Conrad Murray, the doctor charged with causing Michael Jackson's death, broke down in tears today as a procession of patients painted him as a caring physician who helped save lives and offered his services for free to the poor.
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The doctor has shown little emotion during the three weeks of damning testimony in which prosecutors blasted him as inept and greedy.
But he broke down as jurors at Los Angeles Superior Court finally heard about a different side of the doctor accused of mishandling the singer's care.
Shedding tears: Dr Conrad Murray lost his composure at the LA trial for the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson after jurors heard from the defence's character witnesses
Shedding tears: Dr Conrad Murray lost his composure at the LA trial for the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson after jurors heard from the defence's character witnesses
Two character witnesses were scolded by Judge Michael Pastor for going over to shake Murray's hand after giving evidence.
Andrew Guest, 48, from Las Vegas, told jurors: 'I believe that Dr Murray is not getting a fair shake. I believe he needs support. I am alive today because of that man.'
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The 58-year-old cardiologist wiped away tears after an elderly patient Ruby Mosley told how Murray founded a clinic in Houston, Texas in memory of his father.
Mrs Mosley said: 'If this man was greedy, he never would have come to an area where 75 per cent of the people are poor, on welfare and social security and where he was making less than where he was in Vegas.'
Defended: Dr Murray's patients moved him to tears by saying he was the 'best doctor' and often treated the poor without charge
Defended: Dr Murray's patients moved him to tears by saying he was the 'best doctor' and often treated the poor without charge
Defended: Dr Murray's patients moved him to tears by saying he was the 'best doctor' and often treated the poor without charge
Dr Murray, who also had a thriving clinic in Las Vegas, was following in the footsteps of his late father, who had a clinic in the same Acres Homes suburb of Houston.
The doctor struggled to contain his emotions as 82-year-old Mrs Mosley said he never turned away a patient even if they didn't have insurance or couldn't afford treatment.
Famous patient: Dr Conrad Murray is accused of causing Michael Jackson's death
Famous patient: Dr Conrad Murray is accused of causing Michael Jackson's death
She was the last of five patients called yesterday in defence of Dr Murray, who has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter.
Prosecutors have claimed that the doctor gave Jackson a deadly dose of the powerful anaesthetic Propofol on June 25, 2009.
Gerry Causey, who was treated by Dr Murray after having a heart attack, called the defendant his 'best friend'.
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He had driven from his home in Utah to attend the Los Angeles trial. Mr Causey said: 'He is the best doctor I have ever seen. He's not greedy. He doesn't even charge me any deductibles. He never has.'
After making his statement in the witness box, Mr Causey went over and shook Murray's hand and kissed him on the head.
Dennis Hix, from Banning, California, said Dr Murray carried out life-saving operations to insert 13 stents in his clogged arteries even though he had insurance that barely covered the cost.
Mr Hix said: 'When I went and told him I didn't have the sort of insurance to pay for hardly anything, he did it for me for free.
He added that the physician had carried out a similar procedure free of charge for his brother.
Patient approval: Ruby Mosley is handed her statement supporting Dr Murray by Deputy District Attorney David Walgren
Patient approval: Ruby Mosley is handed her statement supporting Dr Murray by Deputy District Attorney David Walgren
Life-saver: Lunette Sampson (left) and Andrew Guest sang the praises of Dr Murray during his trial for the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson
Life-saver: Lunette Sampson (left) and Andrew Guest sang the praises of Dr Murray during his trial for the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson
Life-saver: Lunette Sampson (left) and Andrew Guest sang the praises of Dr Murray during his trial for the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson
Lunette Sampson, from San Diego, who has suffered three heart attacks, said Murray discovered what was wrong after other doctors misdiagnosed her.
'I have never had a doctor who is more caring,' she added.
All of the witnesses said Murray never appeared to be motivated by money. Prosecutors have claimed that Murray initially claimed a $5 million fee to be Jackson's personal doctor before settling for $150,000-a-month.
The defence is set to call two medical experts as final witnesses tomorrow. It is expected that the jury will make their decision early next week.
The trial continues.
Beyond the call of duty: Dennis Hix (left) and Gerry Causey both testified to the glowing reputation of Conrad Murray and his excellent patient care
Beyond the call of duty: Dennis Hix (left) and Gerry Causey both testified to the glowing reputation of Conrad Murray and his excellent patient care
Beyond the call of duty: Dennis Hix (left) and Gerry Causey both testified to the glowing reputation of Conrad Murray and his excellent patient care
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