Michael Jackson's doctor found guilty
CBC News
Posted: Nov 7, 2011 9:59 AM ET
Last Updated: Nov 7, 2011 9:41 PM ET
A jury has found Michael Jackson's doctor guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the singer’s death.
A jury foreman read the verdict on Dr. Conrad Murray in a Los Angeles courtroom Monday afternoon.
Murray appeared impassive, but there was a sharp cry from the courtroom as the guilty verdict was read aloud. Outside the courthouse, a crowd erupted in cheers.
Dr. Conrad Murray listens to testimony in a Los Angeles courtroom during his trial. Paul Buck/Associated PressThe judge then asked each jury member individually whether they agreed with the verdict. They all answered "yes."
Murray was remanded in custody of the Los Angeles sheriff without bail until his sentencing.
The judge delivered a strong rebuke to the doctor, saying he believed Murray must be incarcerated because, as a convicted felon, he was a flight risk and a danger to the public. He was handcuffed as he was taken from the courtroom.
Members of Jackson's family, who were in the courtroom, wept quietly when the verdict was read.
Outside the court, Michael Jackson's sister La Toya Jackson said she is overjoyed with the conviction. "Michael was looking over us," she told an Associated Press reporter.
Jackson's mother, Katherine Jackson, said she was confident this would be the outcome of the trial.
The jury of seven men and five women announced they had reached a verdict late Monday morning, after deliberating just nine hours.
Jackson's death on June 25, 2009, was caused by "acute propofol intoxication" in combination with two sedatives, the Los Angeles County coroner ruled.
Murray was Jackson's personal physician as the pop star prepared for his comeback concerts that summer in London.
Murray gave Jackson the surgical anesthetic propofol to help him sleep nearly every night for the last two months of his life, according to testimony.
During his 23-day trial, prosecutors sought to prove the doctor was criminally negligent. They called witnesses who testified use of propofol as a sleep aid was not recommended and that patients who used it should be continually monitored.
The prosecution argued Murray was out of the room and not watching Jackson’s vital signs at the time of his death.
Attorneys for the Houston-based cardiologist argued that Jackson self-administered the fatal dose when Murray left his bedroom. They said Jackson was addicted to the drug and played tapes that seemed to indicate the singer had substance abuse issues.
Murray did not testify in his own defence. He faces a maximum penalty of four years in prison and loss of his medical licence.
He will be sentenced on Nov. 29.
With files from The Associated PressShare Tools
Jedward on the MMVA red carpet by Laura Thompson Jun. 17, 2013 12:48 PM Cheerful pop duo Jedward had much to say to CBC News on the red carpet Sunday night at the Much Music Video Awards in Toronto. A lot of their excitement came from seeing Avril Lavigne, complete with spiky hairband. Check out the Irish twins in this video clip.
Top News Headlines
- Obesity now recognized as a disease
- The American Medical Association has voted to recognize obesity as a disease, while doctors in Canada say they also treat it as such. more »
- B.C. First Nation sets fires to save bison
- A First Nation band is reviving the age-old practice of controlled burning in order to improve the health of forests and restore the population of the wood bison in a corner of northeastern B.C. more »
- 1 in 8 bird species threatened with extinction
- One in eight bird species worldwide faces the threat of extinction, according to a report released by Birdlife International. more »
- Canada buys rare War of 1812 collection for $573K
- The government of Canada was the winning bidder for a large collection of letters, maps and other papers that once belonged to Sir John Sherbrooke, the lieutenant-governor of Nova Scotia who conquered Maine for the British during the War of 1812. The collection sold for $573,000 at auction in London. more »
Must Watch
Latest Arts & Entertainment News Headlines
- Monsters University's Billy Crystal, Dave Foley
- Pixar returns to the story of animated duo Mike and Sulley in this summer's Monsters University, with Billy Crystal and Dave Foley among the notable cast of actors lending their voices to the kids' film. more »
- Guillermo del Toro calls Pacific Rim a family movie

- Director Guillermo del Toro' monsters vs. machines movie Pacific Rim is a summer spectacle that sets out to be different from other movies of its kind. more »
- Laval's corrupt image scares off choral festival sponsors
- The founder and driving force behind Laval, Que.'s annual international choral festival says allegations of corruption at Laval city hall have driven away some of the festival's sponsors. more »
- Dolce and Gabbana convicted of tax evasion
- A Milan court has convicted fashion designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana of tax evasion, finding the pair guilty of failing to declare €1 billion ($1.37 billion Cdn) in income to authorities. more »
Q Blog
Guillermo Del Toro's Monsters Jun. 19, 2013 1:47 PM The award winning director stops by Studio Q to chat about his upcoming blockbuster Pacific Rim.
CBC Books
This summer's must-read mysteries Jun. 19, 2013 6:02 PM If you like a good thriller or whodunit to read while basking in the sun, then this roundup of books is for you!
- Sopranos star James Gandolfini dies in Italy
- Wearing a mask at a riot is now a crime
- Dozens of children seized from Manitoba Mennonite community
- B.C. teacher duct-taped students' mouths
- B.C. First Nation sets fires to save bison
- Obesity now recognized as a disease
- Richmond widow racks up $1,800 hospital parking bill
- Bob Rae quits as MP in 'very emotional' decision
- Hail, flash floods hit southeast Alberta

