Jackson’s Doctor Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter

According to the Los Angeles Times, cardiologist Dr Conrad Murray who was looking after Jackson during preparation for his “This Is It” concert, has appealed that he is not guilty, in a courtroom near Los Angeles International Airport.

If the charge of involuntary manslaughter are proved on Murray than he will face a maximum of four years in prison in comparison to 11 years for voluntary manslaughter.

According to the Times, on an involuntary manslaughter charge, prosecutors only have to prove that the death occurred during an “unlawful act not amounting to a felony” or during a lawful act performed “without due caution or circumspection”. Prosecutors do not have to prove whether Murray acted with hatred or intention.

The coroner’s office, which previously said Jackson died from “acute propofol intoxication” in combination with the use of sedatives, has released a full report on Monday. The report described the level of anesthetic as enough to render a patient unconscious for major surgery.

Murray’s bail was set at $75,000. His lawyer told the media that he is expected to resume practice in Las Vegas later this week. The terms of his bail specifically forbids him from prescribing propofol or other heavy sedatives. The judge told Murray, “I don’t want you sedating people.”

In California, the attorney general has moved to cancel Murray’s medical license while he awaits his trial. According to a report, Murray is expected to appear next time in the court in April.

Jackson’s family gave negative response to charges against Murray and his appeal of not being guilty. Jackson’s mother, Katherine, told the media, “He’s lying. He’s guilty. Nobody was there but him. He’s just trying to save his own behind. … He killed him. He wasn’t monitoring him.”

Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson, and sister, La Toya Jackson, went one step further, alleging MJ was murdered and that Murray was part of a much larger plan.

Joe Jackson told CNN’s Larry King, “To me, he’s just a fall guy. There’s other people, I think, involved with this whole thing.”

Joe Jackson said Michael told his mother that he feared he would be killed during his shows in London. Joe said, “He was afraid to even do all of these shows, because he was afraid that he wouldn’t get a chance to finish all of the shows. Even his kids say that he had told them that he would be murdered.”

When King pushed Joe to elaborate, he did not specify who might be involved but he said only that “someone” hired Murray to kill MJ.

La Toya Jackson who believes Murray was part of a much larger plan said, “There are other individuals involved, and I will not rest and I will continue to fight until all of the proper individuals are brought forth and justice is served.” As her father, La Toya did not elaborate on her allegations and has not named any other suspected conspirators.

Police have not named any other suspects in Jackson’s death.