Michael Jackson may finally rest in peace, now that Dr. Conrad Murray has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter!
Dr. Murray was led out of the courtroom in handcuffs yesterday afternoon, after a jury of 7 men and 5 women decided his fate 2 years after the unexpected death of the undisputed King of Pop at age 50. The Houston cardiologist was paid $150,000 a month to work as Jackson’s personal physician while he rehearsed in Los Angeles for 50 sold-out concerts in London. Murray was treating Jackson for insomnia by providing him with doses of propofol, a dangerously lethal drug used only in hospitals during surgery, but was being administered to Jackson privately in his home. Trial testimony revealed that Murray left Jackson unattended for an extended period of time, while he spoke to 1 of 3 girlfriends on his cell phone for 47 minutes. By the time Murray returned, Jackson was already dead.
The verdict came after nearly 50 witnesses, 22 days of testimony and less than 2 days of deliberation by the jury. Parents Joe and Katherine Jackson, as well as siblings La Toya, Jermaine and Randy were in the courtroom for the verdict. The family left the courthouse without speaking to reporters, but gave a thumbs up while saying they were “very happy” with the verdict. Hundreds of devoted fans gathered outside the courthouse sporting Jackson’s signature single white glove, chanting “Justice, justice” and dancing to some of his most famous hits.
The 58-year-old Dr. Murray faces up to 4 years in prison and the loss of his medical license following the guilty verdict. Judge Michael Pastor ruled that he should be held without bail until his sentencing, which has been set for November. 29th.
