Dr. Conrad Murray faces Homicide allegations

Aug 29, 2009, 12:00 GMT

Murray is at the center of a Homicide probe by the Los Angeles police. EPA/THOMAS NGUYEN

Michael Jackson's death was homicide, the coroner has ruled.

The Los Angeles County coroner announced the ruling yesterday (28.09.09), saying the 50-year-old pop icon was poisoned by an overdose of anaesthetic Propofol.

The report said: "The cause of death was established as acute Propofol intoxication. The manner of death has been ruled: Homicide."

As well as Propofol - which is usually used to put surgery patients to sleep in hospital - Michael had other drugs including benzodiazepine, diazepine and ephedrine in his system when he passed away on June 25.

Lorazepam and Valium also played a part in his death, while his body contained anaesthetic lidocaine, said to be used to mask the painful Propofol injections.

Michael's family have released a statement saying: "The Jackson family again wishes to commend the actions of the Coroner, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and other law enforcement agencies, and looks forward to the day that justice can be served."

The full report detailing the drugs in Michael's system when he died after suffering a cardiac arrest in his Los Angeles home is sealed, after the Los Angeles Police Department and district attorney asked for it to stay secret.

In America, homicide can mean murder or negligent or accidental manslaughter, but it does not always mean there will be criminal charges.

However, it has been suggested in this case one or more of the doctors who were treating the 'Beat It' singer when he died could be prosecuted.

Michael's personal physician Dr. Conrad Murray - who was with the 'King of Pop' when he passed away and administered CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) - has said he was concerned Michael was developing a dependence on Propofol (Diprivan) so was reducing the amount he gave him.

On the day Michael died, Murray gave him valium, lorazepam, midazolam and Propofol to help him sleep.

Although Murray is not an official subject, court papers show his office, home and lock-up were searched by police looking for "evidence of the offence of manslaughter".

Other doctors who treated Michael are also being looked into.

Police have taken medical records from his dermatologist Dr. Arnold Klein, plastic surgeon Larry Koplin, anaesthesiologists David Adams and Randy Rosen, and general practitioner Alan Metzger.

Police are said to be looking at the way Michael got prescription drugs, and are investigating claims he used several aliases, including Omar Arnold, Josephine Baker and Jack London.