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Michael Jackson’s brothers criticise doctor who tried to save him
Updated 08:59am on 20 Jul 2009Two of Michael Jackson's brothers have spoken of their growing concern over the minutes leading up to his death - and criticised the personal doctor who tried to save him.
Tito and Jermaine Jackson both said they had worries about Conrad Murray, who attempted to resuscitate the 50-year-old pop star in the bedroom of the Los Angeles home where he was living.
The intervention by the family increases pressure on Dr Murray, as well as the other doctors who were involved in prescribing medication to Jackson.
Los Angeles Police and the American Drug Enforcement Agency are already investigating the death, with the possibility that it could become a full-scale murder investigation not being ruled out.
Jermaine, AGE, said: “The first time I met Dr Murray was at the hospital. I didn't feel good when I saw him because I felt that if he was a doctor, why was Michael not here? Why was Michael dead?
“A doctors is supposed to keep someone healthy - but Michael went from good health to death in the space of one day.
“But everything will come out. What we don't want, and what I can't have, is for Michael's passing to be a mystery forever.”
He added in an interview with the Sun that he wanted the full results of toxicology reports ordered in the wake of Michael's death.
“If there's foul play, investigators can track back and see what happened,” he said.
“If it was murder, then who did it?”
Tito, 55, claimed that Dr Murray had failed to administer proper care.
“My opinion is that he panicked when my brother didn't wake up,” he said in an interview with a Spanish television station.
“I don't know what the time lapse was between the doctors finding him and when he called paramedics.
“But I believe if he had immediately called for help we might still have my brother here today, he would definitely still be alive.”
He also accused Dr Murray of failing to carry out proper cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and of “disappearing” in the wake of Michael's death.
Dr Murray is now under 24-hour guard amid fears he may be attacked by Jackson fans angry at their idol's death.
He became Jackson's personal physician in the months before his death, quitting his heart surgery in Texas and sleeping in the bedroom beside the singer's.
Jackson is believed to have been killed by the powerful hospital anaesthetic propofol, which he may have been taking to sleep while rehearsing for the 50 shows he was due to perform at the O2 arena in London.
A friend of the doctor said: “Dr Murray did all he could to resuscitate Michael. He is in a terrible situation.”
Reader views (12)
First 48 hrs are the most important to break a case. Even though he had needle marks holes in his arm and was worth more than a million dollars a minute, investigators did not treat the building, bedroom as a crime scene. Most of the positive evidence was removed from the building that day. Now we are working in the land of possibles and innuendos. Without Latoya and some help from the DEA, this would have simply gone away. A dog gets better treatment!
- Mo, Los Angeles, 29/07/2009 21:13
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My biggest concern and also question is the length of time it took the doctor to call 911-get them there - WHY WAS THERE THAT GAP IN TIME?-the 1ST THING SHOULD HAVE BEEN 911-THEN BE GUIDED THROUGH THE CPR ON THE PHONE-EVEN THOUGH HE WAS A DOCTOR-THE AMBULANCE COULD HAVE BEEN ON THE WAY TO MICHAEL'S HOME. ALSO-EVEN IF HE WAS SELF-INJECTING-THE DOCTOR MUST HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THE USE OF A DRIP/OXYGEN TANKS WITH DIPROVAN-IF HE WERE CHECKING ON MICHAEL ALL OF THE TIME. There was some sort of addiction invovled in this case, however, we are talking about that night and morning-that is what should be the focus at this point-it is a given that MJ had dependencies-however-there is much more to this than is being told-If MJ had track marks on his body-why wouldn't that show up in a physical??? What was Dr. Murray treating him for? Why was it necessary to have a doctor there in the Holmby Hills house? I don't blame any of the questions from the family-they have a RIGHT TO KNOW.
- Maureen Bernstein, Las Vegas, Nevada, 20/07/2009 21:57
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I find it very distrubing that members of the Jackson family who were not thee at the time of their brothers death, is now looking for a scape goat. If Dr. murrey is prosecuted, then i think that the Jackson family who are in denial, will have much to answer for themselves. They are looking for someone to blame, anyone, anywhere. This is about a man profession and his life, and just because they are the Jacskons, they should not act like god. MJ was his worse enemy, and they know it. How the hell can Tito say what he is allegedly saying, he was not there. Clearly any doctor would have tried to save a life. if anyone is to blame for MJ's death, is it life itself. The time have come and it was clearly an accident that went badly wrong for MJ. As though anyone would have gained, other than the vultures that are currently peddling their own version of events. Baming this doctor or anyone is madness. What the doctor should do as of now, is commence a law suite against them for libel. No one other than fans who are still in their grieving mood or moad who have no evidence themselves of wrong doing is going along these lines. The jacksons should know bettr. The best way to honour their brother in death is to remain close liipped and open minded, until the evidence becomes clear. In the meantime to speculate in such a manner does them no favours. The broter was and remains a great lost to them and others. But the blame game at this stage is very ungle indeed.
- Neilstuaart, USA, 20/07/2009 21:05
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There is a time for every situation in life. A lesson we who are still living to learn that as we enjoy being in this world its just a journey we are making through so seek to know the way and the truth now. may MJ find resting in peace
- Anyokorit Margaret, kampala uganda, 20/07/2009 16:14
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i agree with the brothers why didnt the doctor save micheals life or at least get him to the hospital for care if he would have he done that micheal would still be here today something just doesnt add up right im a huge fan of micheal i grew up with his music and to me and him is the the same age we was born in the same year he was born in aug and i was born in dec of 1958 it seems like the doctor didnt know what to do and if he didnt know why didnt he get help i blame the doctor for micheals death doctors are here to save lives not to take them i wanted to meet micheal one day but now thanks to this doctor i wont get to its a crying shame someone so great had to go like this i would like to meet the jermaine some day micheals music will always be in my heart and i will always hold him in my heart as well he was great at what he done and to he has done so much for the world and he will be missed but he will live in my heart just like is music will from rietha of bonneville ms
- Rietha Smith Of 203 Magoila Dr Bonneville Ms 3889, boonevlle ms, 20/07/2009 15:43
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Oh FFS! Doctors aren't magicians. They can't *make* someone healthy. Why didn't Michael's brothers take better care of him themselves?
People expect too much of Doctors. Everyone has responsibility for their own health.
- Kate, London, 20/07/2009 15:14
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Man, myth, reality. Isn't it time to let the guy rest in peace?
This is a story out of nothing more than the always sad passing of any man or woman. Let it go, for goodness sakes! All this feels like to me is an attempt to match the mass-hysteria surrounding Diana's death. It ain't gonna happen - move on, ok?
- Rogan, Irving, 20/07/2009 15:04
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I dont know why but everything i see the picture of the doctor, i think he is not a real doctor and must have paid for his certificates through the internet. i feel that his past needs to be examined as a doctor and if it is found he is a fraud, then he should be charged with first degree murder and jailed for life or even hanged for posing as a doctor.
- Asha Rani, raksha, 20/07/2009 14:47
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God knows the best. To me it's just as if in a dream and it sounds as tells from moonlight when i heared that the king of pop has gone to the world beyond. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Meanwhile, it's too late to save life when the head if off.Lets leave no stone unturn and let justice be done in other to root out the killer of the king of pop so that such will not happen again. Micheal is a great entertainer, dancer and a singer. A philanthropist and i will say of him, he is MAN OF THE PEOPLE.
- Chris Loveth ( A K A Evans , China Boy ), DUAL CITIZEN CANADA/NIGERIA. (BRITISH COLUMBIA/ ORAIFITE), 20/07/2009 14:25
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michael didn't have to die if he had jesus in he's life.It seem's the more richer they get they forget god but one thing i know it never too late with
jesus.God can still wake him up if we sincerely seek him he has done it before ,he can do it again for all the glory belongs to him bless.
- Bibiche, london, 20/07/2009 13:26
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I console the Jackson's family and the entire world for this great loss! And for Michael Jackson himself, I pray he merit paradise for that's the place for the big hearted like him.
The critics should at least let him now rest in peace from their criticisms and allegations.
MJ, the world is still missing you and will miss you for a very long time. So long great black icon.
- Shalom, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, 20/07/2009 13:19
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I am in complete agreement with Jermaine. I would love to meet Jermaine. This doctor did NOT properly care for Michael, if he did, then he would not be deceased! No drugs should be administered on an empty stomach. I'm quite sure this doctor panicked when Michael stopped breathing as Jermaine says. This is bound to happen when your tired, exhausted, stressed, without food and given drugs! Michael is gone too soon! I wanted to see him perform maybe even meet him! He is of my generation and he will always remain the greatest entertainer ever. His performance at th 1995 MTV music awards was just fabulous, I only recently saw that on DVD! Michael was phenominal, he was a fantastic dancer, light on his feet. he had a gorgeous smile and he was very modest, kind, sincere, caring. He behaved like a perfect gentleman and his dress was extremely stylish and professional. No one will ever equal him ever! please see http://ladeebasset.blogspot.com/
- Ladee Basset, Brandon, UK, 20/07/2009 12:23
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