Day 25 of the Trial: Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson’s Killer, Taken to Jail in Handcuffs

On the second day of deliberations over Conrad Murray’s verdict, the jury rang the courthouse bell three times, indicating that they had reached an agreement.

After that, the defense attorneys, Conrad Murray, and members of the Jackson family were told to appear in court. The atmosphere outside the courthouse was tense and anxious. Michael Jackson fans and a number of supporters of Dr. Murray had gathered at the location.

In court, the jury handed the verdict form to the judge, and the verdict was given to one of the court employees to read. He read the verdict and declared Conrad Murray guilty. At that moment, the sound of Latoya Jackson’s shouting—Michael’s sister—was heard, but the court quickly returned to normal. The judge delivered a speech, but before that, he asked each of the 12 jurors whether they personally confirmed the verdict that had been read. All of the answers were yes.

The judge then read a ceremonial form to the jury and indicated that they could now, at their own discretion, speak with the media about the case. Next, the judge thanked them and excused them from jury service. The mission was over. The judge ordered everyone to stand in respect for the jury members who were leaving the courtroom.

Then, after consulting with the prosecutor and the defense attorneys, the judge announced a date for the sentencing hearing and the announcement of Conrad Murray’s punishment.

Ad Chernoff seemed very upset, but his client, Conrad Murray, as well as Murray’s mother, showed no reaction. Chernoff asked the judge to allow Murray to be released on bail until his sentence is announced on November 29.

In response, the judge said that Conrad Murray had been found guilty in a murder case. He took the life of a human being through gross negligence, and his presence in the community would be dangerous for the public. Judge Michael Pastor, by saying this, allowed the court police to handcuff Murray’s hands and take him out.

The scene of Conrad Murray leaving the courtroom with his hands handcuffed was exactly what Michael Jackson fans had been hoping to see since the beginning of this case.

Conrad Murray will remain in jail until November 29. After that, he will go to court to learn the length of the sentence that has been set for him. He may spend the next four years in prison.

Multiple girlfriends of Murray, the Michael Jackson Foundation, and Michael’s parents will likely each file a separate lawsuit against Conrad Murray.

After the session ended, Michael’s mother, along with Latoya and Jermaine—Michael’s brother—walked toward the two prosecutors, Ms. Deborah Brazil and Mr. David Walgren, kissed them, and hugged them.

After leaving the courthouse, Katherine Jackson said: “Now I feel better.”

Latoya, who had previously said on Twitter that she was shaking from anxiety and that she was sure Michael’s spirit would be with them, after the verdict was announced said: “Michael was watching over us.”

Michael Jackson fans were celebrating outside the courthouse. They also expressed their gratitude to the two prosecutors via Twitter. Outside the courthouse they were singing Michael’s song Beat It and holding placards that read: Guilty! Guilty!

During a press conference outside the courthouse, Los Angeles prosecutor Steve Cooley said that announcing Murray’s guilty verdict means that his medical license has been revoked in the state of California effective immediately, and any involvement by him in medical matters is illegal and will be punished. Murray also has licenses in Nevada, Texas, and Hawaii, and the prosecutor expressed hope that these three states will make similar decisions and revoke Murray’s license as well.

Source: eMJey.com / AP / CNN / Reuters / ABC