Negotiations under way for surrender of Michael Jackson’s doctor

LOS ANGELES — An attorney for Michael Jackson’s doctor said he was in negotiations with a prosecutor Thursday morning
about how the physician will surrender to face criminal charges in the
pop icon’s death.

No case has been filed against Dr. Conrad Murray, but the Los Angeles County
district attorney’s office is expected to file an involuntary
manslaughter charge and potentially other counts against him this week,
said numerous sources familiar with the case.

Murray’s lead attorney, Ed Chernoff, said he and Deputy District Attorney David Walgren were discussing arrangements for booking and arraigning the doctor after the case is filed.

“We both share the goal of the efficient administration of this process,” Chernoff said.

A spokeswoman for the district attorney’s office did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

A sticking point appeared to be whether Murray, who is staying with the mother of his infant son in Santa Monica, will be arrested and placed in handcuffs or permitted to turn himself in at a police station or courthouse.

Los Angeles Police Department officials were pushing
for an arrest, according to a departmental source who spoke on the
condition of anonymity. The source said police were concerned that
allowing Murray to turn himself in suggested to the public — including
future jurors — that he was entitled to special treatment and was a
“white-collar” case rather than an accused criminal.

Murray’s lawyer insisted there was no reason for handcuffs or police cars.

“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,” Chernoff said.

He said Murray and his defense team have met with bail bond companies in preparation for the charges.

“We’ve had eight months to prepare,” he said,
referring to the criminal investigation of Murray that began in the
hours after Jackson’s June 25 death.

Murray acknowledged giving propofol, a powerful
anesthetic intended for use in operating rooms, to Jackson as a sleep
aid the morning of his death, according to court documents. The
coroner’s department ruled the death a homicide and said it was caused
by “acute propofol intoxication” in combination with the use of
sedatives also administered by the doctor.

Involuntary manslaughter, which applies to unlawful
killing committed without malice or an intent to kill, carries a
maximum sentence of four years in prison.

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