Joe Jackson, Katherine Jackson, GettyImages, Toby CanhamToday, Conrad Murray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson.
After more than a month of trial testimony, the 7-man, 5-woman jury began to deliberate on Friday. According to ABC News, it only took them 8 hours and 38 minutes to reach a unanimous decision.
I knew it would not take the jury long to reach a decision. I actually expected an announcement on Friday.
When I read the coroner's report two years ago, I felt that Murray was guilty. The report described Murray administering drugs to Jackson the night before his death. Over the course of several hours, Murray reportedly gave Jackson a drug each hour in hopes of helping the legendary pop star fall asleep.
This seemed reckless and made me think of the directions on the back over-the-counter medications that advise patients to take only one dosage every 4-6 hours.
It made me think that Murray was more concerned with receiving his $150,000-per-month salary than providing Jackson with the best care.
I hope Murray's conviction sends a message to other doctors who may also be inappropriately administering medications to patients.
Jackson's family appears happy with the news. Katherine and Joe released a statement to TMZ, saying the favorable results were long overdue. "We have been waiting for this moment for a very long time and we couldn't hold back tears of joy in the courtroom," they said in the statement. "Even though nothing can bring back our son, justice has finally been served."
Jackson's sisters Rebbie and La Toya shared their candid reaction when leaving court.
"Feels worse in some ways because nothing is going to bring my brother back," Rebbie said, ABC News reports.
La Toya was pleased. "Wonderful, absolutely, justice was served," she said. "Michael was watching over us."
Murray was remanded immediately following the reading of the verdict. Judge Michael Pastor has scheduled the sentencing for November 29.
Murray faces up to 4 years in prison and the loss of his medical license.