Debt Drove Michael Jackson to Suicide Say Murray Lawyers

The lawyer for Dr. Conrad Murray, the man accused of administering the drugs that killed Michael Jackson, is claiming that his client is an innocent man.

The AP reports that Murray's lawyer, Edward Chernoff, is arguing that it was Jackson, and not Murray, who ended the King of Pop's life.

In a pre-trial hearing, Chernoff put forth the theory that Jackson was so distraught over his declining empire and deep debt that he took his own life, and asked for access to Jackson's financial records to gather proof.

Prosecutors slammed Chernoff's allegations, claiming that his dog and pony show were part of a ploy to defame Jackson.

The judge denied Chernoff's request on grounds that it was an unnecessary invasion of Jackson's privacy.

The court is still screening jurors for the upcoming trial.