Michael Jackson's doctor found guilty

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Los Angeles - A Los Angeles Superior Court jury on Monday found pop superstar Michael Jackson's personal physician Conrad Murray guilty in the singer's Propofol-induced death, while the trial wrapped up on Monday afternoon.

Murray, who was a little bit shocked by the decision, was handcuffed after the verdict was read and was immediately remanded to custody in county jail.

Conrad Murray, 58, has been ordered jailed without bail pending his sentencing on 29 November.

At the conclusion of the six-week trial, the seven-man, five- woman jury read the long-expected verdict, which found Murray guilty of one count of involuntary manslaughter charge for Jackson's 25 June 2009 death.

Murray, who faces up to four years in prison, remained stone-faced as the verdict was announced, showing no visible reaction.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor said that Murray was convicted of a crime "where the end result was the death of a human being." Murray's "reckless conduct in this case" proved that he was a risk to public safety, according to Pastor.

The jury deliberated for about eight and a half hours before reaching a verdict.

Outside the downtown courthouse, droves of Michael Jackson fans cheered when the guilty verdict was announced. Several people waved signs that said "guilty," "Dr. Murray is a killer" and "Justice for Michael Jackson."

Jackson's parents, Katherine and Joe, were among those in the audience, along with his brother Jermaine and sister LaToya. Katherine kissed Deputy District Attorney David Walgren on the cheek. Other Jackson family members also hugged and kissed prosecutors.

Joe Jackson, the superstar's father, said that justice was done. His sister LaToya said that she felt worse in some ways because nothing will bring back Jackson.

Jackson, 50, died when he rehearsing for his sold-out series of 50 concerts dubbed "This Is It."