CONRAD MURRAY SETTLES CHILD SUPPORT CASE: Doctor at center of Michael Jackson death investigation avoids jail.

       Murray owes child support to Nenita Malibiran of Santa Clara County, Calif and their 11-year-old son dating back to October 2008. Prosecutors in Las Vegas were seeking an arrest warrant for the physician after he failed to appear for previous hearings in Family Court.       

       With Murray at his side, defense lawyer Christopher Aaron paid $700 cash in court and promised Murray would pay another $303 to the woman, who submitted a letter to the court saying she was willing to forgive the $15,500 Murray already owed if he began paying $1,003 a month.      

       The arrangement surprised Clark County Senior District Court Judge Gerald Hardcastle, who briefly questioned Murray about whether the woman had been coerced into what the judge called "a pretty magnanimous act." Murray said she had not. Prosecutor Gerard Costantian said he spoke with the woman and was convinced the act was voluntary.      

       "It strikes me as unfair," the judge said. "But having said that, it's her money."      

       Aaron credited Malibiran afterward with giving Murray a break while he's a focus of the Jackson death investigation. Aaron has said Murray, a cardiologist, had been unable to pay because he had to close his medical practice and move due to threats following Jackson's death June 25. The lawyer said Murray was "unemployed and unemployable," and the money paid Monday came from unidentified benefactors.      

       "He's not a deadbeat," Aaron said. "She waived it today because she understands his circumstances."      

       At the prosecutor's request, Hardcastle set a Jan. 4 status hearing and told Murray he must appear in person to ensure he has been making monthly payments.