Dr. Conrad Murray
Dr. Conrad Murray accused of hiding evidence before calling paramedics
By Kathy Williamson
Sentinel Contributor
As the investigation into the death of pop legend Michael Jackson continues, new information has been revealed to the public regarding his physician, Dr. Conrad Murray’s behavior during the last hours of the singer’s life. Dr. Murray was formally charged last month with a single count of involuntary manslaughter.
Alberto Alvarez, described as Jackson’s bodyguard and logistics coordinator, stated that Murray stopped performing CPR and delayed calling paramedics in order to hide Jackson’s prescribed drugs and intravenous (IV) medications.
Alvarez also said that Murray asked him to put drug vials into a brown canvas bag. The doctor instructed Alvarez to place a used IV bag that contained a milky fluid into a separate bag. It was only after the drugs had been hidden away that Murray asked that the paramedics be called.
Within days of the investigation, Murray led police to a closet in Jackson’s bedroom where they located the vials and bags.
Associated Press (AP) recently procured a copy of Alvarez’ August 2009 statement. According to their reports, Alvarez received a distress call from Jackson’s personal assistant Michael Amir Williams around 12:17 p.m. on June 25. Alvarez then exited the mansion’s security trailer, entered the home and found Jackson lying on a bed with his arms outstretched and his eyes and mouth open.
Murray was at Jackson’s side, administering CPR with one hand. He told Alvarez that Jackson “had a bad reaction.”
According to AP, except for the brief appearances by the nanny and Jackson’s two children, Alvarez and driver/bodyguard Fareem Muhammad were the only others in the room with Murray before paramedics arrived.
California Attorney General Jerry Brown’s office has asked a court to suspend Murray’s California medical license pending the outcome of criminal proceedings against him. Murray is currently licensed to practice medicine in California, Nevada and Texas. He has been barred against using anesthesia.
Murray’s attorney, Edward Chernoff, says that Alvarez’ August statement is inconsistent with the initial statement given the day after Jackson’s death.
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