Entering its second week today, Dr. Conrad Murray's involuntary manslaughter trial is not exactly off to a strong start from the physician's perspective.
Various witnesses detailed his panicked and inconsistent behavior, such as concealing evidence. Paramedics even said he didn't call 911 fast enough.
Now, the linchpin of his defense - that Michael Jackson killed himself - may be hurt by a report that MJ's prints were not found on any Propofol bottles.
Dr. Murray's lawyers contend that when the Murray left the room briefly, Jackson grabbed a bottle of the drug, ingested it and subsequently died.
Attorney Ed Chernoff told the jury during opening statements that MJ self-administered an extra dose of Propofol and Lorazepam on June 25, 2009.
This "created perfect storm in his body, that killed him instantly," Chernoff said.
"No CPR, nor doctor, no paramedic, no machine was going to revive Michael Jackson. He died so rapidly, he didn’t even have time to close his eyes."
The defense might have a hard time convincing a jury of this given what the EMTs have said, but a lack of prints would definitely hurt Murray's case.
Says a source close to the trial:
"Plain and simply, the Los Angeles Police Department didn't find any fingerprints of Michael Jackson's on ANY Propofol bottles or the Lorazepam bottles."
"There were no partial fingerprints of Michael's or any unknown prints."
In all, what was a blistering week for Dr. Murray's defense team could become even worse this week if the prosecution's hot streak continues.
Murray's version of events may become clearer when the defense presents its case, but right now, it seems somewhat dubious to say the least.
The jury will also have a hard time forgetting recordings such as this one, which the state played to illustrate MJ's physical condition ...
Dr. Conrad Murray: