Dr. Conrad Murray's Lawyer: Michael Jackson Died Instantaneously

The trial of Michael Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray, who's charged with involuntary manslaughter, kicked off Monday with the defense claiming that the then 50-year-old pop icon administered the fatal dose of propofol while the doctor was out of the room, the Los Angeles Timesreports.

"He died rapidly, so instantly, he didn't even have time to close his eyes," defense lawyer Ed Chernoff said in his opening remarks. Murray's lawyer went on to inform the jury that evidence would be presented showing Jackson had swallowed eight tablets of lorazepam before administering propofol without Murray's knowledge.

Dr. Conrad Murray charged with involuntary manslaughter, pleads not guilty

On the prosecution side, District Attorney David Walgren took the emotional route, showing a photo of a deceased Jackson on a gurney and playing a recording of the rambling pop star just six weeks before his death. "Michael Jackson literally put his life in the hands of Conrad Murray," he said.

If Murray, 58, is convicted, he faces up to four years in prison and the loss of his medical license.