Conrad Murray Defense Abruptly Drops Key Theory

Prosecutors are close to wrapping up their case against Conrad Murray, with the final witnesses (medical experts) testifying that Murray's care of Michael Jackson was grossly irresponsible. Murray's attorneys, meanwhile, announced a surprise shift yesterday: They dropped their long-held theory that Jackson drank a fatal dose of propofol when Murray left the room, reports the Los Angeles Times. Instead, they'll maintain that Jackson managed to inject himself with it when left alone.

Even if that's true, it doesn't matter, a cardiologist told the jury yesterday. "We don't give opportunity for a patient to self-administer," he said. "When you monitor a patient, you never leave their side, especially after giving propofol. It's like leaving a baby that's sleeping on your kitchen countertop." He also called out Murray for prescribing the anesthetic for insomnia in the first place and for shoddy efforts at resuscitation, notes the AP. The defense could get its turn as early as today. (More Conrad Murray trial stories.)