• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

Conrad Murray Hires Death Drug Lawyer in Michael Jackson Case

ByRUSSELL GOLDMAN and LAUREN PEARLE
January 08, 2010, 8:27 PM

Feb. 5, 2010— -- Los Angeles prosecutors won't make a special exception for Dr. Conrad Murray, the physician accused of administering a lethal cocktail of painkillers and anesthetics to Michael Jackson, and want to charge the physician and hold him overnight just like any other accused perp, sources told ABC News.

Sources said the district attorney will file involuntary manslaughter charges against Murray on Monday.

Murray either can surrender unconditionally or he'll be arrested wherever the LAPD finds him. He'll then be sent to jail while he awaits bond and arraignment -- which may take a day -- and then he'll be released, assuming he makes bail.

"We both share the goal of the efficient administration of this process," Murray's defense attorney Edward Chernoff said in a statement Thursday. "An arrest of Dr. Murray would be a waste of money, time and resources. We've always made it clear: You tell us where; we'll be there. I'm sure something can be arranged."

Though it remains to be seen just when Murray will be charged, recent moves by the doctor and his legal team suggest they are preparing for a battle.

Murray arrived in Los Angeles last week to "be available for law enforcement," according to a spokeswoman for Chernoff.

Earlier this month, Murray hired J. Michael Flanagan, an L.A.-based defense attorney, who is reportedly the only attorney in California to have ever won an involuntary manslaughter case involving propofol, the same powerful anesthetic that police say contributed to Jackson's death.

In 2004, Flanagan successfully defended a nurse, Amy Brunner, accused and ultimately acquitted of involuntary manslaughter.

Brunner was accused of leaving a syringe full of propofol out for another nurse to administer to an 80-year-old cancer patient who died within minutes of receiving the shot.

"I'm probably the only attorney in town that has successfully tried a propofol case involving death," Flanagan told TMZ earlier this month.

Up Next in News—

What to know about Taylor Farms amid cyclosporiasis outbreak

July 17, 2026

Authorities 'monitoring' wildfires' impact on 2026 World Cup final, sources say

July 17, 2026

Tips for buying the right AC unit amid a record heat wave sweeping the US

July 16, 2026

How to protect yourself from poor air quality as wildfires burn in Canada

July 15, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News