NEGLIGENCE

MJ's Doctor Charged With Manslaughter

For carelessness relating to Jackson’s death.

A Los Angeles judge has ordered that Michael Jackson's former physician stand trial for involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors presented their case in a preliminary hearing which lasted more than six days, during which more than 20 witnesses testified against Dr. Conrad Murray's actions during the king of pop's final hours. Authorities contend that the 57-year-old, Houston-based physician gave Jackson a lethal dose of propofol—a powerful anesthetic—along with other sedatives and then failed to follow up with proper care. They also say Murray was distracted and on the phone after giving Jackson the propofol, and that Jackson was already dead when Murray called for help. The doctor has pleaded not guilty, but if convicted could face up to four years in prison.