Opening statements heard in Jackson manslaughter trial

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- The involuntary manslaughter trial of Conrad Murray, the Texas cardiologist accused of causing Michael Jackson's death, began Tuesday with opening statements.

The singer died June 25, 2009, at age 50 in Los Angeles. Autopsy results showed lethal levels of the anesthesia propofol and sedatives in his system.

Murray is accused of having administered the fatal doses of the drugs in an effort to help Jackson sleep.

People.com quoted Deputy District Attorney David Walgren as saying at the opening of Murray's trial in Los Angeles that Jackson was dead because the doctor "repeatedly acted with gross negligence, repeatedly denied care, appropriate care, to his patient, Michael Jackson, and it was Dr. Murray's repeated incompetent and unskilled acts that led to Michael Jackson's death."

Murray's defense team argued Jackson caused his own death by self-administering a dose of propofol when Murray was out of the room, creating "a perfect storm in his body that killed him instantly," People.com said.

Jackson's brother, Jermaine, and sisters, Janet and Rebbie, were in court with their mother, Katherine.