Verdict’s In: Dr. Conrad Murray Found Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter of Michael Jackson (video)
Posted By Vicki McClure Davidson on November 7, 2011
Michael Jackson's doctor was found guilty today of involuntary manslaughter of the pop star
The media circus in Los Angeles is just about over… Dr. Conrad Murray was found guilty today of involuntary manslaughter of pop singer Michael Jackson.
It was determined in August 2009 that Jackson’s death was a homicide — today’s verdict has named his doctor responsible.
A jury found Michael Jackson’s doctor guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the 2009 death of the King of Pop.
Dr. Conrad Murray appeared stone-faced as the verdict was read Monday in a Los Angeles courtroom. The 58-year-old doctor, who is to be sentenced November 29, is facing up to four years in prison. He could also lose his medical license.
Jackson’s sister LaToya screamed out upon hearing the verdict, while his crying mother, Katherine, was consoled by her son, Jermaine Jackson.
Murray’s supporters looked somber over the news, with one shaking her head back and forth, mouthing the word “no.”
Jackson fans who had gathered outside the courtroom burst into applause and cheered as the verdict, “Guilty!,” was announced.
The decision was reached after less than nine hours of deliberation. The prosecution asked for Murray to be remanded into custody immediately. “He is now a convicted felon,” prosecutor David Walgren said.
Defense lawyer Ed Chernoff argued that he is not a danger to the community before Murray was escorted out of the courtroom by the Sheriff.
Jackson died on June 25, 2009. The complete story of his death finally emerged during the six-week trial. It was the tale of a tormented genius on the brink of what might have been his greatest triumph with one impediment standing in his way — extreme insomnia.
Testimony came from medical experts, household employees and Murray’s former girlfriends, among others.
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Lawyers for Murray and a defense expert blamed Jackson for his own death, saying the singer gave himself the fatal dose of propofol while Murray wasn’t watching. A prosecution expert said that theory was crazy.
Murray said he had formed a close friendship with Jackson, never meant to harm him and couldn’t explain why he died.
The circumstances of Jackson’s death at the age of 50 were as bizarre as any chapter in the superstar’s sensational life story.
Jackson was found not breathing in his own bed in his rented mansion after being dosed intravenously with propofol, a drug normally administered in hospitals during surgery.
The coroner ruled the case a homicide and the blame would fall to the last person who had seen Jackson alive — Murray, who had been hired to care for the singer as the comeback concerts neared.
Craving sleep, Jackson had searched for a doctor who would give him the intravenous anesthetic that Jackson called his “milk” and believed to be his salvation. Other medical professionals turned him down, according to trial testimony.
Murray gave up his practices in Houston and Las Vegas and agreed to travel with Jackson and work as his personal physician indefinitely.
For six weeks, as Jackson undertook strenuous rehearsals, Murray infused him with propofol every night, the doctor told police. He later tried to wean Jackson from the drug because he feared he was becoming addicted.
This news report aired a few days ago:
Telegraph TV: Michael Jackson ‘paid with his life’ for trusting Dr. Conrad Murray, claims trial prosecution
From Friday, raw video from outside the courthouse during Dr. Murray’s trial:
Heartbreaking… Michael’s children at his madhouse of a funeral in July 2009.
Michael Jackson's children at his funeral in July 2009
Michael Jackson's three children at his July 2009 funeral - Blanket, left, Paris and Prince Michael, right
Jackson family with two of Michael's children, Paris and Prince Michael, at memorial service
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The person that should be arrested is the crazy plastic surgeon that made Michael Jackson look like a scary cartoon caricature with a deformed rubber nose. What the heck was that all about?. He wanted to be a Dianna Ross look alike but only white. Tsk Tsk… his desire to turn himself into a white person turned him into a one person (can’t say man because he is ODD) freak show that should have been in Barnum Bailey circus. The whole family is just down right sickening and are after nothing more than his money.