Michael Jackson Doctor Charged

An announcement by Murray’s lead defense attorney posted on the doctor’s Web site today said Murray was planning to surrender to authorities at 1:30 p.m. this afternoon.

Murray was reportedly trying to surrender on Friday, Feb. 5, but his attorneys couldn’t come to an agreement with prosecutors regarding whether the doctor would be led away in handcuffs. Murray’s attorneys were trying to avoid such a “perp walk” because it might influence potential jurors.

Murray, who has been at the center of the police investigation into Jackson’s June 25 death, was the Moonwalker’s personal physician. He has acknowledged giving the star the anesthetic propofol and sedatives to help treat insomnia, but claimed he did not do anything that would have caused the singer’s death.

While speaking about today’s planned surrender, attorney Ed Chernoff said the doctor is preparing for the legal battle facing him.

“We’ll make bail, we’ll plead not guilty and we’ll fight like hell,” Chernoff said.