defense must let the judge know by the end of Friday
Los Angeles (CNN) -- Defense lawyers are considering asking for a delay in the start of Dr. Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial because, they said, they need more time to answer new theories raised by the prosecution.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor asked the defense during a hearing Friday morning to let the court know by the end of the day if they wanted a continuance.
Testimony in the trial of Michael Jackson's doctor is scheduled to start on May 9, but the jury will be chosen next week.
The possibility of a delay was raised after Pastor ruled prosecutors could call new expert witnesses, including one who would testify that there was no way Jackson could have self-ingested the drug that killed him.
"This is precisely the matter I fully expected that was going to happen when the defense said it wanted to go in 60 days," Pastor said.
Dr. Murray invoked his right to a speedy trial after his arraignment in January.
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/04/29/conrad.murray.trial/index.html