By Rachel Ogbu

Just minutes ago, Dr. Conrad Murray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter of the King of pop, Michael Jackson. The maximum sentence is 4 years in prison and the likely loss of his medical licence.

The seven men and five women that made up the Jury decided Murray was criminally negligent in his use of the surgical anesthetic propofol to treat Jackson’s insomnia and  that it significantly contributed to the singer’s 2009 death. It took the Jury 8 hours to end the 6 weeks trial that has kept millions glued to the media. Jackson’s parents Joe and Katherine Jackson arrived at court earlier. Jackson’s brother Jermaine Jackson and his wife Halima Rashid also arrived at the court.

A huge crowd of about 500 people including Jackson family are currently within and around the court premises, fans are shouting slogans “Lock him up!”, “Throw away the keys”, waving signs while a more solemn crowd at another end are holding at vigil with candles.

The sentencing date is the 29th November, 2011 at 8.30am. His defense attorney asked that he is not remanded and released on bail until judgement day but the judge, Judge Michael Pastor of the Los Angeles County Superior Court said he is not entitled to any bail and to be kept in custody till his sentencing date.

Conrad appeared shaken by the verdict, spinning in his seat but remained as calm as possible.

Oluwapelumi