Michael Jackson’s doctor found guilty of involuntary manslaughter

Conrad Murray, 58, was charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter in the 2009 death of Jackson and faces up to four years in prison.

The doctor, who was hired to care for Jackson as he prepared for a series of comeback gigs in 2009, denied involuntary manslaughter. Jackson died in June 2009 aged 50.

The verdict came on the second day of deliberations at a downtown LA courthouse.

The jury — made up of seven men and five women — deliberated for about nine hours following the six-week trial.

A throng of Jackson fans were waiting outside the court to hear the decision. The King of Pop’s sister Latoya Jackson tweeted: “Verdict is FINALLY IN!!! I’m on my way! I’m shaking uncontrollably!”

After hearing from nearly 50 witnesses, the jury’s verdict hinged on whether it believed it was Murray or Jackson who injected the overdose of the anesthetic propofol that killed the pop icon in his rented Los Angeles mansion on June 25, 2009.

Both sides acknowledged that Murray had been administering propofol to Jackson in an attempt to alleviate his insomnia while he rehearsed for an upcoming tour.

The defense said that Murray was weaning Jackson off the drug, and that the evidence shows Jackson injected himself with the fatal overdose.

Defence lawyer Edward Chernoff said in his closing argument last week: “They want you to convict Dr Murray for the actions of Michael Jackson.”

In contrast, the prosecution told jurors that Jackson died after Murray administered propofol via intravenous drip.

Prosecutors have characterized Murray as a doctor who gave in to every demand of Jackson in order to maintain his $150,000-a-month salary.

Prosecutor David Walgren said: “He is an employee who is saying yes to what is asked instead of saying yes to what is best for Michael Jackson’s health as any competent, ethical doctor would do.”

TheSun