LOS ANGELES -- Michael Jackson's personal physician pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter Monday, setting the stage for a sensational celebrity courtroom drama as prosecutors attempt to prove Dr. Conrad Murray caused the pop star's death.
Some two hours after prosecutors filed the single felony count, the six-foot-five Murray arrived in court in a grey suit to enter his plea. As he did, several members of Jackson's family looked on.
Superior Court Judge Keith L. Schwartz set bail at $75,000, three times more than most people charged with involuntary manslaughter face. Prosecutors had been seeking $300,000 bail for Murray, who was taken into custody by sheriff's deputies but not handcuffed.
According to a five-page criminal complaint, Murray "did unlawfully, and without malice, kill Michael Joseph Jackson" by acting "without due caution and circumspection."
The complaint contains no details on Jackson's death but authorities have said the singer died after Murray administered a powerful general anesthetic and other drugs to help Jackson rest.
Cyrus organizes online auction
NEW YORK -- Miley Cyrus has organized an online auction to benefit the relief effort in Haiti, and Britney Spears, Hugh Jackman, Ellen DeGeneres, Julianne Moore, Whoopi Goldberg, Demi Lovato and others will donate items and experiences.
Cyrus is donating several items, including the Herve Leger dress she wore to the 2010 Grammy Awards. Fans can also bid on Spears' 2008 MTV Video Music Awards dress, a set visit to Jackman's new film, Lovato's tour wardrobe and other items.
The auction runs through Feb. 18. All proceeds go to the American Red Cross.
Judge says Charlie Sheen can see wife
ASPEN, Colo. -- A judge has modified a protective order allowing actor Charlie Sheen and his wife, Brooke, to see each other as Sheen faces domestic violence allegations.
Prosecutors filed charges of felony menacing, third-degree assault and criminal mischief against Sheen stemming from his arrest Dec. 25 at his Aspen home. He faces up to three years in prison on the menacing charge.
He did not enter a plea Monday. Further proceedings are scheduled March 15.
Brooke Sheen sat in the front row of the gallery during the hearing.
The couple hugged after the hearing and left the courthouse in separate vehicles.
Brooke Sheen's attorney, Yale Galanter, said the couple will head back to Los Angeles on the same plane.
