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LA Coroner Rules Jackson Death a Homicide

Reuters Created: Aug 29, 2009 Last Updated: Aug 29, 2009
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A wax figure of Michael Jackson is displayed at Madame Tussauds in Hollywood, California, after a public unveiling ceremony on August 27, 2009, two days before what would have been Jackson's 51st birthday. (Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES—Pop star Michael Jackson's death was a homicide caused by acute intoxication from the drug propofol and other conditions, the Los Angeles Country Coroner said on Friday.

The coroner said in a statement that propofol, a powerful anesthetic, and the sedative lorazepam were the primary drugs responsible for Jackson's death. Other drugs detected in his system were midazolam, diazepam, lidocaine and ephedrine.

The list reads like a cocktail of sedatives, painkillers and one stimulant. Midazolam is a sedative similar to propofol, used to make patients drowsy but not unconscious during procedures such as colonoscopies.

Diazepam, the generic version of Valium, is used to calm anxiety, while lidocaine is a painkiller and ephedrine is a stimulant.

The coroner said the complete toxicology report remains sealed at the request of the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County District Attorney.

The coroner's report is the first official statement that the singer's death has been ruled homicide.

Officials have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the "Thriller" singer, who died on June 25 after suffering cardiac arrest at his Los Angeles mansion.

The probe has centered on prescription drugs Jackson had in his system, and it has focused on several doctors who were caring for the singer when he died, particularly his personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray.

Warrants used to search Murray's office have said he is the subject of a manslaughter investigation.

 



 
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