A throng of Michael Jackson supporters erupted in cheers outside a Los Angeles courthouse Monday after a jury found Dr. Conrad Murray guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the singer's death.
The panel of seven men and five women signalled to the court that they had reached a verdict around 11 a.m. local time. They had begun deliberations on Friday, and had deliberated for less than nine hours.
Fans of the late singer that had gathered outside the courthouse for much of the trial cheered and chanted after the verdict was read out.
"You heard this huge crowd of Jackson fans and supporters that have gathered here...just erupt into a huge scream. There was cheering and chanting," NBC's Stephanie Stanton told Â鶹´«Ã½ Channel from outside the courthouse.
"They cannot contain their excitement. These are diehard Michael Jackson fans."
Murray remained stone-faced as the verdict was read out. Afterward, the judge revoked Murray's bail until his sentencing on Nov. 29. When court was adjourned, Murray was led away in handcuffs.
Murray could be sentenced to a minimum of probation and a maximum of four years in jail. He will also likely lose his medical licence.
CTV legal analyst Steven Skurka said afterward the fact the judge revoked Murray's bail means the doctor is "likely to go to jail for a significant period of time."
The singer's sister La Toya Jackson let out a shriek after the verdict was read out, while other members of Jackson's family who attended court Monday wept.
After leaving the courthouse, La Toya Jackson tweeted the word "Victory" before sending a second tweet that said: "Michael I love you and I will continue to fight until ALL are brought to justice!"
Later, Katherine Jackson told The Associated Press: "I feel better now."
Deputy District Attorney David Walgren said little about the trial Monday, and would only offer his condolences to the Jackson family, who "lost not a pop icon but a son and a father."
Murray was charged after Jackson died on June 25, 2009 while under the cardiologist's care.
During Murray's trial, prosecutors maintained that the physician failed to properly monitor Jackson as he treated the singer's sleeping troubles with the powerful sedative propofol.
While Murray had admitted giving Jackson propofol and other sedatives in the hours before his death, the doctor's defence team tried to argue that Jackson gave himself the fatal dose.
Jackson had hopes for comeback
Murray had been working as Jackson's personal physician in advance of a series of comeback concerts.
Prosecutors played audiotapes of messages Jackson left for Murray in which the singer, slurring his words, talked about his hopes for the concerts.
"We have to be phenomenal," he said about his "This Is It" concerts in London.
"When people leave this show, when people leave my show, I want them to say, 'I've never seen nothing like this in my life. Go. Go. I've never seen nothing like this. Go. It's amazing. He's the greatest entertainer in the world."'
Jackson's barely audible speech, as well as images of his naked body on a gurney after he was pronounced dead in hospital, shocked the public and trial-goers.
While exactly what happened in Jackson's home the morning he died will never be known, what is clear is that Murray found a not-breathing Jackson in his bed not long after he administered a 25-milligram dose of propofol to the singer.
Jackson had sought a physician who would provide him with what he called his "milk," or propofol, to help him battle insomnia.
Murray had agreed to be Jackson's personal physician but had not signed his contract before the pop star died.
Murray said he stepped out of Jackson's bedroom momentarily on the morning in question and returned to find that the singer had stopped breathing.
While the defence argued that Jackson had given himself the dose of propofol that killed him, prosecutors presented an expert who argued that was not possible.
Court also heard from household staff and security, who described a panicked Murray packing up vials and other medical equipment before calling 911. They also alleged Murray tried to administer CPR to the singer while he was still on his bed, rather than on the floor.
The involuntary manslaughter charge meant authorities believed Murray's actions on the morning of Jackson's death constituted gross negligence and were below the standard of care expected of a physician.
Expert witnesses testified that Murray should only have been administering the drug with lifesaving equipment on hand.
With files from The Associated Press
