14 DAY TRIAL // Michael Jackson’s grieving family and the millions of fans across the world are not the only ones to wait breathlessly for the toxicology results to return. The LAPD is also interested in them, to launch an investigation into the death of the superstar if foul play is believed to have been the case, as Chief William Bratton reveals as quoted by E! Online.
As of now, it is believed that Michael Jackson passed away on June 25 from cardiac arrest prompted by an overdose, as he tried to sedate himself to be able to sleep and relieve some of the stress of the upcoming concerts. However, as we also reported, the cause of death has not yet been filled on Jackson’s death certificate, having been deferred until toxicology results are in. Bratton is now saying that the LAPD is also interested in these results.
“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?” Bratton is quoted as saying. Reports in the media claim that chances are high Jackson’s case will be treated as a homicide given suspicions that no less than five doctors intently drugged the star and fed his addiction for personal gain.
Speaking of the rumored drug addiction that Michael had, one of his former bodyguards told police as early as 2004 that the singer’s doctors were over-medicating him, TMZ says. Chris Carter, who quit his job after being told to go and fetch drugs for the singer, told officers that he knew of Jackson’s addiction and even witnessed its effects on the many visits the superstar paid the doctors each week. Every time they left, Michael looked “out of it” and subdued, Carter told police officers, revealing he personally had it from one of the docs that he was addicted to Demerol.
“Carter told detectives he would drive Jackson to doctors’ offices in New York, Florida and California. The Sheriff’s documents, obtained by TMZ, say ‘[Carter] named Dr. [Arnold] Klein, Dr. [Allan] Metzger, Dr. Barney from Solvang, Dr. Saunders and Dr. Farshchian.’ The notes continue, ‘Carter described JACKSON as being sharp and “in tune” prior to the doctor visits and afterward he would be out of it and sedated." The notes also say ‘Dr. Farshchian told him that JACKSON was addicted to Demerol, but said he was giving JACKSON a placebo to wean him off’.” TMZ writes.
As of now, Michael Jackson’s brain is also being held for tests meant to establish whether he had a history of heavy drug use or if he had OD’ed before. Stay tuned here for more details on this.