Michael Jackson's doctor charged with involuntary manslaughter

Published on Monday 8 February 2010 23:33

MICHAEL Jackson's doctor pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter last night.

• Dr. Conrad Murray arrives for his arraignment. Picture: Getty

Dr Conrad Murray appeared in court as the singer's father Joe, mother Katherine, and siblings LaToya, Jermaine, Tito, Jackie and Randy watched on.

Neither Dr Murray nor the Jacksons showed much emotion as Murray entered his plea through his attorney, Ed Chernoff, just hours after being charged.

Earlier, several people shouted "murderer" as Dr Murray walked past a crowd of hundreds of reporters and Jackson fans on his way to the courthouse next to Los Angeles International Airport.

Dr Murray, 56, a Houston cardiologist was with Jackson when he died on 25 June.

Superior Court Judge Keith L Schwartz set bail at $75,000 (48,000), three times more than the amount most people face after being charged with involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors had been seeking $300,000 (192,000) bail for Murray, who was taken into custody by deputies but not handcuffed in public. He was expected to be released later today.