Coroner holds onto Michael Jackson's brain

Death certificate issued for Michael Jackson

According to the Huffington Post, a death certificate for Michael Jackson was issued by public health officials yesterday, the same day as the memorial services held for him. No cause of death has been listed, as investigators are - in what coulud be described asoddly sci-fi and grotesque - holding on to his brain. Apparently it is not unusual for a coroner to hold on to a sample of the brain for testing.

Investigators are still percforming neuropathology tests on Jackson's brain to determine the cause of his death on July 25, 2009. According to Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winterburial is often delayed until the brain has been returned to the body:

"As soon as we are done with the brain, we will return it. There is a whole series of tests that will be done."

There is no word as to when the Jackson family plans to bury him.