Dr. Murray chooses not to testify at Jackson trial

By LINDA DEUTSCH

AP Special Correspondent

LOS ANGELES

Michael Jackson’s doctor told a judge Tuesday that he would not testify in his own defense, as testimony came to a close in the involuntary manslaughter trial.

Closing arguments in the six-week case will begin Thursday — one of the final steps before jurors begin deliberations.

Murray had left open the possibility of testifying on Monday, when he told the judge that he had not made a final decision.

Defense attorneys rested their case after calling 16 witnesses. A total of 49 witnesses testified over 22 days of trial.

Prosecutors contend Murray gave Jackson a fatal dose of the anesthetic propofol in the bedroom of the singer’s mansion. Defense attorneys claim Jackson self-administered the dose when Murray left the room.

Murray has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in Jackson’s death on June 25, 2009. He could face up to four years behind bars and the loss of his medical license if convicted.