Michael Jackson's Doctor Ordered to Stand Trial for Involuntary Manslaughter

By Jeralyn, Section Crime in the News
Posted on Tue Jan 11, 2011 at 06:37:40 PM EST
Tags: Michael Jackson, Conrad Murray (all tags)

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Following the preliminary hearing in the case of Michael Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murray, an LA judge has ordered him to stand trial on a charge of involuntary manslaughter.

Prosecutors contended the Houston-based cardiologist was on the phone and distracted after administering a powerful anesthetic to Jackson. They also presented evidence the singer was dead by the time Murray summoned help.

Judge Michael Pastor also ordered Conrad's medical license was ordered revoked as a condition of bail.

Circumstances have changed," Pastor said in court this afternoon. "They have changed dramatically. There are extraordinary circumstances that mandate my approving the request of the [California] Medical Board. Overall consideration is the protection of the public. The continued practice by Dr. Murray does pose an imminent danger to the state of California."

[More...]

20 witnesses testified for the state. As to the defense,

Murray's defense team didn't call any witnesses during the hearing, but his lawyers argued that their client did not give Jackson anything that could have killed him and, in fact, was planning to decrease the amount of meds the King of Pop was using.

"What did we hear that [proves] Dr. Murray killed Michael Jackson?" attorney Joseph Lowe said in his closing statement. "Who is going to tell me what Dr. Murray did to Michael Jackson before he died? A 25-milliliter [dose] of Propofol in a 20-minute push is not enough to kill a man."

"On the day he is trying to ween Michael Jackson off propofol, the doses (levels) go off the roof?" Lowe continued. "That defies common sense."

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Michael Jackson's Doctor Ordered to Stand Trial for Involuntary Manslaughter | 2 comments (2 topical)

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Who really knows, who really ( really ) cares? (none / 0) (#2)
by Ian Anthony on Wed Jan 12, 2011 at 08:51:16 AM EST

Just been reading over the comments by 'Donald from Hawaii' on this subject and I concur with everything he says.

My son-in-law is 26 years old, and an avid 'Jacko' fan. Michael Jackson has been his main musical inspiration throughout most of his life and he is now a qualified music teacher and professional singer.

Every time I saw Michael on TV I was shocked by the apparent vulnerability of the man, especially when he would have been surrounded by many 'self-interested' people who were more concerned about glory and/or money than the man himself?

It seemed like he just needed someone with integrity to take him firmly by the hand and bring him closer to reality. All of his lavish lifestyle and projects never seemed to answer his apparent need to re-live his childhood as an adult.

My final comment would be to ask the question, if Michael was using such a high level of powerful medication, what was he doing when he decided/was influenced to take on the massive dance project that he was rehearsing for before he died? Surely it was apparent that he was not mentally or physically able to complete the strenuous routines and rehearsals for this, never mind a tour?

Where was his manager in all this? Or was Michael just being single minded and stubborn when he went ahead with the project?

Only he will know the real truth about what went on. Everyone else will have their opinions and comments influenced by their egos, financial interests or guilt.

Title

Dr. Murray is responsible. (none / 0) (#3)
by dreiber on Sun Jan 16, 2011 at 08:48:15 AM EST

Michael Jackson was and always will be the best performer of all times.

The world didn't always treat him fair and he had a rough life.

His music is still one of the most played tunes on tv, radio and broadcasting websites.

Now the critics wish they treated him better.

Even if, and I say if MJ took all the medication.....then rases the question why in earth did the doctor provided him so much.

It seems to me that it all starts with the amount of medication that was available to him.

The doctor should have refused to give him more, so he is responsible.