Jackson's doctor charged with involuntary manslaughter

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 9 — U.S. prosecutors on Monday filed involuntary manslaughter charges against Michael Jackson's personal physician in connection with the pop star's death.

Dr. Conrad Murray, 56, was charged with giving Jackson an overdose of powerful prescription sedative that led to his death on June 25.

Conrad Murray was expected to surrender for arraignment on the felony charge this afternoon at the Airport Branch Courthouse in Los Angeles.

Members of the Jackson family might attend Murray's afternoon court hearing, according to local TV NBC4.

The charge against Murray carries a potential four-year prison term, but the doctor will likely plead not guilty.

He will also likely post bail, and after being booked, will reportedly leave Los Angeles for either Las Vegas or Houston, where he has a medical practice.

Authorities have been mulling a manslaughter case against the doctor since last summer.

Murray was working as Jackson's personal physician while the singer was preparing in Los Angeles for a series of London concerts before his death.

The Los Angeles County's coroner's office blamed Jackson's death on "acute propofol intoxication" from an overdose given by Murray.

The powerful sedative is normally administered by an anesthesiologist in a hospital setting.

But Murray has insisted that he didn't give Jackson anything that should have caused the singer's death.

The doctor also said he left the pop star for just a couple of minutes to go to the bathroom, and that Jackson was not breathing when he returned.

Based on cellphone records, investigators suspect he left Jackson unattended for as long as 45 minutes.

Murray had been expected to surrender to authorities Friday, but his appearance was canceled amid accusations by his attorney that local authorities wanted him handcuffed and escorted to the courthouse for a "photo op."

Both the District Attorney's Office and Los Angeles Police Department denied the accusation by attorney Ed Chernoff. (PNA/Xinhua)

ALM/ebp

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