Dr. Conrad Murray was sentenced today to the maximum sentence possible for involuntary manslaughter in the death of pop music star Michael Jackson, four years behind bars Jackson died in June 2009 of an overdose of the powerful anesthetic propofol Jackson was given as a sleep aid. Murray is unlikely to serve a full term due to overcrowding and prison realignment.
Conrad Murray must also pay "appropriate restitution" to the family and children of Michael Jackson.
Murray was sentenced Tuesday, three weeks after a jury convicted the cardiologist of involuntary manslaughter. The judge chastised him for a "horrific violation of trust" in caring for Jackson.
Judge Michael Pastor criticized lies by Murray following Jackson's death. "Dr. Murray engaged in a continuous, recurring pattern of deceit, of lies, and regrettably, that pattern was to assist Dr. Murray." Pastor listed a litany of other criticisms of Murray.
"Why give probation to someone who is offended by the whole idea that that person is even before the court? You cannot have probation when there is not an acknowledgment of rehabilitation and responsibility." Pastor said that Murray didn't exhibit that.
Prosecutors had urged the judge to sentence the doctor to the maximum, arguing his treatment of Jackson with a powerful anesthetic ended the life of the King of Pop and left his three children without a father.
"He unquestionably violated the trust and confidence of his patient, Mr. Jackson, on a repeated, nightly basis," Pastor said.
Attorneys for the 58-year-old Murray argued that probation was a more appropriate sentence, given his lack of a criminal history and the fact he will lose his medical license.
Murray could serve half of the four years because of overcrowding in California jails.
Conrad Murray must also pay "appropriate restitution" to the family and children of Michael Jackson.
Murray was sentenced Tuesday, three weeks after a jury convicted the cardiologist of involuntary manslaughter. The judge chastised him for a "horrific violation of trust" in caring for Jackson.
Judge Michael Pastor criticized lies by Murray following Jackson's death. "Dr. Murray engaged in a continuous, recurring pattern of deceit, of lies, and regrettably, that pattern was to assist Dr. Murray." Pastor listed a litany of other criticisms of Murray.
"Why give probation to someone who is offended by the whole idea that that person is even before the court? You cannot have probation when there is not an acknowledgment of rehabilitation and responsibility." Pastor said that Murray didn't exhibit that.
Prosecutors had urged the judge to sentence the doctor to the maximum, arguing his treatment of Jackson with a powerful anesthetic ended the life of the King of Pop and left his three children without a father.
"He unquestionably violated the trust and confidence of his patient, Mr. Jackson, on a repeated, nightly basis," Pastor said.
Attorneys for the 58-year-old Murray argued that probation was a more appropriate sentence, given his lack of a criminal history and the fact he will lose his medical license.
Murray could serve half of the four years because of overcrowding in California jails.
