Jackson family, fans hail doctor's conviction
US: Fans rejoiced after Michael Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray was
found guilty over the King of Pop's 2009 death, closing a trial that
provided a troubling look at the star's demise.
Crowds of supporters outside erupted as the verdict was announced on
Monday, while minutes later judge Michael Pastor ordered the 58-year-old
medic handcuffed and remanded in custody, pending sentencing later this
month.
Jackson's mother Katherine cried and was hugged by one of his
brothers after the jury convicted Murray of involuntary manslaughter for
giving him an overdose of the anesthetic propofol on June 25, 2009.
Murray admitted to giving Jackson a small amount of propofol to help
him sleep, but not the massive amount of the drug - which is normally
only used as an in-hospital anesthetic - was found in his body.
"Justice was served," his brother Jermaine said as he and the rest of
the family braved huge crowds to leave the building, while sister Rebbie
added: "Nothing will bring him back, but I'm happy (Murray) was found
guilty."
"VICTORY!!!!!!" tweeted La Toya. "We're Most Proud of The WALGREN
team, U did a EXCELLENT JOB N UR quest 2 seek justice 4 Michael & my
family," she added, referring to prosecutor David Walgren.
A grim-faced Murray gave no reaction when the verdict was announced
and judge Pastor ordered him held pending a sentencing hearing on
November 29. The Los Angeles Times later reported that Murray had been
placed on suicide watch.
Murray faces up to four years in jail for his role in Jackson's
death, but there is speculation he could end up serving his sentence
with an electronic tag because of California's chronic jail
overcrowding.
He could also be banned from practicing medicine - California has
already suspended his medical license, while Nevada and Texas said they
would consider similar action once the trial was over. His defense
lawyer Ed Chernoff declined to comment on whether Murray will appeal
against the criminal conviction.
LA District Attorney Steve Cooley praised his deputy David Walgren,
who was widely praised for his masterful prosecution of the case,
against a defense which some observers thought ended the trial in
tatters.
"They put together a compelling case based upon competent evidence.
Their presentation of the evidence in the court was superb," Cooley
said.
Walgren himself added: "Our sympathies go out to the Jackson family
at this time, for the loss that they have suffered. Not a pop icon but a
son and a brother. That's most important to keep in mind today," he told
reporters.
Outside the court vuvuzelas blared and fans danced to the thudding
groove of "Beat It" after the verdict was handed down. AFP
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