Michael Jackson's killer doctor could be free in months - and may even be electronically tagged
Conrad Murray could walk free within months even if he receives the maximum four-year jail sentence for killing michael jackson with a fatal dose of propofol.
The disgraced doctor, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter yesterday, could even serve his time under house arrest wearing an electronic tag, say sources.
Los Angeles’ packed jails mean judges have little control over how much of their sentences offenders have to complete.
Under new guidelines on overcrowding, non-violent criminals must be sent to local jails rather than tough state prisons.
Legal analysts said the three-year prison sentence seen as the most likely punishment for Murray might amount to less than six months behind bars.
Julia Mezhinsky Jayne, vice chairwoman of the criminal law section of the California Bar, said: 'He could also serve a sentence on house arrest or other possible alternatives to incarceration.'
Murray, 58, was led out of Los Angeles Superior Court in handcuffs last night.
After almost two days of deliberations the jury of seven men and five women unanimously ruled that he killed the 50-year-old star with propofol on June 25, 2009. The star had been desperate to sleep so that he could rehearse for a comeback tour at the O2 Arena.
Murray showed no emotion as the verdict was read out. Judge Michael Pastor dismissed pleas for him to be released on bail pending the sentencing hearing on November 29.
Leaving court, the singer’s older brother, Jermaine, said justice had been served, but added: 'It isn’t enough time.' His sister, LaToya Jackson, has also called for a long sentence.
Judge Pastor ruled that Murray was a 'flight risk' and a danger to the public as he turned down the request for bail, but it is up to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s department to decide how much of his sentence the doctor will serve.
During the trial, prosecutors painted Murray as a greedy opportunist who threw his medical knowledge out of the window to cater to the bizarre whims of a superstar. The defence said he was a caring cardiologist battling to prevent his patient from self-destructing.
Murray was accused of delaying for 20 minutes before calling 911 after discovering Jackson lifeless on his bed.
Then he failed to tell paramedics and emergency room doctors that he had administered propofol, which is only supposed to be used in hospital.
Last night it was reported he had been placed on suicide watch once he arrived in custody.
An official statement from the family read: 'The Estate of Michael Jackson and of Michael himself has always believed the jury system works and despite the tragedy that brought about this trial we are in agreement with the jury's verdict. In this case justice has been served. michael jackson is missed on a daily basis but his genius and his music will be with us forever.'
Outside the court, hundreds of Jackson fans cheered when they heard the verdict, some holding signs that read 'guilty' and 'killer' as passing motorists honked their horns.
Prosecutor David Walgren thanked the 'diligent' jury. 'Our sympathies go out to the Jackson family for the loss they have suffered. Not as a pop icon but as a son and a brother,' he added.
Prosecutors said the conviction meant Murray would automatically lose his medical licence.
Murray's lawyers said they weren't planning to make any official statement after the hearing, but Ed Chernoff said he was 'not shocked' at the verdict.
He said he was planning to request another bail hearing to try and get Murray released while he awaits the sentencing hearing on November 29.
District Attorney Steve Cooley said it will be difficult to achieve an appropriate sentence for Murray because of a new state prison alignment law that allows early release for people convicted of nonviolent felonies.
He said his office gave the case the same attention it would give a lower-profile case, but conceded that because of the identity of the victim, 'obviously this takes on a viral dimension'.
Murray's mother and his girlfriend, Nicole Alvarez, refused to comment outside the court.
Murray nodded to them before being led off to jail. It is believed that he has been deemed a 'keep away inmate', meaning he will be assigned a single cell for his own protection.
TMZ.com reports he will also be assigned an 'escort' in Los Angeles County jail wherever he goes, including to the showers, and will not be permitted to mingle with the general inmate population.
Announcing the verdict, the judge thanked the jurors for their civic duty.
He said: 'I remember way back when in September when we first met, I asked you at that time to accept responsibility of citizenship and told you that I understood that serving on this jury would be a hardship and a burden because you have your own lives and responsibility to your jobs, profession and family.
'You have undertaken the responsibility in a remarkable fashion. You have made sacrifices and had to endures burdens, delays and a case that ran over the time I had told you you would have to serve.
'You have been remarkable in conscientiousness, patience, respect and never been late. For that we are very appreciative. I know that serving on a case of this sort interferes with everyday life and I personally thank you for your time and efforts.'
It was unclear whether the jury determined that Murray had administered the fatal dose of propofol while deciding he was responsible for the death of Jackson.
One medical expert outlined seventeen separate failures in the accepted standards of care in Murray's treatment of the 50-year-old singer, each of which could have possibly played a part in his death.
Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney David Walgren told the jury they needed to agree on just one life threatening blunder to find him guilty.
He said Murray's use of propofol to treat Jackson's chronic insomnia was an 'obscene experiment'.
Walgren rejected claims that Jackson was falling apart and hooked on painkiller drugs and insisted that the 50-year-old star was excited and optimistic about his future and was planning to buy a new, stable home for his family and end their nomadic 'vagabond' lifestyle.
The trial started sensationally with a photo of Jackson's dead body lying on a hospital gurney shown to the jury during opening arguments. A shocking tape of Jackson's slurred voice was also played in the courtroom on the first day.
Prosecutors then quizzed a series of witnesses who offered damning accounts of Murray's care for Jackson in the final months, days and hours of his life.
As it proceeded, the trial came more down to a battle of the scientists who argued over the dangers and benefits of propofol.
One of the key battles of the experts was between two anaesthesiologists.
Prosecution star witness Dr Steven Shafer was scathing about the dangers Murray exposed Jackson to by using propofol without the proper equipment or staff, but he was branded a 'cop' by the defence for his zealous testimony.
Dr Paul White, testifying for the prosecution, was lambasted by Walgren for his flimsy research and the 'junk science' he used to try and explain how Jackson could have caused his own death by self-administering propofol while Murray left the bedside to go to the toilet.
Dr Arnold Klein, Jackson's longtime dermatologist - who was an element in the trial although he wasn't charged with any wrongdoing and wasn't a witness - called out for harsher punishment after the verdict.
The disgraced doctor, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter yesterday, could even serve his time under house arrest wearing an electronic tag, say sources.
Los Angeles’ packed jails mean judges have little control over how much of their sentences offenders have to complete.
Michael Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray, seen here as the verdict was read, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter over the death of the pop star in a rented Los Angles mansion in June, 2009
A police officer leans over and handcuffs Conrad Murray immediately after the order to refuse him bail is announced at Los Angeles Superior Court
Legal analysts said the three-year prison sentence seen as the most likely punishment for Murray might amount to less than six months behind bars.
Julia Mezhinsky Jayne, vice chairwoman of the criminal law section of the California Bar, said: 'He could also serve a sentence on house arrest or other possible alternatives to incarceration.'
Dr Conrad Murray's booking sheet shows he is 6'5, 211lbs. He is currently residing at Los Angeles's Twin Towers jail
Murray was denied bail, although he may be released after he's sentenced on November 29th as he could get house arrest
Murray, 58, was led out of Los Angeles Superior Court in handcuffs last night.
After almost two days of deliberations the jury of seven men and five women unanimously ruled that he killed the 50-year-old star with propofol on June 25, 2009. The star had been desperate to sleep so that he could rehearse for a comeback tour at the O2 Arena.
Murray showed no emotion as the verdict was read out. Judge Michael Pastor dismissed pleas for him to be released on bail pending the sentencing hearing on November 29.
Leaving court, the singer’s older brother, Jermaine, said justice had been served, but added: 'It isn’t enough time.' His sister, LaToya Jackson, has also called for a long sentence.
Los Angeles County police surround Murray and his defence team as they prepare to hear the verdict
An officer leans forward and grasps a stunned and motionless Murray after the guilty verdict
Judge Pastor ruled that Murray was a 'flight risk' and a danger to the public as he turned down the request for bail, but it is up to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s department to decide how much of his sentence the doctor will serve.
During the trial, prosecutors painted Murray as a greedy opportunist who threw his medical knowledge out of the window to cater to the bizarre whims of a superstar. The defence said he was a caring cardiologist battling to prevent his patient from self-destructing.
Murray was accused of delaying for 20 minutes before calling 911 after discovering Jackson lifeless on his bed.
Then he failed to tell paramedics and emergency room doctors that he had administered propofol, which is only supposed to be used in hospital.
Last night it was reported he had been placed on suicide watch once he arrived in custody.
An official statement from the family read: 'The Estate of Michael Jackson and of Michael himself has always believed the jury system works and despite the tragedy that brought about this trial we are in agreement with the jury's verdict. In this case justice has been served. michael jackson is missed on a daily basis but his genius and his music will be with us forever.'
Outside the court, hundreds of Jackson fans cheered when they heard the verdict, some holding signs that read 'guilty' and 'killer' as passing motorists honked their horns.
Prosecutor David Walgren thanked the 'diligent' jury. 'Our sympathies go out to the Jackson family for the loss they have suffered. Not as a pop icon but as a son and a brother,' he added.
Prosecutors said the conviction meant Murray would automatically lose his medical licence.
La Toya Jackson gestures on arrival outside the courthouse ahead of the announcement of the verdict
Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine Jackson, is surrounded by police officers as she leaves the courthouse after the reading of the guilty verdict
Michael Jackson's father Joe (L) and brother Jermaine Jackson leave the courthouse after the announcement
He said he was planning to request another bail hearing to try and get Murray released while he awaits the sentencing hearing on November 29.
District Attorney Steve Cooley said it will be difficult to achieve an appropriate sentence for Murray because of a new state prison alignment law that allows early release for people convicted of nonviolent felonies.
He said his office gave the case the same attention it would give a lower-profile case, but conceded that because of the identity of the victim, 'obviously this takes on a viral dimension'.
Murray's mother and his girlfriend, Nicole Alvarez, refused to comment outside the court.
Murray nodded to them before being led off to jail. It is believed that he has been deemed a 'keep away inmate', meaning he will be assigned a single cell for his own protection.
TMZ.com reports he will also be assigned an 'escort' in Los Angeles County jail wherever he goes, including to the showers, and will not be permitted to mingle with the general inmate population.
Announcing the verdict, the judge thanked the jurors for their civic duty.
He said: 'I remember way back when in September when we first met, I asked you at that time to accept responsibility of citizenship and told you that I understood that serving on this jury would be a hardship and a burden because you have your own lives and responsibility to your jobs, profession and family.
'You have undertaken the responsibility in a remarkable fashion. You have made sacrifices and had to endures burdens, delays and a case that ran over the time I had told you you would have to serve.
'You have been remarkable in conscientiousness, patience, respect and never been late. For that we are very appreciative. I know that serving on a case of this sort interferes with everyday life and I personally thank you for your time and efforts.'
It was unclear whether the jury determined that Murray had administered the fatal dose of propofol while deciding he was responsible for the death of Jackson.
One medical expert outlined seventeen separate failures in the accepted standards of care in Murray's treatment of the 50-year-old singer, each of which could have possibly played a part in his death.
Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney David Walgren told the jury they needed to agree on just one life threatening blunder to find him guilty.
He said Murray's use of propofol to treat Jackson's chronic insomnia was an 'obscene experiment'.
Walgren rejected claims that Jackson was falling apart and hooked on painkiller drugs and insisted that the 50-year-old star was excited and optimistic about his future and was planning to buy a new, stable home for his family and end their nomadic 'vagabond' lifestyle.
The trial started sensationally with a photo of Jackson's dead body lying on a hospital gurney shown to the jury during opening arguments. A shocking tape of Jackson's slurred voice was also played in the courtroom on the first day.
Prosecutors then quizzed a series of witnesses who offered damning accounts of Murray's care for Jackson in the final months, days and hours of his life.
As it proceeded, the trial came more down to a battle of the scientists who argued over the dangers and benefits of propofol.
One of the key battles of the experts was between two anaesthesiologists.
Prosecution star witness Dr Steven Shafer was scathing about the dangers Murray exposed Jackson to by using propofol without the proper equipment or staff, but he was branded a 'cop' by the defence for his zealous testimony.
Dr Paul White, testifying for the prosecution, was lambasted by Walgren for his flimsy research and the 'junk science' he used to try and explain how Jackson could have caused his own death by self-administering propofol while Murray left the bedside to go to the toilet.
Dr Arnold Klein, Jackson's longtime dermatologist - who was an element in the trial although he wasn't charged with any wrongdoing and wasn't a witness - called out for harsher punishment after the verdict.
Jackson's siblings Randy and sister Rebbie Jackson arrive to hear the verdict
MURRAY'S FIRST MEAL
It is believed Murray has been deemed a 'keep away inmate', meaning he will be assigned a single cell for his own protection while serving time at Los Angeles County jail ahead of his sentencing.
Reports suggest he enjoyed his first meal, lunch, within hours of being jailed.
Law enforcement sources told TMZ.com the first meal Murray was offered included a cheese sandwich, fruit punch, carrot sticks and 'Oreo-knockoff' cookies made in the jail's own bakery.
Reports suggest he enjoyed his first meal, lunch, within hours of being jailed.
Law enforcement sources told TMZ.com the first meal Murray was offered included a cheese sandwich, fruit punch, carrot sticks and 'Oreo-knockoff' cookies made in the jail's own bakery.
Reverend Al Sharpton, a friend of the Jackson family, agreed.
'Certainly I feel that more punishment could and should have been served but I am pleased that this jury didn't blame Michael for his own death,' he said. 'I feel that Dr Murray and others who benefited from Michael but didn't protect him got off relatively lightly. Michael lost his life and we lost one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived. I lost a friend and will never forget him.'
The defence insisted Murray was cast as a scapegoat by the authorities who needed someone to blame for the tragedy.
'Somebody's got to say it: If it were anybody else but Michael Jackson, if it were anybody else, would this doctor be here today?' defence lawyer Ed Chernoff said in his closing argument on Thursday.
Chernoff said Murray was under immense pressure to administer the knock-out drug from Jackson and the promoters of the lucrative sell-out comeback concerts. Jackson himself even threatened to cancel the tour if he couldn't get enough sleep to rehearse.
'He was just a little fish in a big dirty pond,' said Chernoff.
Jackson fans and supporters have turned out every day of the trial
Murray chose not to go on the stand, perhaps fearing he would harm his case still further under harsh examination from the prosecution. He showed little emotion despite being excoriated by some witnesses, but his lawyers sought to show him as a sympathetic figure and summoned a number of former heart patients to vouch for his expertise and generosity.
Former Murray patient and current friend, Donna DiGiacomo, 53, of Las Vegas, sobbed as she spoke of the verdict and what she said she thought was 'overwhelming pressure to convict'.
'This man didn't deserve this. They needed a scapegoat,' she said.
Despite speculation to the contrary, Jackson's children, Prince, 14, Paris, 13 and nine-year-old Blanket did not give evidence and were kept away from the spectacle surrounding the trial.
But Walgren focused on the children's loss in his closing speech to the jury, blaming Murray for robbing them of their father.
'For them, this case doesn't end today or tomorrow or the next day,' he said. 'For Michael's children, this case will go on forever because they do not have a father.'
Jackson's parents, Joe and Katherine, and siblings Janet, LaToya, Jermaine and Randy were regularly in the public gallery on the ninth floor of the Los Angeles Superior Court building while Murray's mother watched from the other side of the public gallery.
Every day, Jackson fans lined the street outside the downtown court waving placards and demanding justice for their musical hero.
At Judge Michael Pastor's instigation, the jury was not allowed to hear much about Murray's tangled love life. Although he is married, he has fathered at least seven children with six different women.
His doctor wife lives in Las Vegas with their two children, but the court heard that Murray lives with mistress Nicole Alvarez, a former stripper, in Santa Monica, California.
Former Murray patient and current friend, Donna DiGiacomo, 53, of Las Vegas, sobbed as she spoke of the verdict and what she said she thought was 'overwhelming pressure to convict'.
'This man didn't deserve this. They needed a scapegoat,' she said.
Despite speculation to the contrary, Jackson's children, Prince, 14, Paris, 13 and nine-year-old Blanket did not give evidence and were kept away from the spectacle surrounding the trial.
But Walgren focused on the children's loss in his closing speech to the jury, blaming Murray for robbing them of their father.
'For them, this case doesn't end today or tomorrow or the next day,' he said. 'For Michael's children, this case will go on forever because they do not have a father.'
Jackson's parents, Joe and Katherine, and siblings Janet, LaToya, Jermaine and Randy were regularly in the public gallery on the ninth floor of the Los Angeles Superior Court building while Murray's mother watched from the other side of the public gallery.
Every day, Jackson fans lined the street outside the downtown court waving placards and demanding justice for their musical hero.
At Judge Michael Pastor's instigation, the jury was not allowed to hear much about Murray's tangled love life. Although he is married, he has fathered at least seven children with six different women.
His doctor wife lives in Las Vegas with their two children, but the court heard that Murray lives with mistress Nicole Alvarez, a former stripper, in Santa Monica, California.
NOT PRESENT: Jackson's three children Prince, 14, Blanket, 9, and Paris, 13, have stayed away from the entire trial as well as staying away from the verdict
The jury was sensationally shown this image of Jackson's dead body by the prosecution early on in Murray's trial
Jackson was paying $100,000 a month to live this rented Bel Air mansion at the time of his death in one of its many upstairs bedrooms
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