Defense for Jackson doctor seeks trial delay

By Linda Deutsch, AP Special Correspondent

LOS ANGELES � Defense attorneys for the doctor charged in Michael Jackson's death have asked a judge to delay the trial so they can prepare for newly named prosecution witnesses.

Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor did not immediately rule on the oral motion made Friday but instructed attorneys for Dr. Conrad Murray to file a formal motion by Sunday afternoon.

Pastor set a hearing for Monday to decide whether to delay the case just two days before jury selection was scheduled to resume and a week before opening statements were expected.

Murray's defense attorney Ed Chernoff told Pastor the Houston-based cardiologist had agreed to a delay.

Murray has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter.

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