Jury Announces Conrad Murray’s Verdict in Michael Jackson Manslaughter Trial
The verdict in the Michael Jackson case is in. The jury convicted Dr. Conrad Murray on charges of involuntary manslaughter, meaning he was found guilty of the charges against him. All 12 members of the jury found Murray guilty, and he now faces up to four years in jail and the loss of his medical license.
When the verdict was read, Murray showed not a shred of emotion. He did not break down. He did not demonstrate shock, either. He was completely stoic. On the other hand, Jackson's loyal fans who were gathered outside celebrated after the doc was found guilty.
Murray was Jackson's personal physician and administered the surgical anesthetic propofol to Jackson to help him sleep. Propofol is not designed to be used outside of an operating room or via the means with which Murray used it. He reportedly gave the drug to Jackson every night for two months. Jackson died on June 25, 2009 of acute propofol intoxication.
Murray's handling of Jackson during his final hours was also suspect, curious and abnormal -- the prosecution argued that Murray did not act with his patient's best interests at heart.
Furthermore, the prosecution argued that Murray was reckless and negligent, while the defense tried to suggest that Jackson self-medicated himself and thus injected the final, fatal dose.