LOS ANGELES, Feb 6, (AFP) - Michael Jackson's doctor will be charged in connection with the pop star's death next week, the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office confirmed Friday.
A statement said unspecified charges would be filed on Monday followed by an arraignment. A law enforcement source speaking on condition of anonymity confirmed to AFP that Murray would be charged with involuntary manslaughter.
The announcement followed days of speculation about the possibility of criminal charges being filed against Murray, the Houston-based physician who was with Jackson shortly before the pop icon died suddenly last June.
Murray had initially been expected to surrender to custody on Friday ahead of a court hearing, but charges were delayed amid reports of a disagreement between prosecutors and the Los Angeles Police Department.
Local prosecutors had been negotiating with defense lawyers for Murray to surrender voluntarily in the early hours of Friday, before appearing in court without handcuffs or shackles.
Police were reportedly opposed to the plan, seeking to have Murray arrested, booked and handcuffed in plain view.
Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck denied there was any conflict about the terms of the doctor's surrender or that the department was insisting on a “photo op” showing Murray in handcuffs. |
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