Defense Expert in Conrad Murray Trial
In late October 2011, White testified as a defense expert in the trial that found Dr. Conrad Murray guilty of the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson. White testified that the models used by the prosecution’s expert, Dr. Steven Shafer, did not show how Jackson would have responded to the drug propofol. White was one of the first to test propofol, and his clinical trial led to approval of the drug by the Food and Drug Administration. White also stated that Murray’s treatment of Jackson with propofol was not inappropriate because off-label drug use by doctors is not uncommon or illegal.
In his second day on the stand, White testified that Jackson probably caused his death by injecting himself with propofol while Murray was not looking. White based his conclusion on the level of propofol in Jackson’s urine during the autopsy. White also testified that Jackson had taken several tablets of lorazepam, a sedative, which, in conjunction with the propofol, would have killed Jackson instantly.
On cross-examination, White conceded that Murray had violated the standard of medical care by administering propofol in a home setting.
At a hearing on November 16, 2011, Judge Michael Pastor found White in contempt for referring to his discussions with Murray during White's testimony, even though had been warned not to do so. He was fined $250.
Read more about this topic: Paul Frederick White
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