LAPD: Michael Jackson's death could be homicide or accidental overdose

July 9, 10:21 PMCelebrity News ExaminerLiz Barrett

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Michael Jackson (AP Photo)

Los Angeles police said Thursday that toxicology results will determine whether Michael Jackson's death is ruled an accidental overdose or a homicide. Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton told CNN Thursday that detectives are waiting for the coroner to get toxicology results so they will know how to proceed.

We are still awaiting corroboration form the coroner's office as to cause of death. That is going to be very dependent on the toxicology reports that are due to come back. And based on those, we will have an idea of what it is we are dealing (with). Are we dealing with a homicide or are we dealing with accidental overdose?"

Chief Bratton called the investigation "comprehensive," noting that detectives already have spoken with a number of doctors who have treated Michael over the years and have subpoenaed other doctors who refused to cooperate. They also are looking into Michael's prescription drug history.

One of Michael's doctors, dermatologist Arnold Klein, told Larry King Wednesday night that he occasionally gave Michael the painkiller Demerol after surgical procedures, but he said he had strongly warned him against using the powerful anesthetic Diprivan to combat chronic insomnia. Klein said:

I knew at one point that he was using Diprivan when he was on tour in Germany. He was using it to go to sleep at night. I told him he was absolutely insane. I said, 'You have to quit it. This drug, you can't repeatedly take.' "

Diprivan, which is supposed to be used only by anasthesiologists in a hospital setting, can cause death if administered or monitored improperly. Investigators reportedly found a number of bottles of the drug at Michael's Holmby Hills residence.

Sadly, it looks as if this case is headed toward getting far worse before it gets better.

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