Conrad Murray, the personal physician who administered powerful anesthetics prior to Michael Jackson’s death, is to stand trial for manslaughter. But there are scores of doctors and pseudo physicians who should also receive severe sanctions for illegally providing MJ prescription drugs over the years.
Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor said there was more than enough evidence of flagrant medical malpractice by the Houston cardiologist to warrant a court trial in front of a jury. An equally devastating blow to the defense was delivered when the judge also suspended Murray’s license to practice medicine in California, a move Murray’s lawyers warned could prompt two other states where Murray has clinics to do the same.
Prosecutors concluded their case with testimony from two doctors who said Murray acted outside the standard of medical care when he administered the anesthetic propofol and failed to provide proper care, reports the Associated Press. Both witnesses said that even if Jackson had self-administered the final dose of the drug, his death would be a homicide because of Murray’s actions. Jackson had been receiving propofol intravenously six nights a week for the two months before his death, Murray told detectives.
The decision by Judge Pastor came after six days of preliminary hearings. And it pleased the King of Pop’s family members.
“I’m happy so far,” LaToya Jackson said while walking to her car. Randy Jackson thanked prosecutors while flashing a peace sign outside the courtroom.
Murray, 57, has pleaded not guilty, and his attorneys have said he did not give Jackson anything that should have killed him. Murray could face up to four years in prison if convicted.
But Murray should not face the prospect of languishing in prison alone. There were many doctors who provided Jackson with similar types of medicine. The fact that they will escape unscathed and not suffer the loss of their medical license is a blatant miscarriage of justice. –terry shropshire
