Michael Jackson's doctor to be charged in connection with death

The media in the USA reports that Michael Jackson's doctor is likely to be charged with involuntary manslaughter connected to the death of the star last year.

Dr Conrad Murray is expected to surrender himself to authorities in the next 48 hours his spokesman said. Michael Jackson died on June 25 last year at the age of 50. His death was ruled homicide and was said to be caused by the use of an anaesthetic. If Murray is charged it will be up to a judge to decide whether the case should go to trial. According to the BBC who spoke with the Los Angeles District Attorneys Office, no charges have yet been filed against Dr Murray. Involuntary manslaughter is ruled when a death occurs as an indirect result of either recklessness or negligence. Conviction can carry a long prison sentence. The Los Angeles coroner confirmed in August that Michael Jackson's death was primarily caused by Propofol a powerful anaesthetic. Also detected in his body was a mixture of powerful drugs such as the sedatives Diazepam and Medazolam, stimulant Ephedrine and the pain killer Lidocaine. Dr Murray had told police he had been treating Jackson for insomnia by giving him the drug Propofol. If he is charged with involuntary manslaughter he will go to a hearing where a judge will decide if there is enough evidence to put Murray on trial.