Michael Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray reunited with the youngest of his seven children on Monday just hours after he was quietly freed from jail.
He celebrated his first taste of freedom in two years by taking his son Che Giovanni, whose mother is actress Nicole Alverez, on a mountain hike.
Murray, who was convicted of killing the pop superstar with an overdose of a powerful anaesthetic, first made a stop at an In-N-Out burger restaurant immediately after his release.
Reunion: Conrad Murray with his son Che Giovanni on Monday, shortly after his release from jail
He was released at 12:01 a.m. from a jail in downtown Los Angeles after serving about half of his maximum sentence for involuntary manslaughter.
A change in California law allowed his incarceration time to be significantly reduced.
Murray
was taken from the jail a back way, eluding a cluster of TV crews and a
few Jackson fans. Sheriff's officials arranged the quiet exit and drove
him away for safety reasons, spokesman Steve Whitmore said.
Can't wait: Murray eagerly reached out his car to take the burgers at a drive-thru of the iconic fast food joint
Can't wait: Murray eagerly reached out his car to take the burgers at a drive-thru of the iconic fast food joint
First taste of freedom: Murray was seen indulging in an In-N-Out burger prior to meeting with his son
He made his way straight to iconic fast food joint In-N-Out to indulge in a burger for his first meal out of prison. Murray was seen eagerly reaching for the food from the backseat of a car at a drive-thru. He order the California chain's popular 'Double Double' burger, which consists of two beef patties and two slices of cheese on a bun, as well as an order of french fries.
He was then spotted enjoying his meal with a friend at a table outside the eatery.
Taste of freedom: Murray spent two years behind bars
New
life: It is unclear what Murray will do following his release, but his
attorney said he would 'one day' practice medicine again
Good
to be free: He was allowed to serve his entire sentence in a Los
Angeles jail rather than a state prison due to a law aimed at easing
overcrowding by shifting nonviolent offenders to local lockups
Nicole has stood by him throughout his incarceration which lasted nearly two years.
Murray's prospects are uncertain: At age 60 his license to practice medicine has been suspended or revoked in three states, and his face and name are well known due to his association with Jackson and his highly publicised trial.
Disgraced doctor: Murray is eager to practice medicine again, despite his conviction
So happy: Murray was clearly delighted to be reunited with his son in the picturesque surroundings
Proud father: Murray is dad to seven children from four different women
Premature death: Murray was found guilty of the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson, pictured here in March 2009
Wass said Murray wants to be a doctor again.
'I believe that he will practice medicine again someday, somewhere, 'she said.
Brian Panish, an attorney for the Jackson family, said Murray should not have 'a chance to hurt anyone else' by practising medicine.
'He has shown no remorse and the consequences of his actions will last forever,' the lawyer said.
The former cardiologist was convicted in 2011 of causing Jackson's death in June 2009 by providing him with the powerful anaesthetic propofol as a sleep aid.
Jackson was in the midst of preparations for a series of comeback concerts and Murray was serving as his physician.
The former doctor is appealing his conviction, although an appeals court has questioned whether it needs to hear the case.
His attorney has argued that the court should not dismiss the appeal because it could alter Murray's overall sentence and reduce some of the stigma his conviction has caused.
Despite being jailed, Murray hasn't been entirely silent.
The ex-doctor told The Today show that he cried tears of joy after a civil jury recently determined that the promoters of Jackson's comeback shows did not negligently hire Murray.
High emotion: The ex-doctor told The Today show
that he cried tears of joy after a civil jury recently determined that
the promoters of Jackson's comeback shows did not negligently hire
Murray
Pensive mood: Murray looked a little worn and weary after spending just under two years in jail
Getting to know you again: The former doctor and his son larked around as they enjoyed a day out
Wass said Murray did a lot of writing behind bars, but she didn't know if he had plans for a book or any other projects that would allow him to earn a living.
In court: Murray during his 2011 trial over the death of Michael Jackson
Release: Conrad Murray was escorted away from the jail in downtown Los Angeles in a police car on Monday
After he was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, the state of Texas revoked Murray's medical licence citing his felony conviction as the cause.
He was allowed to serve his entire sentence in a Los Angeles jail rather than a state prison due to a law aimed at easing overcrowding by shifting nonviolent offenders to local lockups.
Talking to the press: Murray's lawyer Valerie Wass speaks to reporters outside Los Angeles County Jail
Long term: Murray shaved a Santa Monica apartment with Nicole Alvarez, pictured together in July 2010
In a lawsuit filed by Jackson's mother against concert giant AEG Live LLC, jurors determined that Murray was not unfit or incompetent to serve as Jackson's tour doctor.
The panel did, however, say it did not condone his conduct.
'That doesn't mean we felt he was ethical,' jury foreman Gregg Barden said of Murray after the AEG Live verdict.
Born in Grenada, in February, 1953, where his parents met, Murray moved to Port of Spain, capital of neighbouring Trinidad at the age of seven with his mother Milta after his parents split.
His father, Rawle Murray is also a doctor who practised in Texas, and when Murray arrived in the US, he went to university and medical school in Houston and Nashville, before working as a cardiologist in San Diego.
Before leaving for school, he is known to have fathered one Trinidadian child, and he has since sired a further six, at least, by four women.
Murray married first soon after arriving in America, in October, 1984, to pharmacist Zufan Tesfai. Less than four years later they were divorced.
He was allegedly having an affair with Patricia Mitchell, who bore the first of his American-born children.
In 1989 he moved on to wife number two, Dr Yvette Bolick Murray with whom he had two children and they are somehow still married.
He also had a son, now 13, by Nenita Malibiran, a nurse at a clinic where he worked in San Diego.
Taking the stand: Nicole was a prosecution witness during Murray's trial.
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