Michael Jackson’s Doctor Sentenced to 4 Years

In Los Angeles this morning Michael Jackson's doctor, Conrad Murray was sentenced to four years in jail. Murray will likely only serve half of his sentence due to overcrowding in California jails. Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter earlier this month after a 6-week trial. During the trial the final hours of Mr. Jackson's life were revealed. Murray was found guilty of administering a lethal amount of the powerful anesthetic Propofol, to treat the pop superstars insomnia.

According to a  CBS news article the family released a statement following the sentencing.

Several members of Jackson's family, including mother Katherine and siblings LaToya, Jermaine, Randy and Rebbie, attended the proceedings. Before the sentencing, a representative read a statement on behalf of the Jackson family.

The statement, read by attorney Brian Panish, included elements representing the views of Jackson's children, parents and siblings. Panish did not specifically request the maximum term of four years in jail for Murray, but said  the cardiologist should be punished in a way that reminds physicians that they cannot sell their services to the highest bidder.

Prosecutors had asked that Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor sentence Murray to the maximum four-year term, while defense attorneys wanted probation for the cardiologist, saying he will lose his ability to practice medicine and likely face a lifetime of ostracism.

Murray has also been asked to pay for Jackson's funeral and pay restitution to the pop stars three children.