Michael Jackson's doctor faces four years in prison if convicted on involuntary manslaughter charge; pop star's family arrives in court [Updated]

Prosecutors on Monday charged Michael Jackson’s personal physician with involuntary manslaughter in connection with administering a combination of surgical anesthetic and sedatives blamed in the music legend’s death last summer.

The complaint filed by the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office alleges that Dr. Conrad Murray “did unlawfully and without malice kill Michael Joseph Jackson, a human being, in the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to a felony; and in the commission of a lawful act which might have produced death, in an unlawful manner, and without due caution and circumspection.”

[Updated at 2:10 p.m.: Murray arrived in court and pleaded not guilty. Bail was set at $75,000.]

Jackson’s parents, Kathryn and Joe, as well as some of his brothers arrived at the courthouse shortly after the charge was filed.

In a news release, the district attorney’s office said Deputy Dist. Atty. David Walgren, a prosecutor in the major crimes division, would try the case. Walgren is also handling the attempt to extradite movie director Roman Polanski to face sentencing in a three-decade-old child-sex case.

The release credited the LAPD and the county coroner’s office for building the case against Murray. "Both agencies worked diligently and exhaustively to collect the evidence leading to the filing of the case,” the statement said.

[Updated at 1 p.m.: Murray walked into the courthouse at 12:55 p.m. to shouts of “murderer” from a handful of Jackson fans whose presence was dwarfed by an international contingent of media who began camping out at the courthouse last week. He is scheduled to be arraigned at 1:30 p.m.]

Brian Oxman, Joe Jackson’s attorney, said some family members were disappointed that the physician was charged only with involuntary manslaughter.

The criminal case comes after a seven-month investigation that stretched from the master bedroom of Jackson’s Holmby Hills mansion to the heart clinic Murray ran in a poor neighborhood of Houston. The focus, however, rarely left Murray.

Within weeks of Jackson’s death, detectives described the doctor as a manslaughter suspect in court papers that said he admitted leaving the singer alone and under the influence of propofol -- a powerful anesthetic used to render surgical patients unconscious -- in a bedroom of the sprawling home. 

The coroner’s office ruled Jackson’s death a homicide and said the cause was “acute propofol intoxication” in conjunction with the effect of other sedatives Murray acknowledged providing.

Despite the almost immediate focus on Murray -- authorities first questioned him in the hospital where doctors were working in vain to revive Jackson -- the multi-agency probe that included federal and local investigators progressed slowly, and the doctor was not formally accused of wrongdoing until the district attorney’s office filed its complaint.

Involuntary manslaughter is the least serious homicide charge available to prosecutors, its maximum punishment of four years in prison far less than the life sentence for murder or the 11 years for voluntary manslaughter. The charge, which applies to an unlawful killing committed without malice or intent to kill, turns on Murray’s possible negligence in allegedly giving Jackson propofol for an unapproved purpose -- the treatment of insomnia -- and outside of the normal operating room setting.

The drug, one of the most widely used general anesthetics in the nation, is so dangerous that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says only those trained in anesthesia should administer it.

Murray told police that he had been giving Jackson nightly intravenous doses of propofol for six weeks, about the time he began working for the performer, according to police affidavits filed in court. Murray, who was in debt and behind on child-support payments, earned $150,000 a month treating Jackson and closed practices he operated in Las Vegas, where he lived, and Houston to join the performer in Los Angeles for rehearsals.

According to the affidavits, Jackson told the physician that for years other doctors had treated his chronic insomnia with doses of propofol, a white liquid the singer called “milk.”

Murray eventually became concerned that the singer was addicted and tried to wean him off the anesthetic, according to the affidavits. On the day Jackson died, Murray tried to get the performer to sleep using Valium and, later, two other sedatives, according to the affidavits. But Jackson remained awake for 10 hours, demanding propofol.

According to the affidavits, Murray said he relented and sat next to Jackson’s bed as the propofol took effect. He told police he left for two minutes to use the restroom, and cellphone records indicate he also talked on the phone for 45 minutes, according to the affidavits. When he returned, Jackson was not breathing.

Through his attorney, Murray has maintained his innocence and said he did nothing that should have caused Jackson’s death. In his only public comment -- a one-minute video released in August through his lawyer -- a somber-looking Murray expressed confidence that he would be exonerated. “I told the truth, and I have faith the truth will prevail,” he said.

-- Harriet Ryan and Victoria Kim in Los Angeles; Jack Leonard and Richard Winton at the Airport Courthouse

Photo: Dr. Conrad Murray is escorted by a law enforcement officer into the Airport Courthouse for his arraignment. Credit: Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Katty]

MJ was as much responsible for his own death as anyone else you can blame...his family, friends, doctors, pushers, etc.

[s]

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[juney]

This pic of Dr. Murray being escorted to court is far different from MJ with his hands shackeled behind him when taken into custody in 2004; his family was with him then, and they are with him now in spirit. The "doctor" should have known better or deferred to a specialist, not just taken the money and run. Justice will prevail.

[Erik]

the writer of this story is just basing the article on what murray said himself even though his timeline makes no sense whatsover.

[April]

I watched a Dateline special on tv the other night explaining how MJ sought-out doctors in Vegas who would fulfill his prescription drug needs. He then settled on Dr. Murray for helping to get his kid well and then their long-term doctor/patient partnership was formed.

Yes, I too believe Jackson was just as responsible for the drugs that lead to his death, because that's what had worked for him long before Dr. Murray came on the scene to take care of his desires. People with celebrity or just money usually get what they want from an MD. This has been proven true throughout history. If Dr. Murray was negligent while administrating the Propofol, then he'll of course have to "Pay the Piper," with his own life, being his freedom and license to "practice" medicine.

[Laura Miller]

I think the "doctor" should be held responsible for mal-practise.

However, I watched the video of the "grieving family" and their entourages arriving at the court house in limos (dark sun glasses in perfect place).

This isn't a concert Jacksons; it's a serious matter. STOP trying to make this matter a media event. All of you (except for his mamá) disgust me. All of you siblings want to cash in, what whores you are.

[frank]

Hey Katty, NO, MJ was NOT as responsible for his own death. He paid $150,000.00 a month for this doctor to be a doctor, treat and monitor him. There are risky treatments in many aspects of health care--and however bizarre this one seems, it is just one more health issue and treatment with a patient putting trust into a doctor. This doctor put $$$ before his code of ethics and his duty as a responsible physician. He should have reported the illegal use of this drug and certainly not used it outside the proper setting.
Then, this stupid and irresponsible act of LEAVING Jackson in this risky state of treatment is further more why this doctor should be charged and found guilty of negligent homicide or Manslaughter. He left the room to make phone calls!!! The long delay between finding MJ not breathing and calling 911 was only to hide the doctor's wrong doing. Did Jackson expect that negligence? A patient with whatever mental or physical health issues is not the responsible party unless they deliberately take their life with the intention of suicide.
This doctor killed MJ. Not intentionally, but that's why the degree of murder is not first degree.

[Informer]

Murray was paid very well for being MJ's doctor. I guess if your boss says
give a shot or get out what do you do. Apparently Murray let greed get the
best of him and made the wrong decision.

[CRISTINA]

“In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.” - Michael Jackson

[CRISTINA]

MJ LOVED THE WORLD WITH ALL HIS HEART, it was an UNCONDITIONAL LOVE and he really wanted to HEAL IT, STOP WARS and DESTRUCTION and have people find a common ground IN LOVE and GOODNESS and SHARING !

He was a great man.

People he cared for abused his trust & deceived him, his father abused him verbally and physically; and, worst of all the media/press raped and stripped him of his dignity publicly and hounded him mercilessly.

And through it all he SMILED!

I wonder how many of us would withstand the same introspection into our lives and how we would handle the pain. Before we cast stones at MJ, we should imagine ourselves in his life and ask ourselves how would we manage it?

Only THOSE WITH NO SIN CAN JUDGE him, not us.

Michael, you were too good for this world, for the people here, for the decadence of the community around us. You are finally up with the angels, where you belong, may you RIP ! We will do our best to CARRY ON YOUR LOVE and SELFLESSNESS and teach it to our little ones.

“In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.” - Michael Jackson

[Joe]

Who cares

[SoCalGal]

...a somber-looking Murray expressed confidence that he would be exonerated. “I told the truth, and I have faith the truth will prevail,” he said.

The truth is, Doc, your patient is dead and it's your fault.

[Analog Kid]

MJ committed suicide. He just used this doctor to do it. The only thing this doctor is guilty of is greed and poor judgement. Instead of trying to keep his $150,000/month salary from MJ, he should've just walked away and told MJ to get someone else to pump him full of drugs.

[Kim]

MJ may have wanted the propofol, but his death rests on Dr. Murray's shoulders. Shame on this doctor for administrating this surgical drug in a bedroom for money. Murray was sworn to an ethical code as a doctor and threw it away (along with common sense) for the almighty dollar. This wasn't a case of paying a doctor to write out some scripts for pain killers, this quake put a needle in a man's arm, turned on the anesthesia drip then headed off to the bathroom cell phone in tow. I don't care what kind of lame defense this nut job comes up with, Murray was negligent, unprofessional and down right criminal. No justice will be served for Michael Jackson's death, but hopefully the medical board will snatch away Dr. Greedy's license.

[Micheal Jackson]

it was about time they did something good!!!

[karensmith]

I do not think DR Murray should be charge for Michael Jackson death because i do not think he is responsible, Jackson was taking drug for years he had many other doctors and many other drugs he was taking and Murray was not inform so why should he be the SCAPE GOAT I do not think it is fair.And the nurse who put it out there, that Michael was indeed using propofol and that was years before Murray was his doctor, yes it is sad Michael is gone ,but Murray is not to blame .If anyone remember the BAD TOUR Michael had a walking clinic, so he had some serious drugs problem then and everyone know if you do not get help YOU WILL DIE

[longlivedrugaddictedpedophilepopicons]

Frank, pls, get over your so-called observations...they are poor at best..
Yes the doctor was negligent, but get your facts straight before you go on a rant about doctor's ethics.. most doctors today become doctors for one thing and one thing only, money..
not to help people..
not to cure cancer..
and certainly not to kill people..
even drug addicted pedophiles who deserve to die in the first place..

[TheBigPicture]

first it's King...then Jackson...who's next, Tyson...

[Micheal Jackson]

Finally justice has been served hooray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Deborah Ffrench]

I have just read the comment below by TheBigPicture, who like most cowards blogs without an identity. Are you actually talking about Martin Luther King?
Because if you are, you just exposed your total lack of morality, reason and intelligence.

Debates about whether Mr Jackson ‘asked’ or ‘paid’ for the treatment he received are irrelevant. Michael was not a doctor, he had no degree, and he had no letters after his name.

Doctor Murray, however, did. And It was within his scope, remit and responsibilty to determine whether or not his treatment would help or hinder his patient – not the other way round.

I wonder sometimes reading the comments on the web, if people truly understand what chronic insomnia is and what it does to a person to go through their day – everyday, knowing that the night will not bring rest and rejuvenation. Clearly, Michael was desperate to sleep, and we have all heard Kenny Ortega speak about how frustrating Michael found his insomnia. So any idea that this was a situation Michael enjoyed or wanted is ludicrous.

Yes, Michael was taking an extreme drug to aid his sleep and undoubted to suppress years of living with anxiety, tension and high stress – but he was also entitled to a substantially better duty of care than Doctor Murray provided. The truth, is a lot more complicated than just one greedy 'concierge' Doctor and a rich ‘addict.’

In April, when Doctor Murray stands up to give account of himself in court, in a morally accurate world when he turns to his left and right he would be one of many. Standing alongside him, would be Tom Sneddon and those members of the media that hystericized the American public with gross misinformation and inflated hearsay about Michael Jackson for over 15 years; without remorse, limit or professional integrity.

Because what brought Michael to the place of abject pain and suffering he endured, and ultimately to his early death - was hate, ridicule, greed, fear, non-understanding and judgement.

The kind of hate TheBigPicture so diligently, purveys.

[msprettything]

im glad he went to jail for four years cause he should have waited for a long time to call 911 so that could be still alive and still singing til this day an everybody could be meeting him in person and taking pics with him