BEL AIR —On February 8, Michael Jackson’s physician, Dr. Conrad Robert Murray, plead not guilty to one count of felony involuntary manslaughter in connection to the pop star’s death.
Murray was banned by a judge from handling, prescribing, or administering Propofol, or any other sedatives in the areas where he has a medical license. It is believed that Propofol is largely what caused the death of the entertainer, who had passed away in his Bel Air home in June. Jackson was transported to the UCLA Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased.
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The 56-year-old was charged in case No. SA073164, filed at the Airport Branch of Los Angeles Superior Court. The count alleges that Murray “did unlawfully, and without malice, kill Michael Joseph Jackson in the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, and in the commission of a lawful act which might have produced death, in an unlawful manner, and without due caution and circumspection.”
Deputy District Attorney David Walgren, of the Crimes Division will prosecute the case. Walgren had worked with the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office in order to collect the evidence leading to the filing of the case. If convicted, Murray may receive a maximum sentencing of four years in state prison.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department the investigation has now moved to the criminal prosecution phase.
Chief Charlie Beck issued the following statement: “While the Los Angeles Police Department has been the primary investigative agency in this case, we could not have concluded our investigation without the commitment and expertise and assistance of agencies from all levels of law enforcement, including local, state and federal. The investigation into the death of Michael Jackson was conducted in a professional manner and was comprehensive and thorough.”
Ed Winter, Assistant Chief of the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner’s Investigation Department, told Canyon News about the drugs that were found in Jackson’s body during the autopsy. “They were Lorazepam, Lidocane, Propofol, Diazepam, and Midazolam,” he states. “Propofol is used in surgeries, at the start of a surgery, and is normally used in a surgery setting. However, the medication was not being used for surgery. Jackson was taking Propofol for sleep.”
Winter told Canyon News that he knew Jackson was taking other medications, however he does not have information about the ones he was taking specifically.
Murray’s bail amount has been set at $75,000. A preliminary scheduling hearing is slated on April 5, and will be transferred to Downtown L.A. for security purposes.
Winter confirmed to Canyon News that the Jackson’s autopsy results ruled his death as a homicide.
