LOS ANGELES (AP) — More than half of the first panel of prospective jurors for the manslaughter trial of Michael Jackson’s doctor have been dismissed after claiming it would be a hardship to serve on the five-week trial.
A larger than expected contingent of 182 prospects showed up for questioning Thursday. Court officials said that of those, 110 were dismissed and 72 remained to fill out lengthy questionnaires probing their views of the case in which Dr. Conrad Murray is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the pop star’s death. Murray has pleaded not guilty in the case.
More remaining panelists could be dismissed later if they express strong views about Jackson, Murray or the case.
A new panel of prospects was on call for Friday morning and questioning could continue Monday if a sufficient pool has not been cleared by then.
