Jackson's death will be investigated for homicide

I can't believe it has took them this long to figure it out. D'oh, didn't I say from the beginning this was a criminal case. There was a no reason Michael Jackson had to be on all those medications, the doctor/drug dealer was getting paid $150,000 a month (a drug dealers dream) by Jackson's employer AEG. So the doctor did what Michael asked and that mistake killed him. This doctor needs to go down. It only takes one person to figure all this out, and it's me. IT WAS A CRIME SCENE! PROSECUTE THE DOCTOR FOR MURDER!!

There is no difference between a doctor who gives meds in exchange for money and a drug dealer.

There is no difference between a patient who abuses prescription drugs and a drug addict.

Folks, this was a drug dealer and a drug addict situation. It was crime, plain and simple.

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- The Jackson family knows that the probe into singer Michael Jackson's death could turn into a criminal case, a source close to the family told CNN Thursday.

"The family is aware of a potential criminal prosecution," the source, who did not want to be identified, said.

The comments came on the same day that Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton said detectives were awaiting the coroner's report to decide whether to proceed with the investigation as a homicide or an accidental overdose.

Bratton said detectives have spoken to a number of doctors who have treated Jackson over the years and are looking into the singer's prescription drug history.

"We are still awaiting corroboration from the coroner's office as to cause of death. That is going to be very dependent on the toxicology reports that are due to come back," Bratton told CNN. "And based on those, we will have an idea of what it is we are dealing [with]: are we dealing with a homicide or are we dealing with accidental overdose?"

Doctors who did not cooperate with investigators were issued subpoenas, another source told CNN Thursday. If needed, authorities will issue more, the source said.

Bratton also said investigators are being assisted by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the state attorney general's office on a case that he called "a comprehensive set of inquiries."

"At the time of the death with search warrants, we were able to seize a number of items from the residence where the death occurred and those will assist in the investigation," he said.

Bratton did not elaborate on what police found.

A source involved with the investigation told CNN earlier investigators found numerous bottles of prescription drugs in the singer's $100,000-a-month rented mansion in Holmby Hills. The Associated Press and The Los Angeles Times, citing unnamed sources, said police also found the powerful sedative Diprivan.

"We've got very good investigators. They will be prepared to deal with whatever the coroner's findings may be," Bratton said.

"He has his role and responsibility; we have our role and responsibility. The next move, really, is his."

Police find 20 types of drugs in Jackson's home

With more information coming out about the death of Jackson, perhaps it was time for Michael Jackson to go, perhaps it was meant to be?

Sunday, a judge signed search warrants connected to the investigation of Jackson's death, Los Angeles County Superior Court spokesperson Allan Parachini said.

Police 'find methadone' in Jackson's home

Police reportedly found 20 types of drugs in Michael Jackson's Los Angeles mansion, including the heroin substitute methadone.

(BANG) -

Methadone was reportedly found in Michael Jackson's home.

The heroin substitute and 19 other types of drugs, including potentially lethal painkillers and anesthetics, were recovered from the pop legend's Los Angeles mansion by police investigating his death last Thursday (25.06.09).

A source said: "The Jackson mansion was more like a drug store than someone's home."

Other drugs found included Fentanyl, a powerful painkiller given to terminal cancer patients and Oxycontin, another painkiller dubbed 'Hillbilly Heroin'.

Some of the medications had Michael's name on the label but many were labeled with other names, while some didn't have any labels.

It is thought Michael used different aliases to obtain his prescriptions including the names of his bodyguards and a doctor's manager.

The 50-year-old star died after a suspected cardiac arrest, amid claims it was caused by an accidental drug overdose.

Police are now said to be searching for those who helped supply Michael with the deadly cocktail of drugs and are considering manslaughter charges as the prescription medicines who reportedly obtained without regard for his safety.

The source added to Britain's The Sun newspaper: "Powerful narcotic painkillers of all kinds were found. There was no reasonable excuse for them all being there. Using more than one of this type of drug can be potentially fatal. But there were 10 in house - it's unbelievable.

"Police want to know whether other people named on the medicine labels really needed the drugs prescribed to them and will be speaking to all doctors involved. The drugs found remain at the very heart of the investigation into the death of Michael Jackson."

At least four doctors, including Michael's personal physician Dr. Conrad Murray, are also at the centre of the investigation.

However, according to Murray's legal team he is not considered a suspect and is co-operating with the investigation.

He has denied injecting Michael with the painkiller Demerol before he died or prescribing the father-of-three with either Demerol or OxyContin.

(C) BANG Media International

Jackson public viewing

thestar.com staff and wire services

Despite a variety of denials this week, Michael Jackson's body will indeed be heading to his beloved Neverland Ranch, both CNN and TMZ.com are reporting.

Law-enforcement sources have told TMZ that "upwards of a 30-car motorcade – including Jackson's body – will be travelling from Los Angeles to Neverland at 10 a.m. on Thursday."

A public viewing will take place Friday, followed by a private memorial service on Sunday, CNN reports.

A spokesman for the Santa Barbara County fire department confirmed that fire officials, California Highway Patrol and county sheriffs officials were meeting Tuesday to discuss the contingencies of a public viewing.

"The Santa Barbara County Fire Department is willing to accommodate the Jackson family with whatever request they have regarding a funeral procession should they have one," spokesman David Sadecki said.

Neverland is located in the rolling hills of central California's wine country, about 240 kilometres northwest of Los Angeles.

Jackson's final resting place is another matter. The mayor of Gary, Ind., Rudy Clay, is urging the family to allow Jackson's body to "lie in state" for a memorial service in the late singer's hometown July 10 at U.S. Steel Works ballpark.

As for a burial site, CNN quotes the mayor's spokeswoman, Lalosa Burns, saying the mayor is hoping it would be near a proposed Jackson museum and arts centre in the city.

"The mayor had spoken with a contact of the Jackson family and expressed our interest in having that to be a part of the history of this great family," Burns said. "We have not received confirmation on that."

Meanwhile, the details of what is believed to be Michael Jackson's last will – one that apparently leaves nothing to the late singer's father – could be revealed as early as Thursday.

The will in question was drafted in 2002 and splits Jackson's estate among his mother, children, and one or more charities, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Jackson's parents, Joseph and Katherine, said in a court filing this week that they don't believe their son had a valid will when he died.

"No will has been presented to family or us," wrote the parents' lawyer, L. Londell McMillan, who also once represented Michael Jackson. "We will review any will when we see it."

In 2007, Jackson claimed to have a net worth of $236 million (U.S.) as of March 31, 2007, according to financial documents prepared by Washington-based accounting firm Thompson, Cobb, Bazilio & Associates.

The documents offer an account of the state of Jackson's financial empire, which is expected to become the focus of a legal battle between the singer's family and creditors.

Jackson had $567.6 million in assets, including his Neverland Ranch, his share of the Sony/ATV Music Publishing catalogue that includes the rights to songs by the Beatles, and an assortment of cars, antiques and collectibles, according to a statement of financial condition.

The five-page report says Jackson had debts of $331 million, leaving him with a net worth of $236.6 million. Highlighting his shaky financial health, the singer known for his lavish shopping sprees had just $668,215 in cash, according to the report, which is dated June 12, 2007.

The report says the accounting of Jackson's finances is "based on information produced by his advisers." It paints a pictures of Jackson's tangled finances and the mountain of debt he left behind.

The report values Jackson's 50 per cent stake in the Sony/ATV Music Publishing catalogue – his most prized assets – at $390.6 million.

Another of Jackson's prized possessions, his Neverland Ranch, is valued at $33 million, according to the report. It says Jackson took out a $23 million loan against the 2,500-acre property in the rolling hills of Santa Barbara County.

Something smells fishy...

It took Michael Jackson's doctor a half-hour to call 911after finding MJ unconscious -- this according to the doc's lawyer, Edward Chernoff.

Chernoff explained this bizarre revelation by saying Dr. Conrad Murray didn't immediately make the call from his cell phone because he didn't know the exact address of Michael's mansion. For the record, the house is just above Sunset Blvd. in Beverly Hills -- one of the most famous streets in the country.

Chernoff said Murray eventually got someone in the house to make the call.

Murray has already taken heat for performing CPR on Jackson as he was lying on a bed. Chernoff's excuse ... it was a "firm bed.

What I've noticed is that a couple weeks before his death Michael was seen with his kids without them wearing masks, which was unusual because Michael always had them hiden.

I've a feeling Michael commit suicide.

Joe Jackson suspects Michael 'foul play'

Michael Jackson's father Joe is struggling to come to terms with the shocking death of his son, adding he is yet to rule out ''foul play''.

Michael Jackson's father suspects "foul play" in his son's death.

Joe Jackson refused to reveal any details about his concerns, but admitted he was struggling to come to terms with the suddenness of Michael's passing last week.

He said: "Michael was dead before he left the house. I'm suspecting foul play somewhere. He was waving to everybody and telling them he loves them and all the fans at the gate. A few minutes after Michael was out there, he was dead."

Michael died of a suspected cardiac arrest at the Los Angeles home he rented.

An autopsy has indicated no signs of trauma or foul play, but toxicology tests are not expected to come back for four to six weeks. The Jackson family have ordered a second autopsy, and are believed to be keen for police to start a criminal investigation. Joe claimed the family are yet to decide on the funeral arrangements for Michael, although it has been reported it could take place as soon as Wednesday (01.07.09).

He also confirmed he and his wife Katherine are caring for Michael's three children, Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and seven-year-old Prince Michael II, adding the kids are his "first priority".

The Case Sensitive Unit at the Los Angeles County Department of Child and Family Services visited the children on Friday (26.06.09) to discuss who will be caring for them.

Reports have suggested Michael's ex-wife Debbie Rowe - the mother of his two eldest children - may seek custody, but would need to be thoroughly vetted before any action takes place.

A source said: "This is listed as a 'Caretaker Absence' situation and we are highly sensitised to such a high-profile case. You can't just become a parent - how much contact has Rowe had with the kids? Criminal checks, dietary and immunization checks will all be done."

Despite Joe's claims his son was in good shape prior to his death, leaked autopsy reports suggest he was frail and almost bald.

The pop legend reportedly weighed just 51kg when he passed away, and his stomach was empty except for partially-dissolved prescription pills.

His hips, thighs and shoulders were covered in needle marks, believed to be the result of narcotic painkillers the singer took three times a day.

There were also four injection sites near his heart - evidence of a failed bid to pump adrenaline directly into the organ in an attempt to restart it.

Michael's personal doctor Conrad Murray - who is understood to have injected the 50-year-old singer's heart with adrenaline in a bid to save him - has been questioned by police.

It is claimed Murray - who was due to travel to London with Michael ahead of his 50-date comeback tour - gave Michael an injection of painkiller Demerol shortly before his death. His lawyer Edward Chernoff has denied this and his spokesman has insisted he is not being treated as a suspect

In other news, MSNBC has reported that the 'This Is It' show Michael was to perform will carry on as a tribute show with big names to perform in rememberence for Michael Jackson, rumors say one of them will be Madonna, she was to make an appearance anyway during Michael show in London. I'm sure the list will gradually grow in the weeks to come.

What really happened before Jackson's death???

Police better do a lot of investigating now that this doctor denied allegations that he painkllers to Michael Jackson, BULLSHIT!. When you are guilty of wrongdoing you don't take off and hire a lawyer. Simple as that. Strip away his medical license and criminally charge him!

Devoloping News:

• Story Highlights
• NEW: Judge approves guardianship request from Michael Jackson's mother
• NEW: Family filed a petition asking that Katherine Jackson handle estate
• Jackson has three children: Michael Jr., Paris and Prince Michael II
• Autopsy performed Friday; toxicology results will exonerate physician, says attorney

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson still had a faint pulse and his body was warm when his doctor found him in bed and not breathing, a lawyer for the doctor told The Associated Press on Sunday.

Lawyer Edward Chernoff also said Dr. Conrad Murray never prescribed or gave Jackson the drugs Demerol or OxyContin. He denied reports suggesting Murray gave Jackson drugs that contributed to his death.

Chernoff told the AP that Murray was at the pop icon's rented mansion on Thursday afternoon when he discovered Jackson in bed and not breathing. The doctor immediately began administering CPR, Chernoff said.

"He just happened to find him in his bed, and he wasn't breathing," the lawyer said. "Mr. Jackson was still warm and had a pulse."

Chernoff said any drugs the doctor gave Jackson were prescribed in response to a specific complaint from the entertainer.

"Dr. Murray has never prescribed nor administered Demerol to Michael Jackson," Chernoff said. "Not ever. Not that day. ... Not Oxycontin (either) for that matter."

Paramedics were called to the mansion while the doctor was performing CPR, according to a recording of the 911 call. Medics spent three-quarters of an hour trying to revive Jackson. He was pronounced dead later at UCLA Medical Center.

People close to Jackson have said since his death that they were concerned about his use of painkillers. Los Angeles County medical examiners completed their autopsy Friday and said Jackson had taken unspecified prescription medication.

Murray was interviewed by investigators for three hours Saturday. His spokeswoman called Murray "a witness to this tragedy," not a suspect in the death, and police described the doctor as cooperative.

Three days after the death of the King of Pop, celebrities descended on Los Angeles for what promised to be a spectacular celebration of Jackson's life at the annual BET awards show.

Media requests for the Sunday night show doubled following the death, and the red carpet was lengthened. It was not immediately clear whether any members of the Jackson family, who gathered at their Encino compound over the weekend, planned to take part.

Previously announced performers including Beyonce and Ne-Yo, were working to overhaul performances they had planned for weeks so they could honor Jackson. Other stars tried to catch last-minute flights.

A private pathologist hired by the Jackson family completed a second, private autopsy Saturday, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing unnamed people familiar with the case.

A second autopsy can allow the family to get some information about a death almost immediately, including signs of heart, brain or lung disease or fresh needle punctures, said Dr. Michael Baden, a medical examiner not involved in the Jackson case.

"Usually if it looks normal with the naked eye, it looks normal under the microscope," said Baden, who recently performed a second autopsy on actor David Carradine.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson said after visiting Michael Jackson's family that the family still had unanswered questions about how he died.

Los Angeles County coroner's officials said their autopsy found no indication of trauma or foul play. But because of additional tests, an official cause of death could take weeks to determine.

There was no word from the Jackson family on funeral plans. Many of Jackson's relatives have gathered at the family's Encino compound, caring there for Jackson's three children.

On Saturday, three of Jackson's brothers — Jackie, Jermaine and Tito — visited Jackson's Neverland Ranch where they walked the manicured grounds and reminisced about his life. It is not clear what will become of the ranch, which has been under renovations.

Owen Blicksilver, a spokesman for the joint venture that owns the ranch and included Michael Jackson, said it was premature to discuss the future of Neverland. He said investor Thomas Barrack feels close to family members and wants to hear their thoughts on how best to honor Jackson's memory.

Blicksilver says Jackie, Jermaine and Tito Jackson were joined for lunch Saturday at the sprawling Santa Barbara County property by Barrack, who previously set up the joint venture with Michael Jackson after the singer nearly lost the ranch to foreclosure.

A White House adviser said on NBC's "Meet the Press" that President Barack Obama had written to the Jackson family to express his condolences.

In an interview that aired earlier Sunday, Jackson's father said he does not believe stress over the intense series of concerts the King of Pop planned for his comeback led to his death.

Joe Jackson also said he believes his son will be larger in death than he was in life. The patriarch of the Jackson 5 said he wished Michael Jackson were around to see the outpouring of affection since his death.

"Michael was the biggest superstar in the world and in history," Joe Jackson told Fox News Channel's "Geraldo at Large." "He was loved by everybody, whether poor or wealthy or whatever may be."

___

Associated Press writers Sophia Tareen in Chicago; Juan A. Lozano in Houston; and Nekesa Mumbi Moody, Gillian Flaccus, Brooke Donald, Beth Harris and Mike Blood and AP Global Media Services Production Manager Nico Maounis in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

The world mourns the loss of a legend.

Developing News: Coronor's office says that the autopsy results are deferred and there are no signs of foul play. More tests need to be taken before they can release results. It has been reported that Jackson has been taking a lot of morphine and oxycontins. Very strong painkillers most times used after surgery or cancer patients. What fame can do to a weak soul.

On the subject of Michael Jackson taking too many prescription drugs...

TMZ went back their files and found a 2007 lawsuit against Jackson for allegedly not paying a pharmacy bill -- grand total: $101,926.66

Mickey Fine Pharmacy in Beverly Hills sued Jackson, claiming he agreed to "pay the purchase price of any prescription medications filled."

The case was dismissed a month after it was filed -- that typically means there was a settlement. It has been reported that law enforcement is looking for a doctor who lived at Michael Jackson's home -- and the doctor is nowhere to be found.

Law enforcement sources say a BMW belonging to the doctor was towed from Jackson's home last night.

Cops are looking to interview the doc.

A law enforcement source said the doctor gave Jackson an injection before he died.

Jackson reportedly may have OD'd on Demerol. As TMZ reported, family members were concerned that Jackson was taking too much morphine.

An autopsy will be performed by the L.A. County coroner today, and while preliminary results are expected by mid-afternoon according to the Associated Press, it may be several weeks before all the results are in.

Many are already starting to blame a cocktail of drugs that Jackson was using for various health reasons.

A source told the London Sun: "Shortly after taking ... Demerol, he started to experience slow, shallow breathing. His breathing gradually got slower and slower until it stopped... His staff started mouth-to-mouth, and an ambulance was called, which got there in eight minutes," the source said.

Jackson's brother Jermaine said that doctors spent more than an hour trying resuscitate the pop singer.

Bryan Oxxen, the Jackson's family's lawyer and spokesperson, put the blame on several prescription drugs thatJackson was taking.

"This is not something that has been unexpected because of the medications Michael was under," he told CNN."This family has been trying for months and months and months to take care of Michael Jackson...The people who had surrounded him have been enabling him. If you think the case with Anna Nicole Smith was an abuse, it's nothing in comparison to what we have seen taking place in Michael Jackson's life."

Life & Style magazine has sources that say Jackson had been using a cocktail of seven different prescription drugs, including Zoloft, Xanax and the Demerol.

The autopsy has been expedited, but it will likely be weeks until the toxicology report can confirm what drugs specifically, if any, contributed to his death.

Rabbi Shmiley Boteach, who counselled Jackson for years and helped him start a charity called Heal the Kids, made this statement: "The saddest aspect to this tragedy is that so many watched it happen and few did anything to stop it. I pray that Michael's death will not be in vain and that we see a return, even among Hollywood celebrities, to the spiritual and family values that are life sustaining."

Jackson had been in rehearsals for 50 upcoming concerts at London's O2 arena and was training with Lou Ferrigno, who had a scheduled training session for today.

Jackson's manager Frank Dileo spoke about his children, telling Britain's Sun newspaper that: "The kids are very upset, but they are fine."

Former South African President Nelson Mandela issued a message through his foundation saying Jackson's loss would be felt worldwide.

Jackson sang at a birthday concert for Mandela in 1998. In 1999, according to local media reports at the time, he lunched with Mandela at a small gathering at which the South African anti-apartheid leader celebrated both his 81st birthday and his and wife Graca Machel's first wedding anniversary.

The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, UNESCO and the Red Cross were given proceeds from a huge benefit concert in Germany in 1999 that featured Jackson and other international stars.

Former Beatle Paul McCartney, who recorded with Jackson before they had a falling out over ownership of the Beatles catalogue, said his prayers went to Jackson's family and fans.

"It's so sad and shocking," he said. "I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy-man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones."

Questions are also arising about Jackson's estate. The New York Post is reporting that Jackson was $500 million (U.S.) in debt when he died, while various sites are also reporting that he left the rights to the Beatles catalogue to McCartney.

With files from Associated Press