Conrad Murray, M.D., was sentenced to four years in jail for the death of Michael Jackson.
Before an expressionless and haggard looking Murray, Judge Michael Pastor, at times reading from the criminal code and directly responding to the pleas for leniency made by Murray himself and those on his behalf, explained that it matters not that another doctor may have killed Jackson. He stated that he read both Dr. Murray’s book about this life, as well as a book about Michael Jackson’s life, and that the once competent physician Murray lost his way in a “medicine for money” scheme that resulted in Jackson’s death.
The judge stated that it was a series of decisions by Murray that jeopardized his patient, which overcame his prior good acts with other patients. Murray created a set of circumstances and became involved in the practice of “horrible” medicine, for fame, money and prestige. He participated in a “recurring and continuous pattern of deceit, of lies” to benefit Murray. The judge discussed the “unconscionable lies” Murray told healthcare providers throughout his treatment of Jackson, as well as to the UCLA staff after the propofol overdose.
The judge found that the surreptitious recording is what stood out the most to him, calling it Murray’s “insurance policy” and a “horrific violation of trust.” He went on to state that it undermined the service the healthcare profession, and that after things went wrong for Murray, he got deeper and deeper and violated his oath and tenets as a physician.
Apparently, Murray, post-conviction, had a production in place to discuss the death in which he said that he didn’t “feel guilty” and didn’t tell [the UCLA medical staff] about the propofol because they did not ask and he did not see it as relevant. The judge continued on to ask why would he give probation to someone who didn’t even think he should be before the court.
Declining to grant probation, the judge acknowledged that he does not have the authority to sentence Murray to state prison but that he is to serve the four years in the county jail. Murray has served 23 days for which he receives a credit against his sentence. The judge determined that four years imprisonment is appropriate because Jackson was vulnerable and because Murray’s lying and deceitful misconduct in trying to cover up his conduct, combined with no sense of remorse or fault. Also because he remains a “dangerous man” and a “danger to the community.”
He further order that restitution be paid to Jackson’s estate and children, in the amount to be determined at a later hearing within 120 days of today’s hearing.
Hey Murray, get ready for your stripes!
UPDATE: A recent change in the law (AB109 or something called – “nom, nom, nom” or “non, non, non” – hard to say one is correct) is what prompted the judge to state that he could not sentence Murray to prison and instead, had to send him to jail. However, at a press conference after the sentencing, the prosecutor’s office indicated that they will likely ask the judge to reconsider that particular issue as they feel that this case falls outside of the law. They have 120 days to recall the sentence before this judge, otherwise they would have to file an appeal.