New judge assigned to Michael Jackson doctor hearing

THE involuntary manslaughter case against Michael Jackson’s cardiologist was assigned to a new judge during a brief proceeding in Los Angeles yesterday.

Dr Conrad Murray, his lawyers and prosecutors assembled before Supervising Superior Court Judge Peter Espinoza, who quickly assigned the case to Judge Michael Pastor and sent them to his courtroom.

Issues awaiting the new judge include setting a date for a preliminary hearing and Murray’s fight to keep his California medical licence.