UNITED STATES 5 Apr 2010 Doctor accused in Michael Jackson's death in court hearing

A Los Angeles court begins hearings in the case of Dr. Conrad Murray, the physician charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Michael Jackson's death from a lethal cocktail of prescription painkillers and anesthetics on 25 Jun 2009. Murray has pleaded not guilty. Jackson family members and many Jackson fans are upset that Murray was not charged with murder. The fans are certain to mount protests outside the court when the hearings begin.

A hearing in February took place in a fraught atmosphere, with Jackson fans and hordes of media outside and members of Jackson's family in court, including parents Katherine and Joe.

Jackson had hired Murray, who faces up to four years in prison if convicted, ahead of a gruelling series of comeback concerts in London. Murray acknowledges administering the drugs to Jackson to help him sleep. He faces up to four years in prison if convicted.

RELATED READING:

Jackson's doctor charged with involuntary manslaughter (AFP/ChannelNewsAsia 9 Feb 2010)
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/1036219/1/.html

Jackson's doctor denies manslaughter (LA Times/SMH 10 Feb 2010)
http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/people/jacksons-doctor-denies-manslaughter-20100209-npsp.html

Michael Jackson Doctor May Lose MD License in Wake of Manslaughter Charges (ABC 9 Feb 2010)
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/MichaelJackson/conrad-murray-michael-jackson-doc-faces-revocation-medical/story?id=9783923