Inching Closer to Charges in Michael Jackson Death

By Marc Schneider Posted Jan 11th 2010 09:00PM

A leaked and verified copy of Michael Jackson's death certificate confirms what has been reported since August: that the iconic singer's June 25 passing was due to "acute propofol intoxication" and "intravenous injection by another." In other words: homicide.

Making someone accountable for the death has dominated the headlines, with an AP report claiming Friday that prosecutors are close to indicting Dr. Conrad Murray, who, according to court documents, administered the propofol. It's widely believed Murray would be brought up on charges of involuntary manslaughter. But a spokesman for the L.A. district attorney's office told EW it was a "bogus report" and that they "don't have the case" to bring charges against Murray yet. Further, Murray's spokeswoman said they have not been informed of any grand jury proceedings.

It's no longer a question of if Murray will be charged, rather when, Ian Halperin, author of 'Unmasked: The Final Years of Michael Jackson,' tells PopEater. A source inside the LAPD tells him the investigation is being conducted thoughouly and that charges will indeed emerge before long.

Halperin believes the DA has no choice but to go after Murray.

"Dr. Murray has to be charged for propofol because it's illegal for that drug to be used in a residential setting," Halperin said, adding, "It would be highly unacceptable if no one is held accountable."

The tense wait for action in the case was a calculated move by authorities, he says. "I think the LAPD made a wise move by letting the hoopla die down."

So far, the Jackson family has not commented on the AP report of pending charges against Murray, but Halperin believes the family "will not accept a scenario without charges being filed."

According to court documents, Jackson died after Murray gave him propofol and two other sedative to help get the singer to sleep. Murray left the room and spent 47 minutes making phone calls. When he returned, Jackson was unresponsive and Murray began attempts to revive him.

The coroner found the propofol was administered to Jackson without any medical need and that recommended resuscitation equipment was missing.

A spokesman for Edward Chernoff, Murray's attorney, has denied that his client prescribed or administered anything that should have killed Jackson.

To prove gross negligence, they said, prosecutors would have to show a conscious indifference for life.

"This trial could end up being a trial of medical practice," the spokesman said. "The question is what discretion does a doctor have to treat a patient, and if a doctor makes a mistake, is it a crime?"

Tags: conrad murray, michael jackson

Comments

(229)

Monday 11 January

By LEROY

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

UH UH UH YEAHHHH FIEST AGAIN..DON`T HATE UH UH UH

Tuesday 12 January

By umf of america

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

FIEST?!?...Did you mean to say FIRST?....dumbass

By nick

Vote down Vote up Report this

Your not the type HARRY REID will love.

By stacy1

I have a photo of michael's face in a picture I took at forest lawn glendale. I tried to get someone at the la times to look at it and they were not interested.Someone with a media outlet needs to see this photo!!!!! Thanks!!

By Debbie

I would love to see that photo. call the nancy grace show they would be all over that.

By mich

Why? So you can profit off him too?! People in this country are SO LAME!

By Doobie

"they are not interested" ... your price is too high. Go get a life and earn money the honorable way.

By So many stories...

There are so many stories surrounding the "death" of Michael Jackson that I just don't know what to believe anymore. One person says they will be charging Dr. Murray, while another person says they don't have a case to present. What have they been doing for the last seven months? Michael didn't die of natural causes, so obviously someone is responsible if Michael is really dead. We want the truth already.

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

They should of charged that Dr conrad a long time ago.I am a huge Mj fan and someone should pay for his death get with the program LAPD. If it was someone else they would be all over it. go make an arrest on this.

Debbie, maybe the LAPD doesn't want to screw up like they have so many times in the past. Let them take their time and make an arrest that will end up a conviction for once!

By Wish Belkin

Murray should ride the lightning for this one.
Leaving a sedated patient for fourty seven minutes is unconscionable.

By Scott

Michael Jackson Is a HERO. People listen up, MJ was a smart man and he was trying his best to put out subliminal message in his song and dance but most people just hear a tune and don't pay attention to the message or his gestures made in his dance. He was suicided by the bad guys who control the music industry for bucking the system and for not being the person that they wanted him to be. Liste to the words of " they don't really care about us. That's who he is talking about, OPEN YOUR EYES PEOPLE!

By elsie

Debbie, someone has paid for this crime. MJ himself. As we have been informed by the press and everone else, MJ demanded this stuff. He insisted on it and no one would tell him 'No'. Is Dr responsible? I agree that yes, he is. But ultimately MJ did this to himself. a Dr had the responsibility to 'do no harm' Contrad did a lot, but it was on the request of the patient.

By Truth Man

You said "We" want the truth. Speak for yourself. I don't give a rat's ass about that freak.

By linn

Michael Jackson's death is Michael's. Don't get me wrong -- I am a big fan. But Michael was an addict, period. If this doctor hadn't administered propofol, some other doctor would have and they would be a target. Michael got and Michael received because he was Michael Jackson. This is not to condone what this doctor did but an acknowledgement to the countless celebrities that take advantage of people to get what they want because of their fame.

By Tell It Like It Is

I think will always be hoopla wherein King concerned. Michael Jackson is so LOVED and MISSED by so many FOREVER! Certainly his family deserves the truth. If ruled a homicide, wouldn't someone get arrested? If so-called "physician" administered lethal dose, his tail ought to get jail. Pronto. God help me, I'm sorry people. I wish Murray and Michael could trade places.

elsie- Physicians are needed that will treat patients based on knowledge and ailment. Would you want your doctor to prescribe medicine that could be harmful because you ask for it? Funny, I can't get my MD to prescribe meds,sometimes even for a cold or virus he believes will simply run its course.

I'm sorry.

By Teresa

No one is a bigger fan of Michael Jackson than I, not only for his talent but for his big heart and gentle spirit! He embraced life with caring and concern for others and was a great person!

Murray should have to pay! I like to know if he'll ever be charged because he had no revival equipment on the premises and that in itself shows you what an inept doctor he was. Michael was always pressured by so many people that he didn't know who to trust and not trust. I hope he rests in peace because I know he was an angel on earth and now he is an angel in heaven! He went through alot and deserves to be recognized for the wonderful person he was. He will always be alive in my heart! Love you more Michael Jackson!

By Patsy Shatto

First off it is not like he was Elvis or anything, second, all the charges of child molestation could not have been manafested soley for capital gain. Good Riddense

Page 1 of 12