Conrad Murray, Michael Jackson's personal physician, was this evening found guilty by a Los Angeles court of the involuntary homicide of the 'King of Pop' two years ago.
Dr Murray, 58, had been accused of causing Jackson's death by giving him an overdose of the surgical anaesthetic propofol, combined with other sedatives, to help him sleep.
The verdict was read in a packed courtroom which included Jackson's parents and some of his siblings. Crowds of supporters of Dr Murray and those against stood outside.
At the end of six weeks of evidence last week, prosecutors said Murray caused Michael Jackson's death through negligence and greed, depriving his children of their father and the world of a 'genius.'
Deputy District Attorney David Walgren said the medic invented elaborate lies to cover his tracks over the 2009 death.
"Conrad Murray in multiple instances deceived, lied, obscured, but more importantly Conrad Murray acted with criminal negligence," he told the seven-man, five-woman jury.
"Dr Murray above all wanted to protect his $150,000 a month salary for looking after Jackson, Mr Walgren said, describing how the doctor agreed to treat the star's insomnia with the anaesthetic propofol against all medical advice.
The defence has argued that Jackson was a desperate drug addict who caused his own death by taking more medicines while Dr Murray was out of the room at the star's rented mansion in Los Angeles.
Sentencing is expected on November 29. Dr Murray was remanded in custody. He faces up to four years in jail.