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Michael Jackson's doctor pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter over the death of the pop star at a hearing that had all the trappings of another sensational celebrity courtroom drama.
Dr Conrad Murray, accused of giving Jackson a fatal dose of an anesthetic to help him sleep, appeared in court as Jackson's father Joe, mother Katherine, and siblings LaToya, Jermaine, Tito, Jackie and Randy watched from courtroom seats behind prosecutors.
Neither Murray nor the Jacksons showed much emotion as Murray entered his plea through his attorney Ed Chernoff, but as he emerged from court, Joe Jackson declared: "My son was murdered... We need justice."
Earlier, several people shouted "murderer" as Murray walked past a crowd of hundreds of reporters and Jackson fans on his way to a courthouse adjacent to Los Angeles International Airport. Others held signs urging "Justice For Michael."
Murray, 56, a Houston cardiologist who was with Jackson when he died 25 June, entered his plea just hours after he was charged.
Superior Court Judge Keith L. Schwartz set bail at $75,000, three times more than the amount people normally face after being charged with involuntary manslaughter. Murray posted it about two hours later and was released.
Outside court Mr Chernoff said that Murray plans to return to practicing medicine in Nevada and Texas while he awaits trial. The judge ordered him to return to court 5 April for a preliminary hearing.
The judge warned Murray he is not to use general anesthesia on anyone while he is free on bail.
Deputy state Attorney General Trina Bell also told the judge the state Medical Board is planning to seek the suspension of Murray's medical license. The action would only affect his ability to practice medicine in California.
Immediately after the hearing, Latoya Jackson, Michael's sister, issued a statement saying she believed her brother had been murdered and that others besides Murray were involved in his death.
She said: "I will continue to fight until all of the proper individuals are brought forth and justice is served."
Jackson, 50, hired Murray in May to be his personal physician as he prepared for a strenuous series of comeback performances in London.
Officials said the singer died in Los Angeles after Murray administered the powerful general anesthetic propofol and two other sedatives to get the chronic insomniac to sleep.
Murray is accused of the single felony count in a five-page complaint that said he "did unlawfully, and without malice, kill Michael Joseph Jackson" by acting "without due caution and circumspection."
The complaint contains no details on Jackson's death, but authorities have said the singer died after Murray administered the anesthetic and other drugs.
If convicted, the doctor could face up to four years in prison.
Reader views (3)
get off this guys back, all you sad Jacko apologists, he's just being made a scapegoat. The family could have stopped him being the author of his own misfortune
- Albert Munn, Eltham, London , UK, 10/02/2010 08:33
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Who really cares ? Recently this news was presented ahead of important things such as another death in Afghanistan !
- Michael, London, UK, 09/02/2010 18:14
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This man is being treated appaulingly - watch out celebrity A listers - if you ever need a doctor in LA expect them all the run!
- Raminder Bhalla, Northolt, 09/02/2010 11:15
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