Judge in Michael Jackson death trial chastises doctor for "horrific violation of trust"

By: Casey Glynn
Topics: Daily Blotter

Dr. Conrad Murray (left) and Judge Michael Pastor (right)

(Credit: CBS/Getty Images)

(CBS/AP) LOS ANGELES - Dr. Conrad Murray was sentenced Tuesday, three weeks after a jury convicted the cardiologist of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson. Murray sat stoically as the judge chastised him for a "horrific violation of trust" in caring for the pop star.

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"Dr. Murray created a set of circumstances and became involved in a cycle of horrible medicine," Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor said. He called the heavy use of propofol "medicine madness, which violated his sworn obligation, for money, fame prestige and whatever else may have occurred."

Pastor said one of the most disturbing aspects of Murray's case was a slurred recording of Jackson recovered from the doctor's cell phone.

"That tape recording was Dr. Murray's insurance policy," Pastor said. "It was designed to record his patient surreptitiously at that patient's most vulnerable point."

Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter after a six-week trial that presented the most detailed account yet of Jackson's final hours but left many questions about Murray's treatment of the superstar with an operating-room anesthetic as he battled chronic insomnia.

Complete coverage of the Conrad Murray - Michael Jackson case on CBS News

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Who's who in the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray

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by sanmac60 November 30, 2011 8:00 AM EST: Like these Jacksons need more money. I will never support them ever again. They are just greedy and money hungry. They never cared about him and never will. All they want is his money thats it. Again to the Jackson Family your a greedy sob's!; Reply to this comment


by Farver4girls November 29, 2011 8:34 PM EST: I'm glad that Dr. Murray received the maximum sentence for Michael Jackson's death. Dr. Murray got what he deserved. It's time the courts hold these celebrity-seeking quacks accountable for their actions. If Dr. Murray had any brains or morals, he would have adamantly refused to give any propofol to Michael Jackson, regardless of how much Michael begged. A reputable physician would have quit rather than give propofol to a patient in a home.

As far Michael Jackson, he paid the ultimate price for fooling around with propofol -- he's dead.; Reply to this comment


by OIF_to_USC November 29, 2011 7:16 PM EST: How about it Judge Pastor. Your smug and stupid comments will go down in history. By the way, did you have a hand in letting "Michael The Molester" free in 2005? Just curious. In the mean time, save us your pious indignation and go write your book.; Reply to this comment


by OIF_to_USC November 29, 2011 6:56 PM EST: "Horrific violation of trust?" Yeah, kind of like the horrific violation of trust committed by the judge and jury when the child molester Michael Jackson was allowed to walk out of a California court in 2005.; Reply to this comment


by maryderricotte62 November 29, 2011 2:35 PM EST: Can you belive this judge, paid off big time. After painting a picture of Conrad Murry as a menace to society he told the court that Dr. Murry douped the concert promoters whom hired him. I remember that the first to arrive medics described Michael Jackson as looking like a terminally ill patient. They would have sold there moma as a act if they could. The Jackson Family went to the court for a big payday and the judge in front of the world claimed the promoters and insurance comapanies were douped by Dr, Conrad. Every one knows that the doc could work a 199 yrs and never be able to pay 100 million dollars. So the judge just let off the promoters whom hired Dr. Murray. Talk about white mans justice, the family are idiots.; Reply to this comment