Michael Jackson's doctor has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter after he administered a lethal dose of a powerful anaesthetic that killed the pop star. The verdict against Dr Conrad Murray marked the latest chapter in one of pop culture's most shocking tragedies - the death of the King of Pop on the eve of the singer's heavily promoted comeback concerts.
Members of Jackson's family, including his sister LaToya, wept quietly after the verdict was read at the Los Angeles court. Mother Katherine Jackson later said: "I feel better now." La Toya Jackson said she was overjoyed. "Michael was looking over us," she said on her way out of the courthouse.
Murray sat stone-faced during the verdict and was handcuffed and taken into custody without bail until sentencing on November 29. He appeared calm as officials led him out of the courtroom. "Dr Murray's reckless conduct in this case poses a demonstrable risk to the safety of the public" if he remains free on bond, Judge Michael Pastor said. A shriek broke the eerie silence in the packed courtroom when the verdict was read, and the crowd erupted outside the courthouse. Jubilant Jackson fans cheered and sang "Beat It" as they held signs that read "guilty" and "killer". Passing motorists honked their horns.
The jury deliberated for less than nine hours. Murray, 58, faces a sentence of up to four years in prison. He could also lose his medical licence. Murray's lawyers left the courtroom without commenting. In Las Vegas, a former Murray patient and current friend, Donna DiGiacomo, sobbed and said she thought the jury was under "overwhelming pressure to convict".
Jackson died on June 25, 2009. The complete story of his death finally emerged during the six-week trial. It was the tale of a tormented genius on the brink of what might have been his greatest triumph with one impediment standing in his way - extreme insomnia.
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