Jackson family pleased with verdict

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LOS ANGELES, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Michael Jackson's parents say they shed tears of joy when his personal physician was convicted Monday in the American pop star's 2009 death.

A Los Angeles jury found Dr. Conrad Murray guilty of involuntary manslaughter after a six-week trial and 8 1/2 hours of deliberation. Murray faces four years in prison when he is sentenced Nov. 29.

Murray was convicted of causing the singer's 2009 death by giving him anesthesia and sedatives to help him sleep at home, and then failing to come to his aid when he was in distress. The cardiologist also has been criticized for not having emergency equipment on hand or keeping records of his treatment of the recording artist.

"We have been waiting for this moment for a very long time and we couldn't hold back tears of joy in the courtroom. Even though nothing can bring back our son, justice has finally been served," Katherine and Joe Jackson said in a statement issued to TMZ after the verdict was read Monday. "We can't wait to go home and share this day with Michael's children."

"I'm just happy it's over with. Nothing will bring him back, but I'm just happy (Murray) was found guilty," Jackson's sister Rebbie told CNN Monday while leaving the courthouse.

Another of the singer's sisters, LaToya, told CNN Monday's verdict was a "victory."