Judge Orders Conrad Murray to Stand Trial in Death of Michael Jackson, Suspends Doctor's License

Dr. Conrad Murray will be tried in the death of Michael Jackson. Judge Michael Pastor said sufficient evidence was presented at the preliminary hearing.

While completely expected, this marks a significant development, as the case against Murray on involuntary manslaughter charges proved compelling.

Deputy D.A. David Walgren told the judge in his closing argument that, "It was not Michael Jackson's time to go" and that Conrad Murray is responsible.

As expected, Dr. Murray will stand trial for MJ's demise.

"Michael Jackson is not here today because of the negligence and reckless acts of Dr. Murray," said Walgren of the defendant, who sat stone-faced.

Walgren said Murray cared more about hiding evidence than helping MJ.

Judge Pastor's ruling followed a six-day preliminary hearing in which more than 20 witnesses were called. Murray's medical license was also suspended.

Murray's lawyer, Ed Chernoff, tells TMZ, "We are disappointed but not surprised. We knew we would be in trial and that's where we're going to end up."

Chernoff's defense theory, that Michael Jackson killed himself, has not fully been extrapolated upon, but he did put out feelers last week and this week.

The D.A. appears ready for it, however, calling a doctor who says that even if Jackson administered the fatal dose, it's still homicide and Murray's fault.

Judge Michael Pastor ordered the suspension as a condition to Dr. Murray's bail. The Medical Board of California asked for the suspension repeatedly.

Dr. Murray has 24 hours to notify the medical boards in Texas and Nevada, where he was licensed to practice up until now, of Judge Pastor's decision.

Murray's team says he needs to work to afford counsel, and believes the move is a power play designed to take away his right to defend himself.

Not likely, as the evidence against him suggests gross mistreatment. It also wasn't revoked, but suspended. If he were acquitted, he'd get it back.

It is worth noting that Murray is still innocent until proven guilty and convicted by a jury of his peers. All this did was establish that a trial is warranted.

Posted in: Celebrity Scandals,Dr. Conrad Murray,Michael Jackson