Doctor convicted in Michael Jackson's death to be released on Monday

[News_Editor]

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (BNO NEWS) -- Dr. Conrad Murray, who was convicted in the drug death of pop star Michael Jackson, will be released from a California jail on Monday after serving just half of his four-year sentence for involuntary manslaughter, prison officials said on Sunday.

Murray, 60, will walk out of the Los Angeles County Men's Central Jail on Monday when he is being released early as a result of good behavior and part of a program designed to alleviate chronic overcrowding in California's prison system. It has angered Jackson's family and many fans who say he should serve his full sentence.

It is unclear where Murray will go after Monday's release, but he can no longer practice medicine since his medical license was suspended in California, Texas and Nevada in the wake of his conviction. Lawyers for the doctor, however, have recently filed petitions in Texas to have his medical license reinstated, which would allow him to treat patients again.

Jackson, commonly called "the King of Pop" and recognized by 'Guinness World Records' as the most successful entertainer of all time, died on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50. He was found unconscious in bed at his rented mansion in Los Angeles and was pronounced dead at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.

The Los Angeles County Coroner ruled his death a homicide, mainly caused by the powerful anaesthetic Propofol which was given to him by Murray, Jackson's personal physician. Prosecutors charged Murray with involuntary manslaughter in February 2010, alleging he unlawfully but without malice killed Jackson in the commission of an unlawful act.

During the high-profile trial, which began on September 27, 2011, prosecutors argued that Murray was grossly negligent by administering a high dose of Propofol to help Jackson sleep as he prepared for 50 concerts that were scheduled to take place at The O2 Arena in London as part of his major comeback.

Defense attorneys claimed Jackson himself administered the fatal dose of Propofol, but Dr. Steven Shafer, who wrote the drug's guidelines, told jurors that it was impossible for the pop star to have caused his own death by swallowing the drug. Murray was convicted in November 2011 and sentenced to four years in county prison.

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[Credo]

In all fairness, it's kind of a waste to keep this guy in jail. He should, however, serve the remainder of his time treating the sick either in prison or in some other worthy setting. Even though he can't practice medicine, his expertise could probably help in a number of medical settings.

[coma]

This guy just has to write a book. It will sell literally millions of copies of the King of Pop's last days.

[Mosha]

BBC reports 2 of the reasons for him being jailed were a lack of remorse, and a danger to the community. It could be argued that the latter reason could apply to Jackson.