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Summary Michael Jacksons doctor was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the singer's death.
Dr. Conrad Murray, 58, was led away in handcuffs after the Los Angeles jury reached a unanimous verdict. The doctor, who could face up to four years in prison, will be sentenced on November 29.Dozens of fans outside the courtroom erupted in cheers and some burst into tears.Murray had pleaded not guilty to giving the Thriller singer a fatal dose of the powerful anesthetic propofol -- normally used in surgery -- that was ruled the main cause of the pop stars June 25, 2009 death. But prosecutors argued Murray was grossly negligent in administering the propofol to help Jackson sleep. Defense attorneys claimed Jackson delivered the fatal dose to himself.The judge ordered Murray, who has been free on bail for two years, held in custody until his sentencing at the end of the month.Murray did not testify at the Los Angeles trial and looked impassive as the guilty verdict was pronounced to a small cry from his side of the packed courtroom.Jacksons mother Katherine and the singers sister Rebbie cried silently as the guilty verdict was read. His siblings La Toya, Jermaine and Randy, and his father Joe, were also on hand.Jackson was found lifeless at his Los Angeles mansion on June 25, 2009, age 50, about three weeks before he was scheduled to begin a series of concerts in London aimed at returning the pop star to the limelight after the humiliation of his 2005 trial and acquittal on child molestation.Murray admitted giving Jackson a small dose of propofol to help him sleep. But his lawyers argued at the trial that the singer was dependent on the drug and that Jackson likely gave himself an extra, fatal dose of the powerful anesthetic, as well as swallowing a handful of sedatives, without Murrays knowledge.Trial judge Michael Pastor said on Monday that Murray was now a convicted felon who has been deemed the causative factor in Michael Jackson’s death. Pastor said he should be locked up before being sentenced to protect public safety.On the street outside, more than 100 Jackson fans whooped with joy and chanted Thank you judge as the guilty verdict, announced live on television, was read.
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