The Verdict Is In - Guilty!

November 07, 2011

Twelve jurors made history today by holding Dr. Conrad Murray criminally responsible for Michael Jackson's death. As the verdict was read, Conrad Murray seemed stunned, shocked, and even as he tied to mask his emotions. When the jurors filed out of the courtroom, Murray stood and watched and suddenly it seemed that the Guilty verdict was starting to sink in.


Conrad Murray will no doubt, be stripped of his medical license everywhere in America and he will be formally sentenced on November 29th. It's up to the court to determine whether Murray will be slapped on the wrist with probation or will be sentenced to serve up to 4 years in prison.

The ADA in this case asked Judge Pastor to remand Murray into custody immediately, not allowing Conrad Murray to walk free any longer. Now a convicted felon, guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter, Conrad Murray will await judgment of the court's sentence -- from behind LA County bars.

"This was a not a crime of a mistake of judgment," Judge Pastor said, adding that this "serious offense" by Murray, resulting in the death and killing of Michael Jackson, cannot be taken lightly. Judge Pastor deemed Murray as a risk to public safety and a flight risk as well.

Watching Murray go from the status of "highly paid medical doctor" to a man shackled in handcuffs, reduced to a common criminal, is cause for celebration among Jackson fans worldwide. Surely, Michael's family is feeling a sense of catharsis now that justice has been served, having been dragged through court system for two long years.

But we must wonder what will happen to the future of doctor/patient relationships now that a precedent has been set for a medical doctor to be held criminally responsible for their patient's death. It's a solemn thought, really, to know that doctors will perhaps turn away a patient in the future, based on this landmark court decision. Still, I would rather have doctors err on the side of being cautious, than have them use their medical licenses to be "legal drug pushers."

As I watch the jubilation in the streets of LA, I also wonder if this is a time for cheering, or a time for tears? How sad to know that Conrad Murray was the man who neglected and enabled Michael as he "went to the edge" each night for over two months. How tragic that one of the world's greatest talents was lead to his early grave by a string of enabling doctors, whose greed and inability to say "no" -- left Michael in such an alarming state. Much like the doctors who enabled Elvis Presley with prescriptions of thousands of legal meds, a host of unnamed doctors should also be sharing a sense of true guilt for MJ's demise. I agree that Murray deserves a guilty verdict, and the jury got it right -- but I also think of him as a scapegoat for all the other "quack doctors" who came before him.

In the end though -- we have seen justice. Of course, nothing will bring Michael back... But this guilty verdict will begin to hold doctors accountable in a way that has never been seen before. LA DA Steve Cooley made a statement after the verdict that said it best: "we are gratified the jury saw that the overwhelming evidence in this case lead to just one conclusion -- that Dr. Murray is guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson."

Murray had his day in court. He had a fair trial. Now, while he sits behind bars, will he realize his part in this homicide, or will he continue to live in a world of denial? Only his appellate lawyers will tell him to pay his debt to society.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Conrad Murray found guilty in Michael Jackson trial
By Alan Duke, CNN
November 7, 2011 -- Updated 2349 GMT (0749 HKT)

Los Angeles (CNN) -- A two-year legal battle over who was responsible for Michael Jackson's sudden death came to a dramatic close Monday as a California jury found Dr. Conrad Murray guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
Murray appeared to show no emotion as the verdict was read by court clerk Sammi Benson, but someone in the gallery let out a loud, but short scream.
Sentencing was set for November 29, with Murray facing up to four years in prison on the conviction. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor ordered Murray to be held without bail until that date, and Murray was led from the courtroom in handcuffs.
"This is not a crime involving a mistake of judgment. ... This was a crime where the end result was the death of a human being," Pastor said in explaining his decision to remand Murray to police custody. "That factor demonstrates rather dramatically that the public should be protected."
Defense attorney Ed Chernoff told CNN the defense team's main job right now is to prepare for sentencing and limit the amount of time that Murray spends in jail.
"What matters most right now is trying to keep Dr. Murray from taking up a prison cell in this community," Chernoff said. "That's what we're focusing on right now and we'll deal with an appeal after that."
When asked if he was shocked by the verdict, Chernoff said, "No."
Murray served as Jackson's personal physician as Jackson prepared for his comeback concerts, with Murray giving him the surgical anesthetic propofol to help him sleep nearly every night for the last two months of his life, according to testimony.
Jackson's death on June 25, 2009, was caused by "acute propofol intoxication" in combination with two sedatives, the Los Angeles County coroner ruled.
The verdict followed about nine hours of jury deliberations, which began Friday morning in the downtown Los Angeles County courthouse.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley thanked jurors "for their hard work and thoughtful deliberation," and expressed gratitude that they recognized the "overwhelming" evidence against Murray in finding him guilty.
Prosecutor Michael Walgren personally expressed his sympathies to the Jackson family who he said lost "not a pop icon, but a son and brother."
Fans gathered outside of the courthouse ahead of the verdict with signs of support for Jackson including one banner that read, "We miss Michael." The crowd began celebrating once word of the guilty verdict reached them, chanting "Rest in peace." Passing cars honked their horns, as people nearby hugged, cried and yelled out in joy.
An emotional LaToya Jackson on Monday thanked all those involved in the trial, calling the decision a "victory."
"Everybody was wonderful," LaToya Jackson told HLN's Jane Velez-Mitchell as she left the Los Angeles courthouse.
Crowd outside erupts in jubilations
The seven men and five women on the jury heard 49 witnesses over 23 days, including Murray's girlfriends and patients, Jackson's former employees, investigators and medical experts for each side.
A statement released by Jackson's estate Monday said that "justice has been served."
Defense lawyers contended the matter was a negligence case that should instead be heard by the state medical board.
"If it were anybody else but Michael Jackson, would this doctor be here today?" lead defense lawyer Ed Chernoff asked in his closing.
Jurors were left to decide if the propofol overdose was infused into Jackson's blood by a steady intravenous drip, as the prosecution contended, or if Jackson injected himself using a syringe left nearby by Murray, as the defense argued.
"He was just a little fish in a big, dirty pond," Chernoff said, pointing the finger at other doctors who treated Jackson, and Jackson himself.
Deputy District Attorney David Walgren attacked the defense for trying to blame "everybody but Conrad Murray, poor Conrad Murray."
"If allowed more time to argue, I am sure they would find a way to blame Michael's son, Prince," Walgren said in his closing rebuttal.
Walgren painted Murray as a selfish doctor who agreed to take $150,000 a month to give Jackson nightly infusions of propofol in his home, something prosecutors argued an ethical doctor would never do because of the dangers.
Murray's license to practice medicine is now suspended, according to the Medical Board of California, which decides if a doctor can legally work in the state.
In the light of the conviction, the board now will open an investigation to determine whether or not to fully revoke Murray's right to practice medicine in the state, spokeswoman Jennifer Simoes said.
The main criteria in deciding whether to revoke, suspend or take other action against any doctor is assessing how substantial a crime is related to the practice of medicine. There is no timeline as to when the board might act regarding Murray, said Simoes.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Michael Jackson's Doctor Guilty


By JIM AVILA (@JimAvilaABC) and CHRISTINA NG
LOS ANGELES Nov. 7, 2011
Michael Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of the singer who had been proclaimed the king of pop.

The prosecution triumphed after six weeks of impassioned arguments and witness testimonies, arguing that Murray was responsible for a lethal overdose of the anesthetic propofol.

Murray, 58, did not flinch and showed no emotion as the verdict was read. A few celebratory whoops were heard when the court clerk read the word, "guilty."

The crowd outside the courthouse, made up largely of Jackson fans, erupted into cheers as the guilty verdict was read.

Judge Michael Pastor denied a request by Murray's lawyers to allow him to remain free while awaiting sentencing on Nov. 29. Instead the judge said, "Public safety demands that he be remanded" to jail.

"This is a crime where the end result was the death of a human being," Pastor said. "This demonstrates rather dramatically that public should be protected."

The doctor, dressed in a dark pinstriped suit, had his hands cuffed behind his back and was led out of the courtroom to jail. As Murray was about to get up, Pastor told him to hold on, and added that they would discuss restitution at a later date.

Murray could be sentenced to up to four years in prison and could lose his medical license, but at a news conference after the verdict, District Attorney Steve Cooley acknowledged that it is unlikely Murray will be spending four years in prison.

"It will be very difficult to achieve an appropriate sentence of incarceration for Conrad Murray," Cooley said, due to overcrowded prisons and Murray's lack of a prior criminal record.

"There was a homicide. Someone lost their life. Three children lost time with their father because of so much criminal negligence," Cooley said. "The effort was worth it just to make that point."

Cooley also said that Murray's felony conviction woud result in the automatic suspension of his medical license in California. Cooley said he hoped other states would honor California's convictions.


Paul Buck/AP Photo
Dr. Conrad Murray sits with his attorneys as... View Full Size

Michael Jackson's Doctor Guilty Watch Video

Murray Trial: Inside the Jury Room Watch Video

Michael Jackson Trial: Deliberations Day 2 Watch Video

Michael Jackson was 50 when he died June 25, 2009 as he was preparing for his "This Is It" tour, a comeback extravaganza that he hoped would restore him as a superstar.

The judge told the court that he would seal the names of the jurors until further notice, and confidential records referring to the jurors were to be destroyed.

The Jackson family arrived at the courthouse an hour before the reading of the verdict, led by parents Joe and Katherine Jackson. Randy, LaToya, Rebbie, Jermaine and Jermaine's wife were all in court. Family friends Rick and Kathy Hilton were also in attendance.

The Jackson family exited the courthouse without making a formal statement.

When LaToya Jackson was asked how she was feeling about the verdict, she said, "Wonderful. Absolutely. Justice was served. Michael was watching over us," according to ABC News' Los Angeles affiliate KABC.

Joe Jackson simply said, "There's more."

Prosecutor David Walgren spoke briefly to thank the jurors and sympathize with the Jackson family.

"Our sympathies go out to the Jackson family for their loss," Walgren said. "They have suffered [the loss of] not a pop icon, but a son and a brother and I think that's most important to keep in mind today."

Walgren's strong case and conduct in the courtroom garnered him many fans during the trial and the crowd was chanting Walgren's name outside the courthouse after the verdict.

Today was the second day of deliberations. The jury deliberated for about six hours on Friday and for less than three hours today before reaching a decision.

Murray was accused of causing the singer's death by administering the powerful anesthetic propofol and not properly supervising his patients or taking proper steps after Jackson stopped breathing.

Murray has contended that Jackson gave himself the fatal dose while the doctor was out of the room.

The six week long trial offered a window into Jackson's bizarre and eccentric lifestyle, peeks rarely allowed during the highly-private pop star's life.

The trial began with a shocking photo of Jackson's dead body in a hospital gurney and a photo of his naked body from his autopsy.

It featured a slurred audio recording of Jackson made on Murray's phone in which Jackson is so drugged that he can barely be understood.

The case revolved around Jackson's inability to sleep without the powerful anesthetic propofol, a hospital grade drug, and a battery of other drugs as he was preparing for his "This Is It" concert tour.


[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

BREAKING NEWS: Jury reaches verdict in manslaughter trial of Michael Jackson's doctor
Verdict reached after two days after deliberations
Juror identities secret but details of their lives have been revealed
Seven men and five women are white, black and Hispanic and mostly middle-aged

After just two days of deliberations the jury deliberating manslaughter charges against Dr. Conrad Murray has reached a verdict.
The verdict will be read Monday afternoon at 4:00pm EST, after Michael Jackson's family has time to arrive at the courthouse, although his children are not expected.
In addition Dr. Murray is travelling to the courthouse from Santa Monica, where he has been with his family.
The court is giving a two hour window before reading the guilty or not guilty conclusion.

The identities of the seven men and five women, who are weighing up whether Dr Conrad Murray is guilty of involuntary manslaughter, have been kept a secret, even from case lawyers.
But details about their lives culled from lengthy written questionnaires, have now been revealed.
The panel are a diverse cross-section of people of varying ethnicities from different towns in LA.

They are white, black and Hispanic, mostly middle-aged and live in an assortment of suburbs. Most have children and some have grandchildren.
They include a professor, postman, bus driver, actor and film animation supervisor.
They knew about the involuntary manslaughter charge against Murray before they came to court and most of them know Jackson's music






A few said they were fans and one, the video animation specialist, said he had some interaction with Jackson when the singer was making the video, Captain EO.
Nine of them have prior jury experience and one woman, a native of Spain, has served on five juries, all of which reached verdicts. She was once a jury forewoman.

A woman who has worked as a paralegal for 30 years is serving on her first jury and appeared enthralled.
In six weeks together the jurors have displayed uncommon attentiveness to the task at hand. Several, including alternates, have taken notes and kept lists of evidence. Once, when the judge was at a loss to find the number of an exhibit, a member of the jury spoke up and told him.

There were no drooping eyelids or distracted glances. When a scientific expert was conducting experiments on the floor of the courtroom, panelists stood up in the jury box to get a better view.
Their attention to evidence and witnesses has impressed Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor, who commended them for their commitment, punctuality in getting to court and willingness to give up their personal lives to serve.

When the trial went longer than Pastor had predicted, he apologised, but the jurors seemed unperturbed.
Every night, when he gave them an admonition to avoid the news, the Internet and other sources of information about the trial, they listened as if it was the first time they had heard it and they nodded in agreement.

Many of the panelists have a familiarity with prescription drugs; most of them said they trust their doctors and several believe that celebrities receive a different kind of justice than average people.
Some have learned about the justice system from TV, watching such shows as Law and Order and CSI. Others watched broadcasts of real-life, high-profile trials including the Casey Anthony case and the O.J. Simpson trial.


ne woman, an accounting manager, remembered that during the Simpson trial, 'a TV was brought to the office for everyone to follow it.' A man in his 30s said he followed that trial in school as an educational experience.
While not sequestered, the jurors have had a rare opportunity to bond because they were kept together for lunch and transported together between a secret parking lot and the courthouse. In order to avoid exposure to events outside the courtroom, the judge had lunch catered for them every day.
But during lunches and coffee breaks there was one thing they could not discuss - the trial. Now, in a secluded jury room, they can give each other their opinions as they try to reach a verdict.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

v 7 2011 2:50 PM EST 8,597
Conrad Murray Trial: Jury Reaches A Verdict
Verdict should be read at 1 p.m. PT.
By Gil Kaufman

After just more than nine hours of deliberation, the jury in the involuntary manslaughter case against Michael Jackson's former doctor, Conrad Murray, reached a decision Monday morning (November 7).

The seven-man, five-woman jury rang a buzzer three times following nearly three hours of deliberation Monday to indicate that they had reached a unanimous decision in the felony case against the Houston cardiologist.

The 10:56 a.m. buzz came after jurors deliberated for seven hours on Friday and came to no conclusion. The verdict is slated to be read in court around 1 p.m. PT. The jurors listened to six weeks of testimony in the trial and were tasked with deciding if Murray was criminally negligent in his treatment of Jackson, including if his administration of the surgical anesthetic propofol as a sleep aid to the 50-year-old pop icon was a factor in the singer's death.

The jurors had to weigh the opinions of a number of medical professionals called by the prosecution, who painted a picture of a physician who did not follow accepted protocols and who they claimed was motivated by a big payday. The defense countered with former patients of Murray's who attested to his generosity and attention, as well as experts who refuted the prosecution expert's claims that it was Murray who provided the final, fatal dose of sedatives and propofol that sent Jackson into cardiac arrest on June 25, 2009.

In his closing statement Thursday, prosecutor David Walgren said the evidence that Murray was responsible for Jackson's death was "overwhelming" and "abundantly clear." Defense counsel Ed Chernoff countered that it was Jackson who caused his own death, not Murray.

Murray is facing up to four years in prison and the loss of his medical license if convicted.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Conrad Murray found guilty in Michael Jackson trial
By Alan Duke, CNN
November 8, 2011

Los Angeles (CNN) -- A two-year legal battle over who was responsible for Michael Jackson's sudden death came to a dramatic close Monday as a California jury found Dr. Conrad Murray guilty of involuntary manslaughter.

Dr. Murray appeared to show no emotion as the verdict was read by court clerk Sammi Benson, but La Toya Jackson, the late pop icon's sister, let out a loud, but short, scream.
A loud celebration erupted among Jackson fans outside of the downtown Los Angeles County courthouse, where emotions ran so high at least one woman fainted.

Murray was immediately handcuffed and taken away by deputies after Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor denied bail.
"This is not a crime involving a mistake of judgment. ... This was a crime where the end result was the death of a human being," Pastor said in explaining his decision to remand Murray to police custody. "That factor demonstrates rather dramatically that the public should be protected."

Sentencing was set for November 29, with Murray facing up to four years in prison on the conviction.
Defense attorney Ed Chernoff told CNN the defense team's main job right now is to prepare for sentencing and limit the amount of time that Murray spends in jail.
"What matters most right now is trying to keep Dr. Murray from taking up a prison cell in this community," Chernoff said. "That's what we're focusing on right now and we'll deal with an appeal after that."
When asked if he was shocked by the verdict, Chernoff said, "No."
Murray served as Jackson's personal physician as Jackson prepared for his comeback concerts, with Murray giving him the surgical anesthetic propofol to help him sleep nearly every night for the last two months of his life, according to testimony.
Jackson's death on June 25, 2009, was caused by "acute propofol intoxication" in combination with two sedatives, the Los Angeles County coroner ruled.
The verdict followed about nine hours of jury deliberations, which began Friday morning in the downtown Los Angeles County courthouse.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley thanked jurors "for their hard work and thoughtful deliberation," and expressed gratitude that they recognized the "overwhelming" evidence against Murray in finding him guilty.
Prosecutor Michael Walgren personally expressed his sympathies to the Jackson family who he said lost "not a pop icon, but a son and brother."
Fans gathered outside of the courthouse ahead of the verdict with signs of support for Jackson including one banner that read, "We miss Michael." The crowd began celebrating once word of the guilty verdict reached them, chanting "Rest in peace." Passing cars honked their horns, as people nearby hugged, cried and yelled out in joy.
An emotional La Toya Jackson on Monday thanked all those involved in the trial, calling the decision a "victory."
"Everybody was wonderful," La Toya Jackson told HLN's Jane Velez-Mitchell as she left the Los Angeles courthouse.
Crowd outside erupts in jubilations
The seven men and five women on the jury heard 49 witnesses over 23 days, including Murray's girlfriends and patients, Jackson's former employees, investigators and medical experts for each side.
A statement released by Jackson's estate Monday said that "justice has been served."
Defense lawyers contended the matter was a negligence case that should instead be heard by the state medical board.
"If it were anybody else but Michael Jackson, would this doctor be here today?" lead defense lawyer Ed Chernoff asked in his closing.
Jurors were left to decide if the propofol overdose was infused into Jackson's blood by a steady intravenous drip, as the prosecution contended, or if Jackson injected himself using a syringe left nearby by Murray, as the defense argued.
"He was just a little fish in a big, dirty pond," Chernoff said, pointing the finger at other doctors who treated Jackson, and Jackson himself.
Deputy District Attorney David Walgren attacked the defense for trying to blame "everybody but Conrad Murray, poor Conrad Murray."
"If allowed more time to argue, I am sure they would find a way to blame Michael's son, Prince," Walgren said in his closing rebuttal.
Walgren painted Murray as a selfish doctor who agreed to take $150,000 a month to give Jackson nightly infusions of propofol in his home, something prosecutors argued an ethical doctor would never do because of the dangers.
Murray's license to practice medicine is now suspended, according to the Medical Board of California, which decides if a doctor can legally work in the state.
In the light of the conviction, the board now will open an investigation to determine whether or not to fully revoke Murray's right to practice medicine in the state, spokeswoman Jennifer Simoes said.
The main criteria in deciding whether to revoke, suspend or take other action against any doctor is assessing how substantial a crime is related to the practice of medicine. There is no timeline as to when the board might act regarding Murray, said Simoes.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Nov 7 2011 6:59 PM EST
Michael Jackson's Family Reacts To Guilty Verdict
'Even though nothing can bring back our son, justice has finally been served!' family says in a statement to TMZ.
By Andrea Duncan-Mao

Seventeen members of Michael Jackson's family — including his parents, brothers Jermaine and Randy and sister LaToya — were on hand Monday (November 7) in the Los Angeles courtroom when a guilty verdict was read in the involuntary manslaughter case against Jackson's former physician, Dr. Conrad Murray.


While the audible gasp heard when the verdict was read was reportedly that of Kathy Hilton — a close Jackson family friend and mom to Paris and Nicky Hilton — the family remained stoic during the proceedings and did not hold a formal press conference afterward.

Upon exiting the courthouse, Jackson's mother, Katherine, told local news cameras, "Justice was served. I want to thank the jury for doing the right thing," while brother Randy said he was "ecstatic," and Jermaine said the verdict felt "wonderful." Latoya, wearing a black and gold jacket reminiscent of something her late brother would wear, waved her arms at the crowd in celebration and also tweeted: "VICTORY."

TMZ reported that the family later released a statement, reading, "We have been waiting for this moment for a very long time and we couldn't hold back tears of joy in the courtroom. Even though nothing can bring back our son, justice has finally been served! We can't wait to go home and share this day with Michael's children."

Dr. Murray was found guilty on one count of involuntary manslaughter and faces up to four years in jail and the loss of his medical license. He is due to be sentenced November 29.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

CONRAD MURRAY TRIAL
LAPD Rejoices
Over Guilty Verdict

The LAPD couldn't be happier with today's guilty verdict in the Conrad Murray manslaughter trial -- telling TMZ, the verdict represents a "victory " in the eyes of law enforcement.

A rep for the LAPD issued the statement -- claiming, the department "applauded" the jury's verdict.

According to the rep, "Today's verdict of guilty is confirmation that the combined efforts of our investigators, criminalists, Coroner investigators and the District Attorney's Office were sound."

The rep adds, "The investigators have worked diligently on this case and were confident throughout the process that the investigation supported the allegation of involuntary manslaughter."


[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Michael Jackson: Conrad Murray found guilty of involuntary manslaughter


The Conrad Murray trial has ended after six weeks, and the jury has found Conrad Murray guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson. Today is a day that is going to be remembered by all that are witnessing what is taking place with the verdict, and by those that have been following the trial. Fans around the world believe that justice has finally been attained for the King of Pop.

According to reports, Conrad Murray has been taken in to custody and the hearing for sentencing will take place on November 29. The case has garnered the attention of the world and a number of witnesses were called to testify to discuss what took place on June 25, 2009, and people have been looking for answers as to what happened to Michael Jackson and why it happened.

There are a number of fans that remain outside of the courthouse today, and there are many fans around the world that are taking to popular social networks such as Twitter and Facebook to share their feelings and thoughts about what has taken place today.



Continue reading on Examiner.com Michael Jackson: Conrad Murray found guilty of involuntary manslaughter - National Jackson family | Examiner.com [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

D.A.: Conrad Murray Unlikely to Serve ‘Appropriate’ Sentence

(LA Times) - It is unlikely that Dr. Conrad Murray will serve a lengthy stint behind bars, L.A. County Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley said Monday after the physician’s conviction in the death of Michael Jackson.



Cooley said legislation that calls for some state prison inmates to be returned to county jails will probably mean that Murray -– who was handcuffed and taken into custody after his conviction -– will probably not serve “an appropriate sentence.”
Murray faces a maximum term of four years in prison when he is sentenced Nov. 29.

As he met the press after the case ended, Cooley was defensive when asked whether the conviction was a vindication for the district attorney’s office, which in past years has lost several cases involving celebrities, including O.J. Simpson.

“I can’t really recall any high-profile losses,” Cooley said. “This is another in a string of high-profile victories.”
Cooley also revealed that his office had “examined carefully” whether to file second-degree murder charges against Murray but ultimately decided that involuntary manslaughter was the most appropriate.
The district attorney also cited the fact that prescription drug overdose deaths now outnumber traffic accidents.

“To the extent that someone dies as a result of their being a so-called Dr. Feelgood, they will be held accountable,” Cooley said.
Cooley said it wasn’t true that the case against Murray was actually a medical malpractice that had been elevated to a crime because of Jackson’s celebrity.Deputy Dist. Atty. David Walgren, who prosecuted the case, added that Jackson was “not a pop icon but a son and a brother, and that’s most important to keep in mind today.”


[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Jackson fans cheer verdict: 'Oh my God, guilty!'
By the CNN Wire Staff
November 8, 2011

Los Angeles (CNN) -- When Michael Jackson died unexpectedly two years ago, his fans worldwide erupted in a torrent of grief, anguish and -- in tribute to the pop icon -- song and dance.
On Monday, there were hugs, tears and shrieks of joy among his fans packed outside a Southern California courtroom after a jury found Jackson's physician, Conrad Murray, guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the singer's death.
Jury finds Murray guilty
"Oh my God, guilty!" one woman yelled out, seconds after the verdict was announced.

Others appeared to almost break out in song; some seemed to start dancing; and a chant soon rose up of "Justice, justice, justice."
The honking horns and revelry were in contrast to the quiet scene inside Los Angeles Superior Court, where Judge Michael Pastor had earlier urged people to constrain their emotions.
But there were no such restrictions outside.

Jackson family lawyer on guilty verdict 'Justice was served today' 'Murray case message to corrupt doctors' Conrad Murray denied bail
Hundreds had packed the streets and sidewalks earlier in the day anticipating a verdict. Many held signs calling for Murray's conviction, like one saying, "Murray, burn in hell." A long banner held out by several people had a simpler, more sentimental message: "We miss Michael."
They were joined by throngs of photographers and videographers. Many flanked a walkway to the courtroom, their flashbulbs popping as Jackson family members, lawyers and others hurriedly walked into the courthouse to learn Murray's fate.

The Los Angeles County Coroner's office reported in June 2009 that the entertainer had died after suffering cardiac arrest. Jackson's death on June 25, 2009, was caused by "acute propofol intoxication" in combination with two sedatives, the coroner ruled.
But Murray was eventually indicted, as prosecutors claimed he was criminally negligent in giving Jackson excess amounts of the surgical anesthetic propofol to treat the singer's insomnia.
When the jury decided in the prosecution's favor, the emotions spilled over on the streets as people yelled out, burst into tears and smiled.

"I'm so happy," one woman, who had traveled to California from Memphis, Tennessee, told HLN's Jane Velez-Mitchell outside the courthouse. "Michael deserves justice."
One of the late singer's sisters, LaToya Jackson, thanked all those involved in Murray's conviction, which she called a "victory."
"Everybody was wonderful," she said as she left the courthouse.
Her brother Randy Jackson said "justice was served," while opining that Murray should have to serve more than even the four-year maximum that he could get.
"Michael is with us," Randy Jackson said.
And Kathy Hilton, a friend of the Jackson family and mother of Paris Hilton, said while leaving the courthouse that the verdict was bittersweet, though still satisfying.

"At least they'll feel some kind of relief, some kind of closure," she told HLN, referring to Jackson's parents, Joe and Katherine.
The reaction was equally swift and emotional online and outside Los Angeles.
Melissa Fazli, a CNN iReporter and student at California State University, Fullerton, said she broke into tears on hearing the news.
Murray found guilty in Jackson's death Murray found guilty in Jackson death
"It's really sad to know that Conrad Murray, because of his negligence, took Michael Jackson away," Fazli said, expressing hope that it might dissuade "doctor-shopping" that might lead people to get more drugs than they can safely have. "That's why I cried."
On social networking sites like Twitter, the reaction was likewise fast, furious and emotional.
"Next time don't be so greedy Conrad Murray! Guilty!" wrote one such commenter on Twitter, former MTV VJ and hip-hop personality Ed Lover.

Hip-hop artist Nicki Minaj offered a restrained reaction on her Twitter feed, saying, "People are cheering, but there really are no winners here. This has been an utter tragedy from beginning to end."
John Branca and John McClain, the co-executors of Jackson's estate, released a statement on Michaeljackson.com in which they lauded the verdict and remembered the singer as "the greatest entertainer that has ever lived."

"The estate of Michael Jackson and Michael himself has always believed the jury system works and despite the tragedy that brought about this trial we are in agreement with the jury's verdict," they wrote. " In this case, justice has been served."

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

CONRAD MURRAY
Extra Protection
at the Jail Medical Ward

Dr. Conrad Murray is currently being held in the medical ward at the L.A. County Men's Central Jail -- but it's NOT because there's anything wrong with him ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement tells us ... Murray has been assigned to the medical ward while he's being processed -- as opposed to the regular holding area.

We're told the medical ward has a "higher density of deputies" -- which means it's easier for officers to keep an eye on a high profile prisoner like Murray when he's in the M.W.

As we previously reported, Murray has been deemed a "keep away prisoner" -- which means officials must keep an eye on the doc at all times, as a matter of his own protection.

There are several reports that Murray is on suicide watch -- but officials at the jail tell us those reports are incorrect.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

CONRAD MURRAY JUROR
The Decision Was Easy


A juror in the Conrad Murray trial tells TMZ ... the decision to find Murray guilty of involuntary manslaughter was not difficult, and jurors were all in agreement early on in the deliberation process.

The juror -- who asked not to be identified -- tells us jurors were not conflicted and that "it was a concrete decision."

The juror also said the jurors were unified early on ... long before they ended their 8-plus hours of deliberations.

As for what swayed the jury, the juror did not want to speak for the others but said it was the totality of the evidence. We asked if Murray's 2-hour interview with LAPD detectives was a turning point, but the juror said it wasn't. The juror said the body of evidence -- not one individual item -- was just overwhelming.

The juror is "glad it's over" and is happy to return to "normal life."
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Jackson doctor no longer licensed in Nevada

LAS VEGAS — Dr. Conrad Murray's felony conviction for involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson could stop him from obtaining a medical license to practice again in Nevada.

Before his arrest in the June 2009 death of the 50-year-old Jackson, Murray operated cardiology practices in California, Texas and Nevada and lived in Las Vegas.

Nevada Medical Board official Edward Cousineau (COO'-sin-oh) told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Murray didn't renew the medical license he obtained in Nevada in 1999. It expired July 1.

Cousineau says Murray could reapply but a felony conviction relating to the practice of medicine is grounds for denial.

Murray lost his sprawling four-bedroom home on a Las Vegas golf course this year to foreclosure.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]