The Jackson Family will not get the $2 million they were seeking in damages.
Los Angeles (CNN) — Breaking news update: 6:40 p.m. ET
(CNN) — A Los Angeles jury decided Wednesday that AEG Live hired Dr. Conrad Murray, but also concluded that the concert promoter was not liable for Michael Jackson’s drug overdose death. The verdict brings the five-month-long trial to a close.
Original story, posted at 5:15 p.m. ET
Jury reaches verdict in Michael Jackson death trial
The jury in the Michael Jackson wrongful death trial informed the court Wednesday afternoon that it has reached a verdict.
The decision on whether concert promoter AEG Live is liable in Jackson’s death is expected to be read at 6:30 p.m. ET.
While waiting for the verdict, Jackson family matriarch Katherine Jackson sat on a courthouse bench playing a game on her iPad.
Jackson’s mother and three children sued AEG Live in 2010, contending the company’s negligence in hiring, retaining or supervising Dr. Conrad Murray was a factor in the singer’s June 25, 2009, death.
Jackson died of an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol, which Murray told investigators he was using to treat the singer’s insomnia so he could rest for rehearsals. Murray is set to be released from jail later this month after serving two years for involuntary manslaughter.
Jackson died just days before his comeback tour — promoted and produced by AEG Live — was set to debut in London in the summer of 2009.
To reach their verdict, jurors had to answer the question: Did AEG Live hire Murray?
The company’s lawyers contended Jackson chose Murray, who had treated him for three years as a family physician, but Jackson lawyers argued the promoters chose to negotiate their own contract with the doctor so they could control him.
A “smoking gun” e-mail sent by AEG Live Co-CEO Paul Gongaware 11 days before Jackson died said: “We want to remind (Murray) that it is AEG, not MJ, who is paying his salary. We want to remind him what is expected of him.”
The Jacksons also pointed to a television interview soon after Jackson died in which AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips said AEG Live “hired” Murray.
READ MORE: CNN.com
Article Courtesy of CNN
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