Coroner Rules Jackson's Death Homicide
 

Coroner Rules Jackson's Death Homicide
Pop Singer Died From Lethal Levels Of Propofol, Official Says

POSTED: Monday, August 24, 2009
UPDATED: 5:19 pm CDT August 24, 2009

A law enforcement official told The Associated Press that the Los Angeles County coroner has ruled Michael Jackson's death a homicide.

The finding makes it more likely criminal charges will be filed against the doctor who was with the pop star when he died.

The official says the coroner determined a fatal combination of drugs was given to Jackson hours before he died in his rented Los Angeles mansion on June 25.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the findings have not been publicly released.

Forensic tests found the powerful anesthetic propofol in Jackson's system along with two sedatives, the official says.

Dr. Conrad Murray, Jackson's personal physician, is the target of a manslaughter probe headed by Los Angeles police.

A search warrant affidavit unsealed on Monday allowed officials to raid the Houston offices and storage facility of Murray last month.

The document says Murray told a Los Angeles police officer he administered several drugs to Jackson the day he died, including 25 milligrams of the sedative, which he gave intravenously.

The affidavit says Murray never ordered, purchased or received any of the propofol but that the doctor found about eight bottles of it in Jackson's home along with numerous other vials and pills.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Coroner Rules Jackson's Death Homicide - Entertainment News Story - KSAT San Antonio