Dr. Conrad Murray was sentenced to four years in jail on Tuesday for manslaughter in the death of pop legend Michael Jackson. Murray was found guilty of being responsible for Jackson’s death from an overdose of the powerful sedative propofol on June 25, 2009.
The prosecution in the Michael Jackson death case had asked Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor for the maximum sentence of four years. However, due to prison over-crowding, it is questionable if he will actually serve the full term. More than likely he will serve only two years at most.
In sentencing Murray, Judge Michael Pastor called the doctor’s treatment abhorrent. He also rejected a motion by the defense team to have cameras be thrown out of the courtroom during sentencing.
“Dr. Murray created a set of circumstances and became involved in a cycle of horrible medicine,” the judge said. “The practice of propofol for medicine madness, which violated his sworn obligation, for money, fame prestige and whatever else may have occurred.”
Dr. Conrad Murray’s defense team had asked the court to sentence him to only probation with “substantial community service,” arguing that the defendant’s reputation was already ruined, he would lose his medical license and he had no prior criminal record.
Michael Jackson’s parents and family were present at the sentencing hearing. The family’s attorney, Brian Panish, read a statement to the court on behalf of the Jacksons. In the statement, the family asked the judge to “impose a sentence that reminds physicians they cannot sell their services to the highest bidder.”
