Prosecutors don't want files to be released before trial
Los Angeles District Attorney in the trial against Conrad Murray, filed court documents Wednesday to ask the judge to delay disclosure of coroner and fire department records regarding the case until after the trial.
Prosecutors are worried that sensitive records could be leaked to the media if they are turned over to the lawyers for Lloyd's of London, the company that insured Michael Jackson for the This Is It Tour.
In civil court, Lloyd's of London insurance company sued AEG Live and Michael Jackson Company LLC to avoid to pay the $17,5 million in compensation to the Tour canceled.
“The prosecution’s pending criminal case against Conrad Murray regarding the death of Michael Jackson has received significant, unrelenting media attention,” the district attorney’s court papers state.
“Because of the heightened media interest surrounding this case, it is more likely that a leak to the media or a similar compromise in the confidentiality of these documents would occur.”
Therefore, those documents would not be admitted as evidence because of possible objections from Murray's lawyers. Prosecutors also observed that only two autopsy photos was admitted by the judge.
Besides, the releasing of confidential documents could have a negative impact on the capability to select a fair and impartial jury too, according to the court papers.
Recently, the Estate of Michael Jackson filed a cross-complaint to fight the attempt by the insurance company not to pay out and a hearing was set for September 16.
Murray's trial is scheduled to begin on September 8 with jury selection, while opening statements are set for September 26.