Only moments after Dr. Conrad Murray was found guilty of one felony count of involuntary manslaughter in respect of the death of Michael Jackson, the doctor was denied bail and ordered him held in jail until his sentencing later this month.
Murray, 58, sat impassively at a table with his lawyers as the unanimous guilty verdict was read to the court just after 1 p.m. PT.
Murray showed no expression as Judge Michael Pastor surveyed the seven-man, five-woman jury about their decision. With the exception of a single loud whoop when the guilty verdict came down, the courtroom was silent during the proceedings.
After conferring with lawyers on both sides, Judge Pastor agreed to a November 29 sentencing date and then announced that Murray would be taken immediately into custody and held without bail until that date. The physician looked surprised when a bailiff immediately came up behind him and began putting handcuffs on the doctor’s wrists. Pastor said he came to his decision after weighing factors including the protection of the public, the seriousness of the homicide charge and his fear that Murray may not show up for sentencing against the fact that the Texas physician has no prior criminal record and has appeared to all previous court dates.
“Dr. Murray’s reckless conduct in this case poses a demonstrable risk to the public,” Pastor said. “Public safety demands that he be remanded into custody.”
