Jackson case arrest postponed

LOS ANGELES -- The doctor expecting to be accused of involuntary manslaughter in Michael Jackson's death planned to stage a surrender Friday at a courthouse but called it off after prosecutors announced charges will be filed next week.

Dr. Conrad Murray, working as Jackson's personal physician during the singer's preparation for comeback concerts, has been under investigation since the 50-year-old pop star died June 25 after being administered the hospital-strength anesthetic propofol and sedatives at his rented mansion to help him sleep.

District attorney's spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons released a statement saying prosecutors will be filing a case involving Jackson's death on Monday, but it did not name Murray or specify the charges.

The doctor's legal team has said Murray will be charged with involuntary manslaughter.

"We'll make bail, we'll plead not guilty and we'll fight like hell," said lead defense attorney Ed Chernoff.

The developments occurred against a background of reports that police wanted to arrest and handcuff Murray, but that his attorneys were negotiating with prosecutors to avoid that.

A law enforcement official said police wanted to arrest Murray at a home where he was staying and take him to a police station for booking.

Various factors weighed in the desire of police to arrest Murray, including the possibility he might flee before arraignment, the law enforcement official said.

Murray has a practice in Houston and an office and home in Las Vegas.

He became the focus of the probe into Jackson's death shortly after a 911 call from Jackson's home last summer reported that the singer wasn't breathing.

Murray told police he gave Jackson a powerful anesthetic and other sedatives that an autopsy blamed for his death.

The doctor maintains nothing he gave Jackson should have killed him.