Michael Jackson’s doctor, Conrad Murray has been sentenced to four years behind bars for his role in the death of the pop superstar but the sentence could be lesser because of overcrowding in California jails, according to reports.
Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter earlier this month after a six-week trial that presented the most detailed account yet of Jackson’s final hours, and how the 58-year-old cardiologist administered the powerful anesthetic propofol to treat the superstar’s chronic insomnia.
Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor chastised Murray for a “horrific violation of trust” in caring for the pop star and called the heavy use of propofol “medicine madness.”
The verdict in the trial of Dr Conrad Murray has been handed down.
A Californian jury of 12 found Murray guilty of causing the death of Michael Jackson by way of Involuntary Manslaughter.
Murray appeared to show no emotion as the verdict was read by court clerk Sammi Benson, but someone in the gallery let out a loud, but short scream.
Sentencing was set for November 29, with Murray facing up to four years in prison on the conviction. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor ordered Murray to be held without bail until that date, and Murray was led from the courtroom in handcuffs.
"This is not a crime involving a mistake of judgment. ... This was a crime where the end result was the death of a human being," Pastor said in explaining his decision to remand Murray to police custody. "That factor demonstrates rather dramatically that the public should be protected."
Murray served as Jackson's personal physician as Jackson prepared for his comeback concerts, with Murray giving him the surgical anesthetic propofol to help him sleep nearly every night for the last two months of his life, according to testimony.
Jackson's death on June 25, 2009, was caused by "acute propofol intoxication" in combination with two sedatives, the Los Angeles County coroner ruled.
The verdict followed about nine hours of jury deliberations, which began Friday morning in the downtown Los Angeles County courthouse.
Fans gathered outside of the courthouse ahead of the verdict with signs of support for Jackson including one banner that read, "We miss Michael." The crowd began celebrating once word of the guilty verdict reached them, chanting "Rest in peace." Passing cars honked their horns. (CNN)
Here’s a video via Vevo but right now, there seems to be a issue because the video stops playing at 10:20. Hopefully this will be fixed soon but for now, Enjoy the first 10 minutes. (EE)
The video for ‘Hollywood Tonight’ – the 2nd single to be released from Michael Jackson’s posthumous ‘Michael’ LP – surfaced moments ago. Check it out below:
