Tuesday 09-02-2010
Words: Raj Kumar
Michael Jackson's former doctor has denied a charge of involuntary manslaughter over the singer's death, at a court in Los Angeles.
Dr Conrad Murray was bailed for $75,000 (£48,000) after pleading not guilty to "unlawfully, and without malice, killing Michael Joseph Jackson".
A judge must decide whether to proceed to trial. A conviction could bring a jail term of up to four years.
Jackson died at his home on 25 June last year at the age of 50.
His death was ruled as homicide, mainly caused by the anaesthetic Propofol.
'Not enough'
A cocktail of drugs - including sedatives Midazolam and Diazepam, the painkiller Lidocaine and the stimulant Ephedrine - were also detected in his body, a coroner confirmed.
Prosecutors had filed one count of involuntary manslaughter.
Dr Murray stood straight and spoke softly as he addressed the judge.
After entering his plea, Dr Murray surrendered his passport. He was then taken to have his fingerprints and a mugshot processed.
The bail of $75,000 was three times the standard figure for involuntary manslaughter but only a quarter of what prosecutors had asked for.
The next hearing has been set for 5 April.
Members of Michael Jackson's family - father Joe, mother Katherine, brothers Jermaine, Tito, Jackie and Randy and sister LaToya - were in court for the hearing.
When asked by a reporter as he arrived what he thought about Dr Murray being charged with involuntary manslaughter, Jermaine said simply: "It's not enough".
Joe Jackson said only "looking for justice".
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