Prosecution's Statement on Conrad Murray Verdict

Los Angeles - Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley and prosecutors in the Conrad Murray trial held a news conference following the guilty verdict.

"We are gratified the jury saw the overwhelming evidence in this case ... that Dr. Murray is guilty of involuntary manslaughter," District Attorney Steve Cooley said.

He later added, "Finally, we want to extend our personal sympathies to the Jackson family, especially to (Jackson's children) Prince, Paris and Blanket."

The case was "a very strong and powerful message that this sort of conduct does rise to the level of criminal negligence," the district attorney said.

"To the extent someone dies as a result of their playing the role of Dr. Feelgood, they will be held accountable," Cooley said.

The district attorney noted that recent state legislation that calls for inmates in "so-called non-violent, non-serious, non sex offenses" cases to serve their sentences in county jail instead of state prison will "eliminate the potential for a traditional state prison sentence in state prison in this case."

Deputy District Attorney David Walgren, the lead prosecutor on the case, also extended sympathies to the Jackson family, noting that they lost "not a pop icon, but a son and a brother."

"I think that's most important to keep in mind," the prosecutor said.

He thanked the judge for overseeing "a very fair and well-run trial" and jurors "for being so conscientious in their duties."

Defense attorneys had no immediate comment after the verdict.

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