On June 26, Houston criminal-defense attorney Edward Chernoff of Stradley, Chernoff & Alford began representing Dr. Conrad Murray, now the subject of international media attention since the doctor accompanied Michael Jackson to a Los Angeles hospital, where the pop star died on June 25. According to Chernoff spokeswoman Miranda Sevcik, Murray retained Chernoff -- based on a referral from another lawyer -- after the Los Angeles Police Department made a request to question Murray a second time regarding details of Jackson's medical condition. A statement released by Sevcik before that second interview says: "Investigators have made it clear to Mr. Chernoff that Dr. Murray is considered to be a witness to the events surrounding Michael Jackson’s death and he is not a suspect. Dr. Murray hired legal counsel to help guide him through the police investigation process. The law firm was hired to make sure the police investigation is conducted properly. Dr. Murray rode with Michael Jackson to the hospital and made frantic attempts to revive him along the way. Dr. Murray considered himself to be a friend of Michael Jackson and he is very distraught over his death. He will continue to cooperate in every respect." After the police interviewed Murray a second time on June 26, Sevcik wrote in a another statement that the doctor and his lawyer "have met with the LAPD for the 2nd time and have answered every and all questions asked by LAPD in an attempt to help piece together the mysteries surrounding the death of Michael Jackson. The meeting in Los Angeles today with police investigators lasted three hours. During the meeting Dr. Murray helped identify the circumstances around the death of the pop icon and clarified some inconsistencies. Dr. Murray has been in Los Angeles since the death of Mr. Jackson. He rode in the ambulance to the hospital and stayed at the hospital for hours comforting and consoling the Jackson family. Investigators say the doctor is in no way a suspect and remains a witness to this tragedy. Dr. Murray will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities and asks that all keep the Jackson family in their prayers. Dr. Murray was hired by Michael Jackson to accompany him on his concert tour in May of 2009. Dr. Murray has offices in Las Vegas and Houston, Texas. Dr. Murray will remain in Los Angeles until investigators no longer need his assistance with the investigation." The Web site for his firm says Chernoff graduated from the University of Houston Law Center in 1987 and he is a former Harris County assistant district attorney.
-- Miriam Rozen
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