London: Michael Jackson’s doctor Conrad Murray has said that he will not testify in his own defense during his trial on a charge of involuntary manslaughter of the pop star.
Murray’s decision came after hours of intense grilling by a prosecutor of Dr Paul White, an anesthesia expert who has said he believes Jackson injected himself with the fatal dose of propofol when Murray left his bedside.
“My decision is I will not testify in this matter,” the Telegraph quoted Dr Murray as telling a judge.
The judge asked lead attorney Ed Chernoff whether he had conferred with Dr Murray about his rights and Chernoff said yes.
“The court finds the defendant has knowingly, freely and explicitly waived his right to testify. I certainly will respect that decision,” the judge said.
Dr Murray had left open the possibility of testifying on Monday, when he told Judge Pastor that he had not made a final decision.
He has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in Jackson’s death on June 25, 2009. He could face up to four years behind bars and the loss of his medical license if convicted.
ANI
