Jury finds Michael Jackson’s Doctor Guilty

In less than 9 hours a jury came back with a guilty verdict of “Involuntarily Manslaughter” for Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson’s former doctor for the 2009 death of Michael Jackson.

Prosecutors painted Murray as a reckless physician who gave Jackson a lethal dose of propofol, a powerful drug used as a surgical anesthetic and blasted him for his “bizarre, unethical, and unconscionable” behavior.  In his closing statements he said “Michael Jackson trusted Conrad Murray. He trusted him with his life; he paid with his life.”  The defense argued that Jackson was addicted to the drug and it was Jackson himself, not Murray, who administered the last injection.

Murray was taken immediately into custody with no bail pending his sentencing.  Judge Michael Pastor said “This is not a crime involving a mistake in judgment, it’s not about the administration of drugs per se … the offense charged and proven in this case is a homicide,” Judge Pastor ruled, “The reckless conduct in this case poses a demonstrable risk to the safety of the public if Dr Murray remains out of custody on bond.”  Sentencing is schedule November 29, 2011.

Fans outside courtroom rejoiced, and La Toya Jackson, Michael’s sister, tweeted: “VICTORY!!!!!!” And: “Thank you EVERYONE for your love and support.”  MJ’s mother, Katherine, told a reporter: “I feel better now.”   Conrad Murray could face up to 4 years in prison, and loss of his medical license.