Thanks sloride. I was thinking that there was mandatory jail time. More info from the 2 websites referenced below. My apologies if this was already posted somewhere here. I didn't read through all the posts, but I felt the need to post this as soon as I saw this.
http://www.thefederalcriminalattorneys.com/Practice_Areas/Violent_Crimes/Manslaughter.aspx
Involuntary manslaughter as defined on the website...
Involuntary manslaughter occurs in the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to a felony, or in the commission in an unlawful manner, or without due caution and circumspection, of a lawful act which might produce death. For those convicted of involuntary manslaughter the punishment is fines and/or imprisonment for up to eight years.
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From:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Involuntary_manslaughter#Involuntary_manslaughter
Involuntary manslaughter
Involuntary manslaughter is the unlawful killing of a human being without
malice aforethought. It is distinguished from voluntary manslaughter by the absence of intention. It is normally divided into two categories;
constructive manslaughter and
criminally negligent manslaughter.
Constructive Manslaughter
Constructive manslaughter is also referred to as ‘unlawful act’ manslaughter. It is based on the doctrine of constructive malice, whereby the malicious intent inherent in the commission of a crime is considered to apply to the consequences of that crime. It occurs when someone kills, without intent, in the course of committing an unlawful act. The malice involved in the crime is transferred to the killing, resulting in a charge of manslaughter.
Criminally Negligent Manslaughter
Criminally negligent manslaughter is variously referred to as
criminally negligent homicide in the
United States,
gross negligence manslaughter in
England and Wales or
culpable homicide in
Scotland.
It occurs where death results from serious
negligence, or, in some jurisdictions, serious
recklessness. A high degree of negligence is required to warrant criminal liability. A related concept is that of
wilful blindness, which is where a defendant intentionally puts himself in a position where he will be unaware of facts which would render him liable.
Criminally negligent manslaughter occurs where there is an omission to act when there is a duty to do so, or a failure to perform a duty owed, which leads to a death. The existence of the duty is essential because the law does not impose criminal liability for a failure to act unless a specific duty is owed to the victim. It is most common in the case of professionals who are grossly negligent in the course of their employment. An example is where a doctor fails to notice a patient's oxygen supply has disconnected and the patient dies (R v Adomako).
I'm thinking that they will go for Criminally Negligent Manslaughter, but what do I know. I'm not in the legal profession. I would hope he would get the most stiffest penalty possible. I don't care if he was a fall guy if that is the case. The fact that he was there willingly and he gave Michael all the drugs, which killed him should be the focus. Accountability....
Some interesting info regarding the state of California...
In many jurisdictions such as California, malice may be found if gross negligence amounts to wilful or depraved indifference to human life. In such a case, the wrongdoer may be guilty of second degree murder.
I'm keeping the faith that justice will be served on behalf of Michael, his children, family, friends and us (his fan). Peace and love. :angel:
Justice for Michael, justice for Michael. I guess we'll know in a few weeks what the DA will charge Murray with. The man needs to pay for his negligence. His negligence caused a man to die.