Michael Jackson’s doctor, Dr. Conrad Murray is facing involuntary manslaughter charges linked to the singer’s drug overdose and death. Trial began on Tuesday September 27, and the prosecution shocked everyone by playing an audio recording of an obviously drugged Jackson slurring his words and talking not-quite-lucidly about his upcoming musical tour. Attorneys also displayed in court photographs taken of Jackson’s body on the hospital gurney after he died.

Los Angeles County District Attorney officials are blaming Dr. Murray for the pop icon’s death due to his medical negligence in treating Jackson for sleeping problems when the doctor started using a strong surgical anesthetic called propofol. Records suggest Murray put Jackson to sleep every night with the drug for more than two months. According to the coroner, the cause of death in this case was “acute propofol intoxication” in combination with other sedative drugs found in the singer’s system.

Dr. Murray’s attorney, Ed Chernoff will make the claim that Jackson took his own life without the help of Murray. He is expected to provide evidence that Jackson swallowed sedatives and the propofol when the doctor was not present. Chernoff will argue to the jury that Murray had no direct or prior knowledge of what Jackson ingested or plan to ingest, and therefore is not responsible. Murray contends that he was trying to wean the singer off his addiction to propofol when Jackson took his own life.

The matter of the doctor’s responsibility and role in the overdose and death is ultimately up for a jury to decide. A conviction of involuntary manslaughter in this case could result the suspension or revocation of Dr. Murray’s medical license and up to a four years prison sentence.