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Aug. 25 Update: Michael Jackson cause of death ruled a homicide involving lethal amounts of the drug propofol.
Michael Jackson’s alleged cause of death from homicide and the drug Propofol was mentioned again today, though gossip rag TMZ headlined their tidbit of a story as LAPD Treating Jackson Death as Homicide.
[Update: Though several news outlets have jumped on this MIchael Jackson homicide story, using similar headlines, CBS ammended with a quote from a police officer, speaking for the LAPD, who said that the investigation hasn’t turned into a homicide probe at this point and that she doesn’t know where TMZ is getting that information.]
What may be new news is that Jackson’s personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, was further implicated in the entertainer’s death. Then again, the Times already reported last week that the Los Angeles police chief raised the prospect of a homicide charge against a doctor in Michael Jackson's death.
Homicide doesn't necessarily equate with murder, it may involve medical malpractice. And, the Jackson death investigation doesn't rule out some form of self-inflicted injury, be it suicidal intent or drug overdose, compounded by physician negligence.
Considering Jackson's addictive drug use and psychiatric history, let alone the unconventional use of Propofol for alleged insomnia, the King of Pop's death may turn out to be multifaceted.
As for Dr. Conrad Murray, the physician is not liscensed to prescribe most controlled drugs in California state. Murray's lawyers insist that the doctor didn’t provide Demerol or OxyContin to Jackson, substances originally suspected as playing a role in the cause of Jackson's death. Fox News reported on a statement released on July 6 by Murray's attorneys that declared “Dr. Murray didn’t prescribe or administer anything that should have killed Michael Jackson.” This would presumably include Propofol.
Last week, news outlets reported that Jackson’s cause of death might involve a criminal component, be it homicide or otherwise, with similar speculation occurring within days after the Michael Jackson's June 25 death.
Some of Jackson’s doctors, including Murray and Dr. Arnold Klein, had received subpoenas for Jackson’s medical records last week. Property search warrants were served on these physicians the week prior. As for today's Jackson 'homicide investigation' update:
“Law enforcement sources say there is already "plenty of powerful evidence" linking Dr. Murray as the person who administered the drug to Jackson. The evidence includes various items found in Jackson's house, including the Propofol, an IV stand and oxygen tank.” -- TMZ.com
Even if law enforcement sources possess evidence that Dr. Murray administered the powerful sedative Propofol (Diprivan) to Michael Jackson -- and early indicators link the anesthesic to subsequent cardiac arrest – homicide in this case would typically involve negligence, not murder. Some Jackson family members suspect that Jackson was murdered.
(Learn more about the drug Propofol (Diprivan) and the background as it relates to Jackson.)
In a court of law a homicide ruling against a physician for malpractice is difficult to obtain. Physicians often settle (in or out of court) and are charged with medical malpractice. Some continue to practice medicine with restriction and few health care professionals see jail time due to the death of a patient, even with gross error.
Though a high-profile death such as Jackson's potentially involving doctor error or negligence would likely see a full trial.
Variously, most discussion directly linking Dr. Murray to Michael Jackson’s death by Propofol and homicide are premature -- though it seems likely Propofol played a role. Namely because the official autopsy results remain incomplete and consequently no criminal charges have been filled with the Los Angeles County District Attorney Office.
It would not be a surprise, however, if Michael Jackson's death is considered a homicide, even with his history of drug use, psychiatric treatment and suicidal ideation feared by those close to the star.
The Jackson family and many of the King of Pop’s fans believe a criminal element is involved with the pop icon's death and both local law enforcement officials and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) seem concerned enough to warrant a thorough investigation.
Otherwise, many fans are disturbed that the Michael Jackson story continues with speculation and rumors (overdose, homicide, suicide or murder) and that the King of Pop seemingly cannot rest in peace. Non-fans have been weary of MJ news since day two or three.
Another history lesson plays well here. One only has to remember that Elvis died decades prior to the advent of the public Internet. Yet his legend, not to mention sightings, lives on. So it goes with Kings, be it of pop, rock or otherwise. Some wonder if Michael Jackson's true cause of death will ever be resolved.
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Propofol (Diprivan) found in Jackson's home, overdose update