Homicide? LA police chief: Jackson investigation might turn criminal

Jul 10, 2009, 3:48 GMT

Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton said the investigation of the death of Michael Jackson could turn criminal. EPA/GARRY SAMUELS / HO

   Los Angeles - Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton said the investigation of the death of Michael Jackson could turn criminal.

   His statements Thursday to CNN were the clearest indication yet that some of the many doctors who treated Jackson over the years could have helped him illegally get the prescription drugs that were suspected of being a factor in his death.

   Bratton's comments came as the Jackson family was waiting for the results of the pop star's official autopsy and the independent autopsy that were conducted shortly after his June 25 death.

   'We are still awaiting corroboration from the coroner's office as to cause of death,' Bratton told CNN. 'That is going to be very dependent on the toxicology reports that are due to come back, 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?'

   Jackson's doctors have been issued subpoenas for his medical records as investigators try to figure out how Jackson got hold of the large quantities of prescription drugs that were in his possession at the time of his death.

   Meanwhile, a family split over where to bury Jackson is delaying the funeral of the late 'King of Pop,' ABC News reported.

   Mystery has surrounded the burial plans since Jackson's casket was whisked to a secret location after his globally televised memorial service Tuesday.

   The ABC report said Jackson's body was returned to the Forest Lawn memorial home in Los Angeles while the family sorts out the burial imbroglio.

   Jackson's brothers were determined to get permission to bury him at his Neverland estate outside Los Angeles. But his mother, Katherine Jackson, wants to find an alternative resting place that honours Jackson's wish made after he was acquitted of child molestation charges in 2005 never to return to that home.

   Jackson's brothers have already begun the lengthy process of obtaining permits to bury Jackson at Neverland, according to the report, but local officials said they have not had any contact with the Jackson family regarding the burial.

   Jackson's supporters, meanwhile, appeared to have an uphill battle ahead of them to get him declared an 'American legend' in an official congressional resolution.

   House Resolution 600 praises the work and life of the singer of such hits as 'Thriller' and 'Beat It,' 'honouring an American legend and musical icon,' and was proposed by Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, a Democrat from Los Angeles who also spoke at Jackson's memorial.

   But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi condemned the idea, saying it would disrespect Jackson by raising the controversies that haunted his later life.

   'Michael Jackson was a great, great performer,' Pelosi told reporters at her weekly press conference, saying a resolution would be a distraction and 'would open up two contrary views' on Jackson's life.

   Pelosi was speaking days after Representative Peter King, a Republican from New York's Long Island, blasted the media coverage of Jackson and called the performer a 'pervert' and a 'paedophile.'