LOS ANGELES — Jurors considering the case against Michael Jackson’s doctor ended their first day of deliberations Friday without reaching a verdict or asking any questions indicating how far along they have gotten in their discussions.
The seven-man, five-woman panel was given highlighters and blank forms to request evidence after starting deliberations about 8:30 a.m. They recessed about 4 p.m. and were set to resume discussions Monday.
The jury must reach a unanimous verdict to either convict or acquit Dr. Conrad Murray of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson’s June 2009 death.
Jackson died from a fatal dose of the anesthetic propofol. Murray has acknowledged giving Jackson propofol to help him sleep.
The jury is not sequestered and will deliberate during the court’s regular hours. A verdict will be read the same day it is reached.
Jurors heard from 49 witnesses and have more than 300 pieces of evidence to consider. They were given lengthy instructions by the judge about how to deliberate.
If Murray is convicted, he faces a sentence ranging from probation to four years behind bars, and he would lose his medical license. The sentence will be decided by Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor after receiving input from attorneys for both sides and probation officials, if necessary. The Associated Press
