Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor was assigned Monday afternoon to the manslaughter case against Dr. Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson’s personal physician, and preliminary hearing was set for June 14.
Pastor has a reputation as a smart, tough judge who reads every document in every case and is a stickler for detail, according to TMZ. He handled Monday’s proceedings quickly and efficiently, asking Murray if he understood his rights and whether he agreed to the date. He answered simply "yes your honor" to each of Pastor’s five questions.
The June preliminary hearing will determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed to a trial. Because it requires both sides to present much of their cases, it will play out like a mini-trial, giving a preview of strategy and evidence. On Sunday, TMZ reported that Murray’s defense team plans to argue that Jackson administered the fatal dose to himself as Murray took a bathroom break from monitoring him.
Pastor has handled some high-profile cases, including one involving topless pics of Cameron Diaz, Jason Priestley’s DUI, and several other high-profile cases not involving celebrities.
In February, Murray pleaded not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the June 23, 2009 death of the “Thriller” superstar. If found guilty, Murray could face up to four years in prison.
Such a judgment may be a long time in coming. District Attorney Steve Cooley wants to ensure that, unlike his predecessor Gil Garcetti’s failure to convict O.J. Simpson, he has all his ducks in a row.
The primary purpose of the proceedings in the packed courtroom Monday were to assign a judge to the case and set a date for a preliminary hearing.
Of course, this being about Michael Jackson, nothing was so straightforward or low-key.
About 50 or 60 Jackson fans showed up outside the courthouse on Temple St. Carrying signs saying, "Justice needs to be done!" and "Conrad murray is a liar and a murderer."
The Jackson family was also there in force, with even Janet — who was not there for the February hearing — showing up, wearing a grey jacket, big shades and a black skirt, accompanied by her brother Randy. Also in attendance: Jackson’s brother Jermaine and father Joe, who has issued notice to Murray that he intends to pursue a civil case against the doctor for wrongful death.
The family seemed much more relaxed and animated than in February, with Janet playing with her mother’s hair, and Jermaine and Joe chatting with each other.
Outside, dozens of fans holding signs and wearing custom T-shirts chanted "Justice for Michael!" as the courtroom filed out.
