NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

Jackson doctor’s ex-girlfriend testifies

LOS ANGELES

A former girlfriend of the doctor charged in the death of Michael Jackson testified Friday that he was distracted when he called her on the morning of the singer’s death, and she heard commotion in the background.

Sade Anding said she realized at one point that Dr. Conrad Murray wasn’t paying attention to her. She heard coughing and mumbling but didn’t recognize the voice as Murray’s, she said.

“I heard commotion as if the phone was in a pocket or something,” Anding said.

The testimony added details to a timeline being developed by prosecutors at a preliminary hearing where a judge will decide if there is enough evidence for Murray to stand trial on involuntary manslaughter. He has pleaded not guilty.

Authorities contend Jackson died after Murray gave him a lethal dose of propofol and other sedatives in the bedroom of his rented mansion then delayed calling 911 while he collected and bagged medications.

Phone records show Murray called Anding at 11:51 a.m. She said she stayed on the line for five to six minutes, but Murray never got back on the phone.

The records indicate 911 was dialed at 12:21 p.m.

Chilean miner tours Graceland

MEMPHIS, Tenn.

Rescued Chilean miner Edison Pena says he was living a dream as he toured the Graceland estate of his late idol, Elvis Presley.

Pena was known to belt out Elvis tunes underground to lift the spirits of 32 other miners while they were trapped for 69 days last year.

On Friday, he toured the Memphis home and grounds that are a magnet for Elvis fans worldwide.

Pena shot video with his cell phone. He occasionally broke into song, including “Hound Dog” and “Blue Suede Shoes.”

Pena’s Graceland tour is part of a five-day visit to Memphis, which has included stops at a practice session of the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies and a stay at the luxurious Peabody Hotel. Memphis-area businesses and tourism groups are footing most of the bill.

Associated Press