A Los Angeles jury has found Michael Jackson's physician, Doctor Conrad Murray guilty of involuntary manslaughter. The seven men and five women took ten hours over two days to reach a unanimous verdict. The doctor – who did not testify at the trial – now faces up to four years in prison and will lose his licence to practice medicine. He was held without bail pending sentencing on November 29 and has reportedly been put on suicide watch whilst in custody.
The cardiologist looked vacant and unemotional as the verdict was read out then he was led away in handcuffs. The court was told by the judge that the "inept" 58-year-old medic caused Michael's death through negligence, robbing three children of their father and the world of one of the most accomplished entertainers to ever grace the stage. Judge Pastor – who has overseen proceedings in the six-week trial – noted the cardiologist's "reckless conduct" and called him a danger to the public. There was elation amongst the pop icon's family and friends who watched the drama unfold from the public gallery. Sister La Toya couldn't contain her relief and shouted: "Yes!", before taking to her Twitter account to declare "victory".
The Jackson Matriarch, Katherine, quietly sat dabbing tears from her eyes as she heard the verdict. "I'm just happy it's over with. Nothing will bring him back, but I'm just happy that he was found guilty," added another of the pop star's sisters, Rebbie.
Hordes of fans had also descended on the courtroom and cheered as the verdict was announced. The climax to the trial comes after six weeks of testimony in which the prosecution portrayed Dr Conrad Murray as a man who broke legal, ethical and professional guidelines to satisfy a patient who was paying him $150,000 a month.The jury shunned the defence that Michael Jackson was a substance abuser who was the architect of his own death. "He was just a little fish in a big dirty pond." The defence said of Murray as the trial drew to a close. The court has heard from 49 witnesses - including Doctor Conrad Murray's patients, girlfriends past and present, medical experts and former employees of the king of pop.The tragic doctor seduced by the Hollywood life who forgot his duty