Michael Jackson's Doctor Convicted

    He was found guilty yesterday of involuntary manslaughter and was handcuffed and taken into custody without bail until sentencing on Nov. 29. The jury deliberated less than nine hours. The Houston cardiologist faces up to 4 years in prison and could also lose his medical license-I'm presuming he is more worried about his freedom right now.

    "Dr. Murray's reckless conduct in this case poses a demonstrable risk to the safety of the public" if her remains free on bond, Judge Michael E. Pastor said.

     "It was unclear whether the jury determined that Murray had administered the fatal dose of propofol while deciding he was responsible for the death of Jackson. Prosecutors had said Murray violated at least 17 separate standards of care, a number of which could have resulted in death. "

      (All quotes are from pg. A4 of today's Newsday).

      Jackson's family and friends clearly felt a sense of closure and vindication in light of this verdict.

      "I feel better now, " La Toya Jacskon told the AP she was overjoyed. "Michael was looking over us," she said as she left the courthouse.

       "A shriek broke the eerie silence in the packed courtroom when the verdict was read, and the crowd erupted outside the courthouse. Jubilant Jackson fans cheered and sang "Beat it" as they held signs that read "guilty" and "killer." Passing motorists honked their horns.

        One person however had a different reaction, Donna DiGiacomo a former patient of Murray and current friend. Ms. DiGacomo, 53, a former Long Island teacher's aide, said she thought the jury was under "overwhelming pressure to convict."

       "This man didn't deserve this. They needed a scapegoat."

        I must say on balance, while I recognize Jackson's talent and the happiness he brought to many people, that DiGacomo is right. Even the judge seemed to be under pressure. Can anyone really claim that Murray was such a threat to the community that he required being held without bail until sentencing? The conviction was after all involuntary manslaughter, a totally nonviolent crime. I'm not sure how he is such a threat to his community; if you mean as a medical doctor then simply disallow him to engage in any medical practice in the ensuing 3 weeks.

       I do think it was something of a kangaroo court atmosphere and that if this weren't Michael Jackson he would have been treated much less harshly if he even was taken to court at all. After all, this is a very sad case but it happens every day. Every day some family or friends think their loved one died due to negligent medical care. Sometimes this belief is right other times wrong.

       But Mr. Murray was a scapegoat, as Donna DiGiacomo says. A decision was made to sacrifice  Murray for Jackson. The need for closure is always understandable but this was an unfortunate result.