But other Michael Jackson supporters outside L.A. courthouse tell MTV News ‘justice has been served.’ By Katie Byrne, with reporting by Vanessa White Wolf Conrad Murray Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images LOS ANGELES — During the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson ‘s fans have been as much a fixture at the courthouse as the Jackson family . When Murray was sentenced to four years in jail Tuesday (November 29), MTV News spoke with those loyal fans outside the court to see if the maximum sentence was an apt punishment. “Four years — not enough, but at least something,” said one fan, sporting a red jacket in tribute to MJ. “And where I come from, a little something is always better than nothing.” One pair of friends might have been wearing matching Thriller T-shirts, but their opinions on Murray’s sentence certainly didn’t match. “If four years is the maximum and he got the maximum — I know she’s not happy, but I’m happy,” one of the women said, gesturing to her less-than-pleased companion. “I feel like justice was served and that L.A. can now be proud and stand tall.” “It’s better than nothing, but it’s not even close to justice,” said another fan, wearing Jackson’s trademark fedora and sequined glove. “Not only was [Murray] negligent; he let the man die. It’s unconscionable. He didn’t even try. How would a heart doctor not know how to give CPR? It’s insane.” The cardiologist, who was found guilty of one felony count of involuntary manslaughter November 7, was facing up to four years in state prison in the death of the pop icon, but due to recent changes to alleviate overcrowding in California prisons, the judge in the case said he was unable to send the doctor to state prison for his crime. On top of that, legal expert Mike Cavalluzzi told MTV News that Murray will likely serve less than half of his four-year sentence. Those legal loopholes concerned a female fan outside the courthouse, but she was also happy that the maximum punishment was doled out. “The only thing I’m worried about now, with the overcrowding of the jails, he might get one year and house arrest,” she told MTV News. “I’m just hoping it’ll be four years, that’s what I’m praying. I’m just glad that justice has been served today, and I’m glad justice can be served to the family and to the fans, and everybody around today will be happy and celebrate that justice has been served. And I’m sure Michael’s looking from heaven right now.” Related Videos Michael Jackson Doctor Conrad Murray Sentenced Related Artists Michael Jackson
Legal expert Mike Cavalluzzi tells MTV News he isn’t surprised by sentence but doesn’t think it’s justified. By Gil Kaufman Dr. Conrad Murray in court on Tuesday Photo: Mario Anzuoni-Pool/ Getty Images Though he dodged a potential four-year prison term, former Michael Jackson physician Conrad Murray was sentenced to an equal amount of time in Los Angeles County Jail on Tuesday (November 29) in the death of the pop singer. But the same overcrowding problems that spared the cardiologist from doing time in a federal pen might also save him from serving his entire sentence in county as well. Shortly after the sentence was handed down by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor, Los Angeles Sheriff spokesman Steve Whitmore told E! News that Murray would likely end up serving “a little less than two years.” Due to overcrowding, most county jail sentences are immediately cut in half, and given the 46 days credit Murray has already been given, he is looking at even less than that. Do you think Conrad Murray deserved the maximum sentence? Let us know on Facebook. Murray’s lawyers said afterward that they believed the sentence was unnecessarily long. “Yes, of course [Judge Pastor] was harsh. He gave the stiffest penalty he was entitled to give under the law,” Murray’s attorney, J. Michael Flanagan, told reporters. “He was openly hostile. … [Murray has] led 56 years of exemplary life. He was really dreading [sentencing]. I think anybody would dread going into it. He’s an honorable man, and he’ll get through this. The family is suffering more than Dr. Murray is. … Dr. Murray is the provider in that family.” Pastor had leeway in the sentencing, with options ranging from probation to the full sentence, but in a lengthy ruling from the bench, he said Murray’s lack of remorse and negligent behavior called for the highest possible penalty. “He is and remains dangerous … the request of probation is denied, the court imposes the high term of four years imprisonment in this case,” Pastor said during the 90-plus-minute hearing. Los Angeles-based criminal defense attorney Mike Cavalluzzi told MTV News that he wasn’t surprised by the sentencing but that he didn’t believe it was justified. Cavalluzzi said Pastor had incentive to give the full sentence because of the prominence of Jackson and his family and to create the perception that he is tough on crime. “He gets that perception by sentencing him to the max while not having to surrender the defendant to the full sentence,” said Cavalluzzi, who was not involved in the case. “He gets the self-satisfaction of being perceived as being tough on crime and making the Jackson family happy, but I don’t think it was a fair sentence.” Cavalluzzi said when deciding prison versus probation, judges have to look at someone’s criminal history and whether a person is likely to complete the terms of their probation, which he believes Murray would. “I’m not seeing aggravating factors here, and I think it was just a chapter in [Murray’s] life and he does not have a history of being a mercenary doctor always after money, but of being a good, responsible doctor who was seduced by the celebrity and money that Jackson offered,” he said. As to why Pastor gave such a dramatic, lengthy explanation for why he was sentencing Murray to the max, Cavalluzzi said the judge has to have a justification for his actions in the public record. “Because he doesn’t have the discretion to give a high prison term, [Pastor] has to justify his sentence in the record and have very specific reasons for it. I don’t think there’s any way that anyone truly believes that from this day forward Dr. Murray truly represents a threat to society. That’s just ludicrous.” And while he doesn’t agree with the four-year term, Cavalluzzi said the high-profile nature of the case and the glare of the media could have played into the sentence. “It probably gives [ Jackson’s family ] great comfort to have someone to blame,” he said. “‘If not for this awful man, my son, brother, father would be alive.’ But it’s not fair to do that and it feels like a capitulating judgment in favor of feeding the emotional needs of the family.” Upon leaving the courthouse, Michael’s brother Jermaine, when asked if the four-year sentence was enough, shook his head and said, “No.” Mother Katherine Jackson told local TV station KTLA, “Four years is not enough for someone’s life. It won’t bring him back. But at least he got the maximum, and I thought the judge was very, very fair.” The prosecution, however, was satisfied with the ruling. “We’re pleased. That’s what we thought was appropriate. The judge obviously agreed with us,” deputy district attorney David Walgren said. “It was our position that it was not a simple, one-time mistake; it was a series of mistakes culminating in the abandonment of Michael Jackson when he died … the judge agreed with that sentiment. A brother and a son and a family member was killed, and whatever the sentence may be, the family of the victim deserves justice. And we did everything to bring them that justice.” As for how much time Murray will spend locked up, Cavalluzzi said it is likely to be less than two years and, frankly, he predicted, the doctor could be out even sooner than that. “He might be eligible for house arrest very quickly,” he said. Related Videos Michael Jackson Doctor Conrad Murray Sentenced Related Artists Michael Jackson
Dr. Conrad Murray — who faced up to four years behind bars at his sentencing today on his manslaughter conviction for administering a deadly anesthetic to Michael Jackson – was sentenced to the maximum of 4 years in prison. But Murray will not spend a single day in prison because of a new California law. He’ll serve his time in L.A. County Jail where at the most will only serve half the sentence. Judge Pastor said, “There are those who feel Dr. Murray is a saint. There are those who feel he’s the devil. He is neither. He’s a human being.” Judge Pastor says it’s irrelevant to him that Michael might have met this fate with some other doctor. The fact is, Pastor said, Michael Jackson died because of the actions of … Dr. Murray.” Murray’s attorneys, who suggested at trial that the singer caused his own death by taking extra drugs when Murray was out of the room, asked that Murray receive probation. In his sentencing memo, the prosecution contended that Murray, 58, performed a “dangerous, unprecedented pharmaceutical experiment,” withheld from paramedics and emergency room doctors that he’d administered propofol, and hid some drugs and equipment after Jackson stopped breathing. SOURCE
Conrad Murray faces four years in prison for involuntary manslaughter. By Gil Kaufman Dr. Conrad Murray Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images Former Michael Jackson doctor Conrad Murray will learn his fate Tuesday morning (November 29) in a Los Angeles courtroom. The cardiologist, who was found guilty of one felony count of involuntary manslaughter November 7, is facing up to four years in state prison in the death of the pop icon. Though the jury reached a unanimous verdict in the case, due to recent changes in California law aimed at lessening prison overcrowding, experts told MTV News that it’s unlikely Murray will spend much, if any, time behind federal bars. At the time of the verdict, Los Angeles-based criminal defense attorney Mike Cavalluzzi told MTV News it was too early to predict what kind of time Dr. Murray might do, calling the decision one of the toughest ones facing Judge Michael Pastor in the wake of the six-week trial. “[Pastor] will have to seriously consider all of the mitigating factors which would lean toward Dr. Murray not doing any jail time and all of the aggravating factors that would lead toward him going to state prison,” said Cavalluzzi, who was not involved in the case but has represented a number of clients facing felony charges. “It seems to me, at first blush, that any jail time wouldn’t be appropriate in this case given the fact that Dr. Murray has no criminal record and there truly was no malice, no intent to actually harm Michael Jackson at all. What he was really doing was succumbing to the wishes of a patient, and unfortunately, that patient was not a person whose wishes should have been succumbed to.” After Murray was found guilty and swiftly sent to jail with no bail, his attorneys said they were planning to appeal the verdict . They will wait until after sentencing hearing to do so, but either way, Murray will face the loss of his medical license in California. One of Murray’s defense attorneys, Nareg Gourjian, said at the time that the doctor’s team plans to ask for probation but expects his client to spend just “a little bit” of time in county jail. Related Videos Michael Jackson’s Former Doctor Found Guilty Related Photos Michael Jackson: A Life In Photos
“C’mon now ya honor, he ain’t even did isht really…” According to TMZ reports : Lindsay Lohan’s lawyer is coming to the defense of Conrad Murray … claiming the Doc should NOT get the maximum sentence for manslaughtering Michael Jackson … because it just wouldn’t be fair. With Murray’s sentencing hearing set for tomorrow in L.A. — we asked the effervescent Shawn Holley if Conrad deserves the 4 year prison sentence he’s expected to receive. Holley makes it clear she doesn’t excuse Murray’s “horrible” crime … but claims he shouldn’t get the full sentence because, “He has no record.” Murray’s hearing is set to begin at 8:30 AM tomorrow — TMZ will be livestreaming the whole thing. As many second, third, fourth, and fifth chance that LiLo got, maybe ol’ Conrad should have hired Shawn. More On Bossip! Basketball Wives Breakup Beef: Matt Barnes And Gloria Govan Spend Thanksgiving Eve Throwing Jabs On Twitter Kris Humphries Ex “Bianca” Speaks Out And Says Kris Said Her Cakes Looked Better Than Kim Kardashian… What Do You All Think? [Video/Pics] Bangin’ Baller Babes: The Exes, Girlfriends, Wives, And Beautiful Baby Mamas Of NFL Players Hip-Hop Beef: 50 Cent Responds To T.I. Comments About Him In VIBE Magazine!
That booty isn’t the only perk to being Jennifer Lopez’ rebound cutty buddy . The job also comes with all types of “pretend this is a real relationship” perks. After bringing down the house at the American Music Awards on Sunday, Jennifer Lopez headed to Hawaii, RadarOnline.com is exclusively reporting. Jenny from the Block, 42, is celebrating Thanksgiving on the island of Kauai with her twins and other family members. Her boy toy boyfriend Casper Smart — her 24-year-old backup dancer — is rumored to be there with her. Smart has had several run-ins with the law over speeding, driving with a license, and driving without insurance, and three times has had warrants issued for his arrest! He has a court date January 5 for sentencing and probation on his most recent speeding offense. Quite the come-up, huh K-Fraud En Espanol?
Dayumm ladies, Tito Jackson will soon be off the market: Tito Jackson is getting married in what is set to be one of the most lavish wedding parties of 2012. The Jackson 5 star was so moved when he attended the London premiere of David Gest’s documentary ‘Michael Jackson: The Life Of An Icon’ earlier this month he telephoned his girlfriend Sonia Galindo and popped the question, and she excitedly said “yes”. The film focuses on the King of Pop’s incredible life from his beginnings with the Jackson 5 through to his death in June 2009 and seeing his brother’s tragic end on the big screen inspired Tito, 58, to make the spontaneous proposal. A source told BANG Showbiz: “When Tito watched the film and saw him and his brothers performing together as the Jackson 5 and then saw how Michael’s life ended so suddenly he realized how fleeting life really is. Afterwards he called Sonia and asked her to marry him. They have never been happier.” The musician has been dating the fitness and beauty expert for several years and will honeymoon in the U.K. where his best friend of more than four decades Gest will personally fly over 150 guests from the U.S. on a private plane for a party in the couple’s honor. The hush-hush event will be filled with a ton of A-list names and the former ‘I’m A Celebrity. Get Me Out of Here!’ contestant has already secured the services of one of the world’s greatest female vocalists of all-time to perform at the party as well as five legendary Motown acts who were Tito’s musical influences. The party will take place at a castle in Yorkshire where all the revelers will be staying for the weekend. Gest said: “I think I know something about throwing a good wedding party!” This will be Jackson’s second marriage. His first produced three sons: Taj, Tarryl & Tito Joe, who formed 90s pop group 3T. Okay, Tito… Source
Marsha Ambrosius is one of the artists who had the pleasure of working with the great Michael Jackson . In this “ The Playlist ” clip from TV One and TheUrbanDaily , Marsha shared something MJ told her about her career. She also discusses her American Music Award nomination in the video below. RELATED POSTS: Marsha Ambrosius & Miguel Hit The Road [TOUR DATES] Marsha Ambrosius & Miguel Reveal Their First Jobs [VIDEO] Marsha Ambrosius Says She’s Never Been In Love [VIDEO]
‘He constantly made sure that his health was in check,’ Floyd Myers tells MTV News after public memorial. By Rob Markman Heavy D Photo: Ethan Miller/ Getty Images Heavy D will be missed, and fans aren’t the only ones searching for answers about his sudden death . On Thursday (November 17), MTV News visited the Mount Vernon, New York, home of Heavy D’s family, who are still grieving over the passing of their beloved Dwight Myers. “Heavy was in great shape,” Floyd Myers, the fallen rapper’s brother and business partner, told MTV News. “You guys seen him at the BET Awards, and he just did the tribute to Michael Jackson; they flew him out to London to do that. Heav was in good shape, healthy, no heart problems. He constantly made sure that his health was in check.” The initial autopsy report came back inconclusive, but Myers said he spoke to his hitmaking brother the day before he died, and as far as he could tell, there were no signs that he was ill. On records and onscreen, Heavy D promoted love and positivity. Myers assured that his brother was the same way even when the cameras weren’t on him. “He loved family, and that’s who he was, but it wasn’t too much different from how he treated his friends and his fans,” he said. “He showed everybody love and affection, and we’re gonna miss that.” On Thursday, fans gathered at Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon for a public viewing and a chance to say goodbye to the Overweight Lover before his private funeral on Friday. The public support has been remarkable, and Myers admitted that he didn’t know Heavy had impacted so many people. “I didn’t realize how he built his legacy and how it stands today because of the things that he has done and has not done over the years,” Myers said of his brother’s dedication to only partake in the positive business ventures. “There was just certain things that Heav just wouldn’t do, and we used to riff at him. We used to be like, ‘Yo, that’s a lot of money you turning down,’ but it wasn’t the right thing to do. Maybe if he would’ve did those things, his legacy would have not been sealed the way it is today.” Despite their current grief, the tremendous amount of support from fans and friends like Sean “Diddy” Combs, Andre Harrell, Russell Simmons and producer Eddie F. have helped alleviate some of the Myers family’s pain. “Besides the famous guys, it’s the regular dudes on the street that’s just throwing out love to my family. It’s taken the sting out a little bit,” Myers said. In support of Heavy D’s daughter Xia Myers, the family has set up the Heavy D and Xia Myers Fund. To learn more, fans can visit RememberHeavyD.com . Related Videos Remembering Heavy D Related Artists Heavy D
Among the heap of speculative projects idling in the landfill otherwise known as Hollywood, a Michael Jackson biopic has long been one thought likeliest to be reclaimed. This week, in fact, comes word that the late pop icon’s estate is in discussions with Ivan Reitman’s Montecito Picture Company to nudge such a project forward. Not to be outdone, an Irish bookie with a demonstrated interest in the most outlandish cultural wagers imaginable has commenced casting speculation in an inspired — very inspired — fashion.
