Guilty—Conrad Murray Verdict in Michael Jackson's Death

The jury in the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray has returned a verdict of guilty of criminal negligence in the death of Michael Jackson, according to KNX Radio coverage from Los Angeles.

Murray has been remanded into custody without bail. Judge Michael Pastor said that the public's safety was paramount in his decision.

This was the second day of deliberations for the seven men and five women at the Los Angeles Superior Court. They had to decide whether Murray was guilty of criminal negligence in his use of a surgical anesthetic called propofol to treat Jackson, who was reported to suffer from insomnia. 

Jurors heard from nearly 50 witnesses. Prosecutor David Walgren told jurors the evidence against Murray was "overwhelming," while defense attorney Ed Chernoff argued that no crime had been committed and that the case would not have made it to the Superior Court unless it involved Jackson, according to news reports. Chernoff suggested that Jackson had administered the fatal dose to himself in June 2009 in a desperate attempt to be able to sleep.

The Los Angeles coroner's autopsy determined that Jackson died of acute propofol intoxication coupled with two sedatives, according to news reports. The medical examiner testified at the trial, saying he ruled Jackson's death a homicide and did not believe the pop star gave himself the fateful propofol dose.

Jackson was preparing for a major comeback concert tour at the time of his death.

The maximum sentence for the conviction is four years in prison and the loss of his license.

The crowd outside the courthouse erupted into screams and shouts of guilty when the verdict was head.

Judge Michael Pastor told the jury and alternates that they had been "remarkable" in their patience and dedication in the case, as heard on KNX Radio coverage.

Murray practiced cardiology and internal medicine in Las Vegas and has 18 years experience as a medical doctor, according to reports. He graduated from Meharry Medical College School of Medicine.