Following a six-week case, cardiologist Dr Conrad Murray, 58, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter after the jury decided his treatment of the singer had been criminally negligent. Murray, who will lose his medical licence, sat stone-faced as the unanimous verdict was delivered.
He was handcuffed and remanded in custody for sentencing on Nov 29. He faces a maximum sentence of up to four years in prison.
In court, members of the late singer’s family shouted “Yes” as the verdict came down. Jackson’s mother Katherine sobbed quietly. Later, outside court, she said: “I feel better now.”
As Murray, wearing a light grey suit, was led out of the courtroom in handcuffs he cast a final glance at his own mother, who whispered the words “I love you.”
Judge Michael Pastor told the court: “The end result was the death of a human being. That fact demonstrates that the public should be protected. Dr Murray’s reckless conduct poses a demonstrable risk to the safety of the public.”
Outside the court, hundreds of Jackson fans cheered when they heard the verdict, some singing 'Beat It' as passing motorists honked their horns.
Others held signs that read 'guilty' and 'killer'.
Judge Pastor said Murray's 'reckless conduct' meant he was a danger to the public.
Leaving the court, Jermaine Jackson said: 'Justice was served, but it wasn't enough time. Michael is with us.'
Sister La Toya, wiping back tears, added: 'Thank you America, thank you everyone. Everybody was wonderful. Michael loves everybody. He was in that courtroom with us - that's why justice was served.
Older sister Rebbe said: 'I am just happy it's all over. Nothing will bring Michael back but I am just happy that he was found guilty.'
Family matriarch Katherine Jackson said she was confident this would be the outcome of the trial.
'I feel better now,' she said.
Jackson's father, Joe, said as he left the courthouse with her: 'Justice was done'.
'The Estate of Michael Jackson and of Michael himself has always believed the jury system works and despite the tragedy that brought about this trial we are in agreement with the jury's verdict. In this case justice has been served. Michael is missed on a daily basis but his genius and his music will be with us forever,' an official statement read.
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