In between performing CPR – but before calling for help – Dr. Conrad Murray stashed away vials of drugs and an IV bag apparently containing a sedative later blamed for Jackson's death, according to the Associated Press.
The AP report quotes from witness statements that paint a dramatic picture of Jackson's final moments – and which could play an important role in the prosecution of Murray, 57, who is charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter.
Jackson aide Alberto Alvarez told investigators that last June 25 he rushed to Jackson's room and saw the star in his bed with an IV attached to his leg. Jackson's mouth and eyes were wide open and there was no sign of life, according to the AP.
Murray performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation while Alvarez took over CPR. At one point, Murray halted CPR so he could collect rubber-topped vials, which he told Alvarez to put in a plastic bag, then into a brown canvass bag, according to AP.
Murray also had Alvarez remove an IV bag containing a milky white substance from a stand and put it in a blue canvas bag, according to AP.
Two days later, Murray directed police to a closet in Jackson's bedroom where they found propofol – which is milky white – and other sedatives in a bag, AP reports.
The Los Angeles coroner later ruled Jackson's death was caused by a propofol overdose.
Murray’s attorney Ed Chernoff denies his client hid propofol. He says Alvarez told about hiding the medicine in his second police interview, but made no mention of it in his first interview.
"He didn't say any of those things, then two months later, all of a sudden, the doc is throwing bottles into the bag," Chernoff tells AP. "Alvarez's statement is inconsistent with his previous statement. We will deal with that at trial."
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