Jackson Family Drops Restitution: Conrad Murray Too Broke to Pay

The Conrad Murray case took a surprising turn on Wednesday, when prosecutors withdrew the restitution that Murray needed to pay following his involuntary manslaughter conviction last November.

When Murray was sentenced, prosecutors had asked for Murray to pay the Jackson family $100 million. This is estimated from the earnings Jackson would have received for his shows in London, which he was preparing for when he died, Reuters reported.

There have been no specific statements from the Jackson family citing why they have suddenly decided not to push issues with Murray, and why they abruptly canceled a hearing scheduled to discuss restitution matter. Before, prosecutors had even wanted Murray to pay an amount exceeding the $100 million to Michael Jackson's children. The prosecutors and the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office spokesperson are also straying from specifics.

We informed Judge Pastor that the Jackson family is not seeking restitution and asked that the matter be taken off the calendar, Los Angeles DA's Office Spokeswoman Jane Robison told E! News on Wednesday.

However, some think that the Jackson family simply realized there was no way Murray would be able to pay up. On top of the four years behind bars, the former cardiologist had his medical license suspended by the Medical Board of California. According to E!News, he also filed paperwork last month stating that he was bankrupt and could not pay for the $1.8 million he had been told to drop on funeral expenses, let alone the $100 million for restitution.

While the restitution request has been withdrawn, and even though Murray's attorney J. Michael Flanagan has said that he is happy to have the issue resolved, Murray still has to confront a stretch of legal woes and complications.

According to The Associated Press, Murray still plans to appeal his conviction. He also still needs to fight a civil case from Joseph Jackson, who is suing Murray for wrongful death and AEG Live, the company that was in charge of organizing Michael Jackson's comeback concerts before he died. Katherine Jackson is also suing AEG Live, for failing to sufficiently supervise Murray. The cases could still demand substantial finances from Murray.