Dr. Conrad Murray Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter

Michael Jackson's live-in physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, was officially charged with involuntary manslaughter in the singer's death by the Los Angeles prosecutors.  Murray entered a plea of not guilty and is being held on $75,000 bail.

During the morning, the Los Angeles district attorney filed the charges with the court, saying that Dr. Murray "did unlawfully, and without malice, kill Michael Joseph Jackson...in the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony; and in the commission of a lawful act which might have produced death, in an unlawful manner, and without due caution and circumspection."

Prosecutors in the case had requested $300,000 bail; however Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Keith L. Schwartz opted for the lower amount which is still three times more than the norm for an involuntary manslaughter case. In addition, Schwartz told Murray "I do not want you sedating people."

The atmosphere was not friendly when Murray arrived at the court, with fans screaming "murderer" and "justice for Michael" as he walked to the building.  Inside the courtroom, a number of members of the Jackson family sat and stared at the doctor, including parents Kathryn and Joe and some of his brothers. The family has expressed their disappointment at the level of the charge.

If found guilty, Murray faces up to four years in prison.

To see the full autopsy report, go to the Smoking Gun website.