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Michael Jackson killed by 'intravenous injection'
Alison Richards2 Sep 2009
Michael Jackson's death certificate has been amended to state he was killed by an “intravenous injection by another.”
The amended document states his death was a homicide, opening the way for criminal charges in the case for the first time.
The change was not a surprise — coroner's officials said last week that they believed Jackson's death on June 25 was a homicide.
Investigators have said a mix of the powerful anaesthetic Propofol and sedative Lorazepam were the “primary drugs” that killed the pop singer.
It lists “acute propofol intoxication” as the main cause of death and “benzodiazepine effect” as another significant contributor.
The document does not mention Dr Conrad Murray, who was Jackson's personal physician.
The cardiologist admitted to police that he gave the singer both the drugs on the night Jackson died.
Dr Murray said that in an effort to get the insomniac singer to sleep on the morning of his death he administered lorazepam and two other sedatives, but they did not work so Jackson asked him to administer Propofol.
Toxicology tests also found two other medications, a local anaesthetic and a stimulant.
Jackson had been using Propofol prior to the day of his death to help him sleep, a practice that medical experts consider extremely dangerous.
The coroner's determination of homicide makes it easier for prosecutors to seek criminal charges, but does not necessarily mean a crime was committed.
Sources have said Jackson's history of drug use and health problems could complicate a prosecution.
Following the coroner's ruling, the singer's father Joe Jackson said “someone should pay” for his son's death.
He said in an interview earlier this week he had never heard of the drug Propofol until it was implicated in the death.
He added he didn't know “all this was going on. That's what I'm mad about.”
Authorities investigating the singer's death have served search warrants in at least three states, California, Nevada and Texas.
The public copy of Jackson's death certificate does not state where his permanent resting place will be.
His burial will take place tomorrow at Forest Lawn, Glendale, California.
Reader views (1)
Michael jackson was an amazing man and a feb porformer and thousands of people loved him very much, i realy dont think he was killed at all every one knew he was a unwell man he was on all kinds of medacation, and things wernt made any easyer or the king of pop when those visouse stories were told about him been a peodofile they were nothing but sick lies were people got there wiers crossed. Michael jackson will be loved for ever.
- Sarah Gilbert, stanley, 02/09/2009 09:33
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