Dr. Conrad Murray Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter

Dr. Conrad Murray has been charged with the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson.  The doctor appeared in court today to answer the charges, he pleaded not guilty to causing the death of the 50-year-old singer, whose passing last June was ruled a homicide by drug overdose last month, with the anaesthetic Propofol – administered by Murray – considered the primary factor.  Some of Michael’s family was in court to hear the charges.

According to the criminal complaint, LA’ District Attorney alleges the star’s personal physician "did unlawfully, and without malice, kill Michael Joseph Jackson … in the commission of an unlawful act, not 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."

If convicted, Murray faces a maximum of four years in prison.  Dr. Conrad Murray’s bail was set at $ 75,000.  The judge ruled as a condition to bail, Murray cannot be in possession of (or prescribe) anesthetics and specifically mentioned Propofol.  At one point the judge said, "I do not want you sedating people."   Dr. Murray will appear again in court April5th. 2010.  His passport was taken from him.