Los Angeles (CNN) — A two-year legal battle over who was responsible for Michael Jackson’s sudden death came to a dramatic close today as a California jury found Dr. Conrad Murray guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
Murray appeared to show no emotion as the verdict was read by court clerk Sammi Benson, but someone in the gallery let out a loud, but short scream.
Sentencing was set for November 29, with Murray facing up to four years in prison on the conviction. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor ordered Murray to be held without bail until that date, and Murray was led from the courtroom in handcuffs.
“This is not a crime involving a mistake of judgment. … This was a crime where the end result was the death of a human being,” Pastor said in explaining his decision to remand Murray to police custody. “That factor demonstrates rather dramatically that the public should be protected.”
Murray’s medical license will be automatically suspended as a result of the conviction, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley.
Defense attorney Ed Chernoff said the defense team’s main job right now is to prepare for sentencing and limit the amount of time that Murray spends in jail.
“What matters most right now is trying to keep Dr. Murray from taking up a prison cell in this community,” Chernoff said. “That’s what we’re focusing on right now and we’ll deal with an appeal after that.”
When asked if he was shocked by the verdict, Chernoff said, “No.”
Murray served as Jackson’s personal physician as Jackson prepared for his comeback concerts, with Murray giving him the surgical anesthetic propofol to help him sleep nearly every night for the last two months of his life, according to testimony.
Jackson’s death on June 25, 2009, was caused by “acute propofol intoxication” in combination with two sedatives, the Los Angeles County coroner ruled.
The verdict followed about nine hours of jury deliberations, which began Friday morning in the downtown Los Angeles County courthouse.
Cooley thanked jurors “for their hard work and thoughtful deliberation,” and expressed gratitude that they recognized the “overwhelming” evidence against Murray in finding him guilty.
Prosecutor Michael Walgren personally expressed his sympathies to the Jackson family who he said lost “not a pop icon, but a son and brother.”
Fans gathered outside of the courthouse ahead of the verdict with signs of support for Jackson including one banner that read, “We miss Michael.” The crowd began celebrating once word of the guilty verdict reached them, chanting “Rest in peace.” Passing cars honked their horns.
An emotional LaToya Jackson on Monday thanked all those involved in the trial, calling the decision a “victory.”
