Michael Jackson's Doctor Will Surrender If Charged
The physician is at the centre of a manslaughter probe after the pop icon died on June 25 last year after taking several different drugs including the powerful anaesthetic Propofol.
Jackson’s original death certificate said the superstar died of “acute Propofol intoxication”. Earlier this month, it was amended by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office to include the words “by intravenous injection of another”. The cause of death was also changed to “homicide”.
It was reported last week involuntary manslaughter charges against Murray were imminent, and his spokesman has now confirmed he will “co-operate fully” with the investigation.
“He is in Los Angeles to meet with his legal team, take care of some family business and continue to cooperate with law enforcement,” explained Miranda Sevcik. “There has been no specific request from officials for his presence. The District Attorney might have a plan, but they aren't telling us. But as we've said from the beginning, any time law enforcement want us at the courthouse, say the word and we'll cooperate. He's always planned to surrender if asked.”
Murray’s lawyer Michael Flanagan has echoed the sentiment. “In the event of charges being filed in connection with Michael Jackson's death it would be much cheaper for tax payers if I am able to surrender Dr. Murray myself. I am hoping the District Attorney will make the right decision and allow me to do this,” he said.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) have been working to build a case against Murray. They have not decided whether to charge him yet, although they are said to be preparing to do so imminently.
Once the charge is filed, the LAPD will decide whether Murray must be arrested or will be allowed to surrender himself.
It has been reported prosecutors want to file a criminal complaint against Murray rather than take the case to grand jury. This would mean the case was heard in a public hearing, in which a judge would hear evidence and then decide if Murray should be put on trial for involuntary manslaughter.
Murray lives in Texas, but is currently in Los Angeles. He has spent the last few days meeting with lawyers to discuss the possibilities of the case, and is said to be in the city so he is “available” to law enforcement officers.
Murray has always denied any wrong doing in relation to Michael’s death.
