Character witnesses testify for Murray

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Jurors in Los Angeles heard testimony from former patients Wednesday in Dr. Conrad Murray's trial in the drug-fueled death of pop singer Michael Jackson.

Murray, who was Jackson's personal doctor, has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter charges. He is accused of improperly using propofol as a sleep aid for the pop star.

Medical experts testifying for the prosecution allege Murray abandoned Jackson by leaving him unmonitored in his bedroom while sedated, USA Today reported.

The character witnesses, who described Murray as caring and capable, included Ruby Mosley, 80, a patient at Murray's Houston clinic, and Gerry Causey, 68, of Cedar City, Utah, who Murray treated in Las Vegas, CNN reported.

Causey testified Wednesday that Murray was "the best doctor I've ever been to." He said Murray would never abandon a patient and is so uncaring about money that "he doesn't charge me my deductible,"

Murray's lawyers contend Jackson self-administered the overdose of drugs that killed him because he was desperate to get some sleep to get through rehearsals for his comeback concerts. The defense alleges Jackson was addicted to Demerol and his withdrawal from the painkiller would explain why he could not get to sleep.

A coroner ruled Jackson died of acute propofol intoxication.