Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor sentenced Conrad Murray to 4 years in prison, the maximum sentence for this particular charge of involuntary manslaughter.  Pastor’s sentencing was rife with scathing comments about Murray’s blatant, ongoing negligence towards his sole patient; including lies to cover said negligent acts; the absence of remorse for his actions; and, the fact that he remains dangerous to the community at large.  Pastor also ruled Murray is required to make restitution to the Estate of Jackson, his children, and other family members.

After some scheduling conflicts, involving the final prosecution witness, Dr. Steven Shafer testified to 17 egregious and unconscionable violations of the standard of medical care, directly contributing to Michael Jackson’s death.   “You don’t get up, leave the wheel, and to go to bathroom.”   Also at issue for Shafter was Murray’s statement to detectives that he only administered a total of 4mg of the sleep medication lorazepam to MJ the day he died.  Shafer felt Murray underestimated the true amount, based on the toxicology report.   Shafer claimed MJ probably died because his tongue blocked the back of his throat, which could have been prevented if Murray simply lifted his chin.  Michael Flanagan, arguably the most knowledgeable member of the defense with regard to propofol, stepped down to cross-examine; in his place, Ed Chernoff attempted to discredit Shafer’s testimony, especially Shafer’s assertion that MJ could not have self-administered the lethal dose.  Shafer restored by testifying the apparatus could have been taken by Murray before emergency medical staff arrived.  When Chernoff pointed out Shafer used the wrong size syringe and IV bag in his demonstrations, Shafer commented with a dismissive comment regarding size not being at issue…  The prosecution rested and the jury Read More …