Bluebonnets

A judge overseeing the criminal case of a doctor charged in Michael Jackson's death has scheduled a hearing to determine if medical items found in the singer's bedroom should undergo another round of testing.

Defense attorneys for Dr. Conrad Murray have been asking for months that fluids in two syringes and an IV bag found in Jackson's rented mansion be tested to determine how much of the anesthetic propofol they contained.

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Murray's defense attorneys say the items are deteroirating and the results could be crucial at trial, but prosecutors have downplayed the significance.

Coroner's officials ruled Jackson died of acute propofol intoxication.

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A judge will hear arguments on the issue on Dec. 29 — six days before Murray is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing. Murray has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter.

The testing is not a factor during the hearing, when the judge will determine if there is enough evidence for Murray to stand trial

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