CBS/AP/ December 2, 2011, 9:47 PM

Conrad Murray appeals conviction in Jackson death

Dr. Conrad Murray gets maximum 4-year sentence for role in Michael Jackson death, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011.

Dr. Conrad Murray gets maximum 4-year sentence for role in Michael Jackson death, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011. / CBS

The doctor convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of pop legend Michael Jackson has filed a widely anticipated appeal, TMZ reports.

Dr. Conrad Murray was sentenced last week to four years in prison

Murray signed the notice that was filed in Los Angeles on Friday seeking all records and transcripts from the case. The filing does not indicate the basis on which Murray will argue to overturn his conviction or sentence.

TMZ reports that Murray filed the appeal in pro per, meaning that he is representing himself rather than using an attorney.

Pictures: Who's who in the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray
Pictures: Michael Jackson's Doctor Trial

"While he is representing himself, Murray is still communicating with one of the lawyers who repped him in the manslaughter trial, Nareg Gourjian," TMZ reports.

Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter earlier this month after a six-week trial that presented the most detailed account yet of Jackson's final hours, and how the 58-year-old cardiologist administered the powerful anesthetic propofol to treat the superstar's chronic insomnia.

Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor chastised Murray for a "horrific violation of trust" in caring for the pop star and called the heavy use of propofol "medicine madness." Several members of Jackson's family, including mother Katherine and siblings LaToya, Jermaine, Randy and Rebbie, attended the proceedings.

During the investigation into Jackson's June 2009 death, Murray told detectives he had been giving Jackson nightly doses of propofol to help him sleep as he prepared for a series of comeback concerts. Propofol is supposed to be used in hospital settings and has never been approved for sleep treatments, yet Murray acknowledged giving it to Jackson then leaving the room on the day the singer died.

Murray declined to testify during his trial but participated in a documentary in which he said he didn't consider himself guilty of any crime and blamed Jackson for entrapping him into administering the drug.

Murray is only expected to serve two years of the four year sentence if his appeal is not successful.

© 2011 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
7 Comments Add a Comment
linkicon reporticon emailicon
sadiedog1 says:
after all this is said and done , that little freak is still going to be dead
reply
linkicon reporticon emailicon
MentalCity says:
Hoping against hope... what's he gonna do, huh? If he is as bad an attorney as he is a doctor he is doomed. But I'm sure he has all the time in the world to waste now. Also, check out this latest exploitation of MJ's image. http://jacksontributefragrances.blogspot.com
reply
linkicon reporticon emailicon
samXXkiley says:
coucou,
Conrad Murray is the only one who knows the truth about the circumstances of the death of Michael, his testimony will clarify, it is essential
"au revoir"
reply
linkicon reporticon emailicon
rowe14 says:
After the sentencing & outside the courthouse, Jermaine said, "The sentence was too short - it should have been 100 years!"
reply
linkicon reporticon emailicon
imnho says:
No
reply
linkicon reporticon emailicon
Irby32 says:
Poooooooor Conrad Murray :( He should hot shot himself if given the opportunity
reply
linkicon reporticon emailicon
Laureen-Holt says:
Oh, boo-hoo!
Poor, poor, Dr. Murray! This poor, poor man doesn't deserve to go to jail for his incredibly stupid judgment in giving MJ propofol for sleep!

He deserves to spend MORE time in the slammer for his stupidity, not just the 2 years he's likely to!

Anybody feel sorry for this guy?
reply