Michael Jackson Death Homicide or Overdose?

As the investigation into Michael Jackson's death continues, the likelihood that it results in the filing of a criminal case is in the hands of the coroner. Today, Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton told CNN that whether or not detectives treat the Michael Jackson investigation as a homicide investigation hinges entirely on the coroner's report.

Bratton stated that "we are still awaiting corroboration from 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?"

Bratton also told CNN that, to date, detectives have spoken to a number of Michael Jackson's doctor's which have led them to take a good look into the his prescription drug history

The investigation has expanded to include agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the state attorney general's office. Bratton said the three agencies are working together on "a comprehensive set of inquiries."

It has also been widely reported that investigators found a virtual pharmacy of powerful prescription painkillers in Michael Jackson's home as well as empty bottles of Propofol, a.k.a Diprivan, which is a surgical anesthesia used only in hospitals that has no business being used in someone's home.

Reports indicate that police investigators believe the Propofol may have caused Michael Jackson's death and are working to find out who is responsible for providing the drug to the singer. If investigators are correct, anyone involved with administering the Propofol could face criminal charges including manslaughter.

However, without a cause of death, the investigation into Michael Jackson's death remains somewhat undefined. This does not seem to concern Bratton. "We've got very good investigators. They will be prepared to deal with whatever the coroner's findings may be," Bratton said.

So was Michael Jackson's death a homicide or an accidental overdose? Will the Michael Jackson investigation result in a criminal case against one or more of his doctors? It seems the answer to those questions and many more lie squarely with the coroner.

Written by Gabriel Dorman
gabedorman@gmail.com
www.criminaldefenseduilawyer.com/blog/