Michael Jackson involuntary manslaughter case moves slowly through LA court system

Jackson death case moves slowly through courts

LOS ANGELES — The involuntary manslaughter case against Michael Jackson’s cardiologist is moving slowly through procedural steps in the Los Angeles Superior Court system.

The case against Dr. Conrad Murray was assigned Monday to the trial judge, Michael Pastor, but there were no decisions on a date for the preliminary hearing or whether Murray’s medical license will be suspended pending trial.

The judge did schedule a June 14 court date to take up pending issues.

Jackson’s parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson, and his siblings Janet and Jermaine attended the proceeding.

Murray has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter, which carries up to four years in prison.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The involuntary manslaughter case against Michael Jackson’s cardiologist has been assigned to a new judge in a brief proceeding in Los Angeles.

Dr. Conrad Murray, his attorneys and prosecutors assembled Monday before Supervising Superior Court Judge Peter Espinoza, who quickly assigned the case to Judge Michael Pastor and sent them to his courtroom.

Issues awaiting the new judge include setting a date for a preliminary hearing and Murray’s fight to keep his California medical license.

The state attorney general, representing the state medical board, has moved to revoke Murray’s license pending trial.

Jackson died from acute intoxication with the hospital anesthetic propofol and other sedatives. Murray has pleaded not guilty.