Dr. Conrad Murray to Appeal Manslaughter Conviction

Following the maximum four-year sentence handed down on him this week, Dr. Conrad Murray has filed an appeal to challenge his conviction for manslaughter.

Murray, as you almost know, was implicated in the death of Michael Jackson and was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter this fall after an exhaustive case.

The embattled physician filed the document in pro per, which means he's representing himself instead of using a lawyer. In his trial, he used multiple lawyers.

Dr. Conrad Murray Sentencing

On the portion of the document where a lawyer will usually state his or her firm's contact info, Murray lists "Men's Central Jail" and includes his booking number.

While he is representing himself in the appeal, Murray is still communicating with one of the lawyers who repped him in the manslaughter trial, Nareg Gourjian.

Gourjian says of his chances, "This case presents a gold mine of issues for any appellate lawyer. Dr. Murray is confident the Court of Appeal will vindicate him."

Mmmyeah. Not so sure there. Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter, not murder, and four years in jail seems fair. Some say it's not long enough.

The prosecution also provided so much evidence linking Jackson's death (Read more...)

Dr. Conrad Murray: STILL No Regrets!

Despite its role in earning him a four-year prison sentence, Dr. Conrad Murray doesn't regret for a second filming the now-infamous documentary about his trial.

In said documentary, he said he didn't regret his actions because he didn't do anything wrong ... a jury disagreed and convicted him of involuntary manslaughter.

The making of the film, which was released after Murray's conviction but before his sentencing, in the Michael Jackson death trial, infuriated Judge Michael Pastor.

Murray's lawyers freely admit he needed the money, but the Conrad Murray documentary was made primarily so that the public could hear his side of the story.

Maybe he should've tried testifying trial OR sentencing then. Eh, whatever.

The 56-year-old physician told friends and family that he knew he was going to get the maximum sentence, and that the documentary didn't play a role.

Thus, it didn't bother him that Pastor lambasted him over the things he said in the film, in particular, trashing MJ and not taking blame for his actions.

Moreover, Murray is "surprisingly upbeat" about the sentence, telling a friend, "I'm just relieved it's over," adding, "Don't worry, I'm fine, I'll be out soon."

Too soon, according to (Read more...)

Conrad Murray’s Defense Lawyer Calls His Documentary That Never Sold A ‘Mistake’

Remember that Dr. Conrad Murray documentary that was being shopped around to various news outlets like CNN and NBC after the convicted killer of Michael Jackson sold the story rights to a production company?

Well, it turns out his lawyer didn't think that was such a hot idea. In fact, defense attorney J. Michael Flanagan told sources it was a flat out "mistake" and never approved of it.

However, he says that the doctor really needed the money because "the judge back in January had basically forclosed Dr. Murray's ability to earn a living" after suspending his medical license.

Flanagan goes on to say that with no savings in store to deal with such an expensive trial, "the documentary did front some of the cost for his defense."

In the end, it was waste. If Murray had known he was going to get 4 years in the slammer for administering the drugs that led to the King of Pop's death, maybe he would have put it to better use and given it to his family.

Michael Jackson Family on Conrad Murray Sentence: Not Long Enough!

Dr. Conrad Murray was sentenced to four years behind bars today, the longest possible prison term for involuntary manslaughter. Needless to say, Michael Jackson's family is adamant that he deserves every day of that sentence, and then some.

His mother, Katherine Jackson, made that abundantly clear in recent weeks.

In Murray's official Probation Report, Katherine lashes out at Murray for his documentary, in which he lays blame on Michael and denies any wrongdoing.

Katherine feels Murray's four-year sentence is "insufficient."

The report says, "During filming, he repeatedly stated that he did nothing wrong. Ms. Jackson feels this adds insult to injury, and shows he is clearly not remorseful."

The Jackson family matriarch also says she's "deeply insulted" that on the anniversary of Michael's death, Murray arranged to be photographed at the cemetery.

Michael's parents, siblings and children issued a joint statement begging Judge Michael Pastor to make Conrad Murray pay for his crime, which he did today.

At the same time, the family insists revenge is not their motive.

The statement reads, "There is no way to adequately describe the loss of our beloved father, son, brother and friend. We still look at each other in disbelief."

"Is it (Read more...)

The Face Of A Murder: Conrad Murray’s Mugshot!

Someone doesn't look very happy to be slapped with a maximum sentence!

This afternoon, Dr. Conrad Murray was officially charged and sentenced for the death of Michael Jackson. This picture was taken of the Doc moments after the judge sentenced him to four years in county jail for administering the drugs that led to the King of Pop's end.

He's certainly dressed nicely in his mugshot. Hey, how come Lindsay always has to wear that horrid orange jumpsuit when she takes her pics?

How Conrad Murray’s Sentencing Played Out

Dear LA County Judges: THIS is an sentencing!

As we just reported, Dr. Conrad Murray was handed down the maximum sentencing of four years in prison for being found guilty of the murder of Michael Jackson. Judge Michael Pastor walked into the courtroom with a vengeance and fire, having every intention of throwing the book at Dr. Murray for the crimes he committed.

He quickly denied Conrad probation, reiterating that "Michael Jackson died because of the actions of ... Dr. Murray," so he had no right to walk free. Furthermore, he repeatedly read Dr. Murray the riot act for the documentary he agreed to in which Conrad placed the blame on MJ for his own death. It was clear by the hearing's end that this doc weighed heavily in the judge's decision to toss the doctor in jail.

But as it is with most cases, Conrad will most likely not serve his full sentence. At present, it is speculated that he will serve about half and he will serve all of his time at the L.A. County Jail, not a maximum security prison. As for restitution, Judge Pastor ordered Dr. Murray to pay "appropriate restitution" to the Estate and (Read more...)

Dr. Conrad Murray Sentenced to Four Years in Prison

Judge Michael Pastor just sentenced Dr. Conrad Murray to the maximum allowable term of four years in prison following his involuntary manslaughter conviction.

Murray will likely do his time in L.A. County Jail, and may end up only serving half the sentence due to overcrowding. But he's been sentenced to the maximum.

Judge Pastor said in his ruling, "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."

One whose actions led to the accidental death of Michael Jackson. Period.

Dr. Conrad Murray Sentencing

It's irrelevant, the judge said moments ago, whether Michael's own actions were reckless or whether he might have met this fate with some other doctor.

The fact is, Michael Jackson died because of the actions of Dr. Murray.

The judge said he looked at Murray's whole life, and he was impressed. But he added Dr. Murray's recklessness with Jackson overshadowed any good deeds.

He called the treatment of the pop star, "a cycle of horrible medicine" and said, "Dr. Murray engaged in a recurring, continuous pattern of deceit and lies."

Pastor was incredulous in his decision, saying far from (Read more...)

Mother of Conrad Murray to Judge: Free My Son!!

Dr. Conrad Murray's defense team has brought out the big guns.

The physician's mother is among the latest of his friends, family, patients and colleagues writing to the judge who will decide Murray's fate at sentencing today.

Murray was found guilty this month of involuntary manslaughter in the June 2009 death of Michael Jackson, and Michael Pastor will decide how much time he does.

He could get up to four years in prison ... but will he?

Not if his mother has any say in it. "Nothing like this has ever happened to him before," asserted Murray's mom, Milta Rush, in a letter obtained by E! News.

"He has never been in trouble with the law before and I am barely standing, I am so scared and worried sick about him being incarcerated."

She may get her wish, despite what you might think.

Even if Pastor gives him the maximum possible four years in state prison, California's new realignment law allows many nonviolent offenders who otherwise would have been eligible for state prison instead to be remanded to county jails.

Thus, it's unlike Murray is going to state prison. The L.A. County Jail, a far less punishing environment, is (Read more...)

Dr. Conrad Murray Prosectuors Lobby For Maximum Possible Sentence

Dr. Conrad Murray will be sentenced next Tuesday, and how much jail time he serves will depend on what a judge decides after hearing arguments from both the defense and prosecution - which will be poles apart as you might expect.

The D.A. wants Michael Jackson's former personal physician to spend the maximum possible four years in prison for his involuntary manslaughter conviction.

Meanwhile, defense attorneys asked that he only receive probation.

Prosecutors David Walgren and Deborah Brazil told Judge Michael Pastor that Murray showed no remorse for Jackson's death and has blamed others instead.

Moreover, he chose to slander the King of Pop both at trial and in the documentary he filmed during it, making a lenient sentence for the doctor inexcusable.

The film does not portray MJ flatteringly. In one interview for it, Dr. Conrad Murray actually says, "I don't feel guilty because I did not do anything wrong."

The maximum jail sentence isn't the only thing the prosecution is seeking - they're looking for damages of up to $100 million due to Jackson's death.

The defense for Murray, who is on suicide watch, begged to differ.

Defense attorney Nareg Gourjian cited positive letters from Murray's former (Read more...)

THG Presents: The 10 Biggest Turkeys of 2011!

Happy Thanksgiving to all from The Hollywood Gossip!

What would this holiday be without family, food, football and reflection upon the things we appreciate most ... in the case of THG, that means some of the turkeys we have had the privilege, the honor and the burden of covering in the past year.

We are talking some fowl individuals here ... real bird brains.

Without further ado, THG's Top 10 Turkeys of 2011 ...

Who will win the 5th Annual Spencer Pratt Thanksgiving Turkey Award!?

10. President Obama and GOP presidential candidates (tie). On a day when we share the blessings this nation has provided us, we'll also share the blame for a polarized electorate and a federal government destined for perennial gridlock.

9. Taylor Armstrong. Refining shamelessness, one episode at a time.

8. Gloria Allred. Loudmouth lawyer for accusers in seemingly every random celebrity scandal always wants to talk turkey ... and gobble up publicity.

7. Dr. Conrad Murray: He killed Michael Jackson, people. Michael Jackson.

6. Snooki. Effing Snooki. If you know who she is, we don't need to explain.

5. NBA Players. The only segment of the 1% that elects not to work. Idiots.

4. (Read more...)