Dr. Conrad Murray found guilty of involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson

Doctor Conrad Murray file photo

The verdict is in on the sensational and much talked about involuntary manslaughter trial of Dr. Conrad Murray.

Murray was charged with the felony of involuntary manslaughter of the late king of pop, Michael Jackson, by the State of California. The prosecutors in the case have been David Walgren and Deborah Brazil, both Los Angeles deputy district attorneys who, in their opening statement, told jurors that “misplaced trust in the hands of Conrad Murray cost Michael Jackson his life.”

Lawyers for Dr. Murray have claimed that Jackson was administered eight tablets of Lorazepam, a sedative, because he was under extreme pressure as he tried to get ready for an upcoming comeback series of concerts. Attorney Edward Chernoff said of the fateful day and Conrad’s involvement:

“When Dr. Murray left the room, Michael Jackson self-administered a dose of Propofol that, with the Lorazepam, created a perfect storm in his body that killed him instantly. The whole thing is tragic, but the evidence is not that Dr. Murray did it.”

Michael’s sister, La Toya Jackson, tweeted her anticipation before heading to the courthouse:

After a total deliberation time of 8 hours and fifteen minutes the jury came to their conclusion in regards to the Dr.’s responsibility on June 25th, 2009 when the world lost a living icon.

Dr. Conrad Murray is guilty of involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson.

He now faces anywhere from probation to up to 4-years in prison. He also stands to lose his medical license in light of these findings. Murray received no opportunity of bail and was ordered by the judge to be remanded directly into custody. He was escorted away in handcuffs as he was deemed overall a danger to society.

Dr. Conrad Murray escorted away in handcuffs

All the sensationalism of this trial has managed to separate many of us from the singular phenomenon that was Michael Jackson. I remember when he came out for the Mowtown 25th Anniversary in 1983 and gave what still may very well be the most explosive televised musical performance in history. He moonwalked into America’s consciousness to this performance of “Billie Jean.”

Top Photo: WENN



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