Jackson's doctor pleads not guilty to manslaughter

Dr. Conrad Murray, who was caring for Michael Jackson at the time ofthe pop star'sdeath, has pleaded not guilty after being charged Monday with involuntary manslaughter.

Los Angeles prosecutors announced the long-awaited charge against Murray, a cardiologistwith practicesin Houston and Las Vegas, early Monday.

Murray surrendered to police, appearing in a Los Angeles court in the morning, to enter his plea.

Murray was released Monday afternoon after posting bail of $75,000 US.

His lawyer said the doctor plans to return to his medical practices in Houston and Las Vegas while he awaits trial. However, state officials said they plan to ask the court to suspend Murray's medical licence while he's free on bail.

Jackson's father, Joe, his mother, Katherine, and siblings LaToya, Jermaine, Tito, Jackie and Randy sat behind prosecutors during the court appearance.

Jackson's familymembers havesaid publicly they wanted the doctor to face the more serious charge of second-degree murder.

Jacksonwas preparing for a string of sold-out appearances in London, England,when he died last June in Los Angeles at age 50.

Plagued by sleeplessness, he had hired Murray as a personal physician as he took on a tough schedule ahead of his comeback concerts.

Prosecutors allege he gave Jackson the powerful anesthetic propofol to help him sleep, but that instead led to his death.

Los Angeles investigators were methodical in building a case against Murray, taking six months to investigatethe doctor'sactions and where he obtained the drugs found inthe pop star'sLos Angeles home.

They may have been wary after observing the missteps in prosecuting high-profile cases like O.J. Simpson and actor Robert Blake, both of whom were acquitted of murder.

Coroner rules homicide

A coroner ruled last summer thatJackson's death was a homicide caused by acute intoxication of propofol, with other sedatives a contributing factor. However, they said he was otherwise healthy, a factor that may weigh against Murray in court.

Detectives spoke to more than 10 medical experts in the course of their investigation to see if his behaviour fell outside the boundaries of reasonable medical practice.

Court documents show Murray told police he administered the drug to the singer. He also was with Jackson when household staff called for paramedics.

Murray appears to haveobtained the drug legally and its use is not in itself a crime. Part of the case may rest on what happened between the administration of the drugs and when emergency help was summoned.

Prosecutors allege Murray spent part of that time on his cellphone, making non-emergency calls.

If convicted of involuntary manslaughter, hecould facea maximum of four years in prison.