Doctor Jailed for the death of Michael Jackson

Following a six week trial, Dr Conrad Murray, aged 58, was convicted of ‘Involuntary Manslaughter’ for the death of Michael Jackson on 7^th November 2011 and was yesterday (29^th November 2011) sentenced to the maximum of four years imprisonment.

Although Murray requested probation, this was denied and he is to serve his sentence at Los Angeles County Jail.

He also denied the opportunity to address the court at the sentencing.

King of Pop, Michael Jackson, who was at the time rehearsing for 50 comeback concerts at the O2 Arena in London, died in June 2009 of a drug overdose, at his rented home in Los Angeles. 

The autopsy revealed that the main cause of his death was from the use of a surgical anaesthetic propofol to help him sleep.  This was alongside other sedatives.

Dr Murray admitted that he had administered the drug to Jackson.

At the trial, one witness claimed that Murray had neglected his care of Jackson, stating that propofol is a drug that should not be administered at home, and even if it is, there should have been proper life monitoring equipment on hand.

Dr Murray had agreed to take care of Jackson while he rehearsed for his concerts and an agreed rate of $150, 000 per month.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge, Michael Pastor called Murray’s actions as, “money for medicine madness”.

The Judge also made clear how he thought the most disturbing aspect that arose during the trial was a video tape recording that Murray had made of his vulnerable patient, under the influence of drugs, slurring his words.  The tape was believed to be an insurance policy.

Dr Murray, who sat listening to the judge in his grey suit, with his hands clasped in front of him, was said to show no remorse and therefore deserved the maximum punishment.