Defense Claims Jackson Committed Suicide Over Finances

Did money problems drive the King of Pop to the point of actually taking his own life? A defense lawyer for Michael Jackson’s doctor claims the singer was so upset about his deteriorating finances that he committed suicide. The statements yesterday by attorney Edward Chernoff came during a pretrial hearing in the case of Dr. Conrad Murray, who has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in Jackson’s death. Chernoff was asking to see Jackson’s financial records to prove a key defense theory. Deputy District Attorney David Walgren accused the defense of

trying to distract from the main issue of the trial – whether Murray acted with gross negligence when he gave Jackson the anesthetic propofol and other sedatives on the day he died. The judge refused to grant the request. Lawyers were ordered to return today to continue screening prospective jurors. Jury selection is scheduled to move into open court on May 4th and opening statements are expected on May 9th.

How will you remember Michael Jackson? Will you remember him most for his music, the controversy that surrounded his life, or a combination of both?