I had an opportunity to speak by phone with Thomas A. Mesereau, Jr., today about the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray. Mesereau, who is best known for his defense of Michael Jackson and Robert Blake in their criminal trials, stated, as he has in other interviews, that in this case he is pro-prosecution. When I asked Mr. Mesereau to speculate as to why Dr. Murray's defense counsel did not accept a plea bargain before trial, he indicated that he considers it likely that no plea deal was offered. In a case in which it is conceivable that a second-degree murder charge could have been brought, perhaps the charge of involuntary manslaughter was all the bargain that the prosecution was willing to make.
Mesereau indicated that so far, both legal teams are doing a very professional job, with opening arguments on both sides earning his praise.
Comments