More than 15 years after the death of pop icon Michael Jackson shocked the world, former cardiologist Conrad Murray is once again making headlines — this time for reopening a medical institute outside the United States.
Murray, who was convicted in 2011 for his role in Jackson’s death, served nearly two years behind bars before being released in 2013. Despite losing the ability to legally practice medicine in multiple U.S. states, he continued fighting to rebuild his medical career and eventually returned to his native Trinidad and Tobago.
How Conrad Murray Became Michael Jackson’s Personal Doctor
Murray first met Michael Jackson in 2006 after being asked to treat the singer’s daughter, Paris Jackson, during a trip to Las Vegas.
The relationship between the two men quickly grew closer, and by 2009 Jackson hired Murray as his personal physician ahead of the singer’s highly anticipated “This Is It” comeback tour.
Reports later revealed Murray was expected to earn around $150,000 per month for working with Jackson at the time.
Behind the scenes, however, prosecutors would later argue the doctor was under significant financial pressure, including facing foreclosure issues involving his Las Vegas home.
The Events Leading to Michael Jackson’s Death
On June 25, 2009, Michael Jackson died at the age of 50 after suffering cardiac arrest caused by acute Propofol intoxication.
According to investigators, Murray administered the powerful anesthetic to help Jackson sleep. Prosecutors later argued the treatment was given without proper medical monitoring equipment or emergency safeguards typically required when using the drug.
The Los Angeles County Coroner ultimately ruled Jackson’s death a homicide.
Murray was later charged with involuntary manslaughter. During the trial, his defense team argued Jackson may have administered additional medication to himself while Murray was briefly away from the room.
Prosecutors strongly rejected that claim and accused Murray of gross negligence, including waiting too long before calling emergency responders.
In November 2011, a jury found Murray guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
Why Conrad Murray Was Released Early
Although Murray received a four-year prison sentence, he was released in 2013 after serving just under two years.
His attorneys explained that the reduced time was largely tied to California sentencing rules and credit for time already served while awaiting trial.
Even after leaving prison, Murray continued insisting he was innocent and described himself as a victim of an unfair verdict.
Over the years, he repeatedly attempted to re-enter the medical field despite having medical licenses suspended in California and Nevada and revoked in Texas.
His Return to Medicine Outside the U.S.
After spending time in Florida following his release, Murray eventually relocated back to Trinidad and Tobago, where he sought to restart his career.
In 2023, he officially opened the DCM Medical Institute in El Socorro, San Juan.
Speaking to local media at the time, Murray claimed he faced resistance from members of the medical community because of the global notoriety tied to the Jackson case.
Despite the controversy surrounding his past, Murray said he remained determined to continue helping patients and expanding medical education.
Before launching the institute, he reportedly worked privately at a nursing home in Chaguanas.
Where Is Conrad Murray Now?
As of 2026, Conrad Murray appears to still be living in Trinidad and Tobago, where he remains involved in medical-related work through his institute.
Public records indicate his U.S. medical licenses remain suspended or revoked, meaning he is unable to legally practice medicine in several American states.
Even years later, Murray’s connection to Michael Jackson’s death continues to follow him — making him one of the most controversial medical figures tied to celebrity history.
For many fans, the story remains one of the most tragic chapters in entertainment history: the sudden loss of a global superstar, the criminal trial that followed, and the doctor who still maintains he never intended harm.


