According to TMZ, Murray will serve his time in L.A. County Jail because of the new California law designed to ease overcrowding — and under that law he may only serve about half of that sentence.
PHOTOS: Michael Jackson’s Life in Pictures
It became quite clear that Murray’s documentary, which aired on MSNBC a few weeks ago, had an effect on Judge Pastor’s sentencing. The judge had a some pity for Murray, saying, “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 said that although Murray is a good man, he “abandoned his patient,” made “egregious” mistakes, and disgraced the medical profession.
PHOTOS: Michael and Janet Jackson
Before the judge spoke, Brian Panish, an attorney for the Jackson family, read a statement on their behalf that indicated their long-term suffering as a result of Michael’s death. “We still look at each other in disbelief,” he read. “Is it really possible he is gone? We are not here to seek revenge. There is nothing you can do here today that will bring Michael back. We respectfully request you in impose a sentence that reminds physicians they cannot sell their services to the highest bidder.”
The prosecution is asking that Murray pay an astounding $100M in restitution and $1.8M for Jackson’s funeral. The judge has set a separate hearing date to determine the amount, if any, that Murray will pay in restitution.
