Conrad Murray Trial: Doctor's Supporters Form Prayer Circle Outside LA Courthouse
As opening statements got underway in a Los Angeles courtroom, where Michael Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray is defending himself against manslaughter charges for the pop singer's death, supporters gathered outside to pray for the doctor.
The manslaughter trial, expected to last for months, has attracted various groups who have stationed themselves outside of the Los Angeles courtroom to proclaim Murray's guilt or innocence.
Among the groups present was one consisting of a handful of people standing in a circle with their heads bowed.
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Their prayer, however, was not heard as they spoke softly as television cameras swept across the group.
Members of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in the Houston community of Acres Homes, the church where Murray reportedly worships, has come out in the past to support the cardiologist.
As the allegations against Murray emerged, special services were held for the doctor at the church, where members expressed support for the troubled doctor.
At one of those meetings, which occurred in 2009, Murray told the congregation that it was good to "be home."
The doctor, who had previously been living in and practicing regularly in Las Vegas, said, "I know what trouble is...I, with my compassion, was only trying to help my fellow man, but it appears I was at the wrong place at the wrong time," according to KPRC Houston.
The Christian Post was unable to speak with anyone at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church.
It was also reported last year that Murray visited Pastor Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston.
Osteen and Murray prayer together, according to TMZ.
Citing "sources at the Lakewood Church," TMZ reported that Murray met with Osteen and his wife, Victoria Osteen, "In a private room for about 10 minutes."
One source told the entertainment website that it is apparent that Murray was "a man of faith."
Murray was with Jackson in his rented Los Angeles mansion the morning the pop singer died in June of 2009. The doctor told investigators that he gave the 50-year-old pop singer the powerful anesthetic propofol, a drug usually administered in a hospital setting, to help him sleep.
The confession resulted in Murray being charged in February 2010 with involuntary manslaughter.
Murray, 58, is married with two children. If he is found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death, Murray faces up to four years in prison and the loss of his medical license.
