Prosecutors investigating Michael Jackson's death will charge his personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, with involuntary manslaughter in the death of the superstar singer.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Jackson family said he fears the anticipated manslaughter charge against the Houston doctor is far too lenient.
"That is just a slap on the wrist and a slap in the face, because Michael Jackson was someone who knew he was in danger of being brought to his knees, brought to his death by the use of these medications," said lawyer Brian Oxman who represents the Jackson family on the CBS "Early Show."
Involuntary manslaughter - the charge prosecutors reportedly plan to seek against Murray - carries a maximum jail sentence of four years.
Jackson had hired Murray as his personal doctor before a planned series of comeback concerts in Europe. The singer died June 25 at his rented Los Angeles home. A coroner's report showed Murray had given Jackson powerful drugs, including propofol and two other sedatives to help Jackson get over his chronic insomnia.
Propofol is supposed to be administered by a professional anesthesiologist in a medical setting because the drug slows breathing, heart rate and lowers blood pressure - all at the same time.
Murray has said that no drug he gave to Jackson should have killed him.
Comments: (28)
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By: "DimePiece" on 2/03/2010 1:10PM
I hope that Dr. Murray will follow through and turn himself in today. In the back of my mind, I knew that he played a big part in the death of Michael. You go back on that day June 25, the maid or nanny that worked for Michael said that "Michael normally came downstairs around 10:00 A.M. every morning to eat breakfast and it was unusual not seeing him? The Doctor in the meantime, was trying to figure out ways to cover his A** and planned everything out to make everybody believe him and say that he was innocent? BUT DAMN, involuntary manslaughter possibly for 4 years is NO JUSTICE and is NOT RIGHT! I hope that this Doctor serves more than that! Did he really think he would get away with this? I pray for the Michael Jackson family and friends for justice and hope now, the family can have some closure knowing that Dr. Murray is responsible for their son's death. People said that there were other Doctor's in the past that gave Michael the same drug and other things and they too could have contribute to his death as well? I figure, going back on all those years would be hard to charge any Doctor in this case, so that's why Dr. Murray being Michael's Doctor, he was responsible for his death. I hope everything works out for the Jackson's family and I can't wait to see what happens next.....
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By: Mrs. DMS on 2/03/2010 1:20PM
Sorry folks, I love Michael's music and the Jackson Family, but I do believe Michael had a steady stream of drugs, by his own request, pumped into him. The doctor/patient(celebrity) relationship is a very slippery one. Add to that Michael's celebrity, for which I know he probably was demanding and not the happy if he did not get these meds. Perhaps Dr. Murray should have exposed this drugging of Michael's to his family. Maybe they knew?
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By: stare k on 2/03/2010 3:41PM
No one will ever know the real truth , Because Micheal isnot here to defend himself. Of course what do you think Dr. Murray is going to say .
Hang him ownself .
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By: MsLisaJoy on 2/03/2010 7:49PM
I like most people can't stand the idea of Dr.Death getting away with the death of Michael Jackson (or anyone else for that matter). However, the charge in it's self makes perfect legal sense. He didn't intend to kill MJ. That being said the charge speaks for it's self.
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By: sweetneke on 2/03/2010 5:27PM
Murray was a doctor he knew what he was doing was wrong regardless of what you think that michael was a addict this man was a doctor he should have said no but greed will make you do anything he needs to answer for being greedy. If he was a good doctor he would have a least tried to help micheal not just take his money
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By: lmariemaxey55 on 2/03/2010 5:29PM
Murray was a doctor he knew what he was doing was wrong regardless of what you think that michael was a addict this man was a doctor he should have said no but greed will make you do anything he needs to answer for being greedy. If he was a good doctor he would have a least tried to help micheal not just take his money
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By: ThERESA on 2/03/2010 6:28PM
No matter what way you look at it this a-hole murdered Michael. Especially knowing that he had a bit of a problem with drugs. Who in their right mind keeps administrating these drugs to the point where it caused Michaels dealth. This low life killed him he took a beautiful life away from all of us.But I just keep asking myself why? For money? Because if he had said no to Michael he would have gotten fired maybe. Who knows only God and Michael know the truth. I really hope the charges against this a-hole are changed to murder with life in the slammer. That's where this dog belongs.
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By: mike on 2/03/2010 6:59PM
What do you tell someone like Michael Jackson who is demanding drugs, and probably is paying you thousands of dollars just to have you hang out with him and inject narcotics into his bloodstream.
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By: elaine on 2/06/2010 1:00PM
A real Dr. is suppose to say NO. His behavior was a testiment to gross negligence. Even if he made the choice to administer the drug, he should have at least bothered to have the right equiptment. He followed none of the regulations and he should be punished for his negligence not patted on the back.
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By: Alfonso Diaz on 2/04/2010 11:29AM
LOL I said MJ was assassinated the moment it was reported. Mj was uber rich and to just die like that under a professional doctor's care is bs. MJ was assassinated over the Beatles catalog. MJ was being setup his whole career and now that the truth is coming out, they have to cover up the murder. I guess "keep your friends close and your enemies closer" especially once they get knighted is the lesson here.... lol
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