Painkillers, Relaxants, Sedatives, Antidepressants: Michael's Death Turns Doctor Murray into A Criminal
pine Webmaster of Pineapple
2009/06/28 14:38
508 topics published
**China Times, June 28, 2009 [Yan Jiyu / Comprehensive Foreign Report on the 27th]**
American rock legend Michael Jackson passed away suddenly on the 25th. After an autopsy by the Los Angeles County Coroner, his body was released to his family and is currently resting at a funeral home. Coroner’s office spokesperson Harvey stated that preliminary findings ruled out death by external trauma or foul play. However, Jackson had taken several prescription drugs before his death, necessitating extensive toxicology tests. The cause of death is expected to take four to six weeks to determine.
Although the investigation into the cause of death is still ongoing, Jackson’s physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, has already become a target of public scrutiny. Many suspect that Murray overmedicated Jackson, who was preparing for a comeback concert, leading to the tragedy. Jackson’s close friend and New Age spiritual guru Deepak Chopra said in an interview, "Michael was killed by drugs." A former producer of Jackson’s went further, accusing the doctors surrounding the superstar of being criminals. It is also reported that Jackson insisted that the organizers of his upcoming London concerts in July hire Murray to accompany him.
**Murray Performed CPR on Him**
The Los Angeles Police Department briefly questioned Murray on the 25th and is expected to summon him again in the coming days to clarify Jackson’s medication history. On the 26th, police also impounded Murray’s BMW, which was parked at Jackson’s residence, as it may contain drugs related to the singer’s death.
Murray specializes in cardiology and had served as Jackson’s personal physician for three years. He also runs clinics in California, Nevada, and Texas but has faced frequent financial troubles and legal disputes in recent years. When Jackson suffered cardiac arrest on the 25th, Murray performed CPR on him.
**Custody Battle Over Three Children**
According to the UK’s *Daily Mail*, Jackson was taking or injecting at least eight prescription drugs daily in preparation for his 50-concert tour starting July 13. These included three painkillers—Demerol, Dilaudid, and Vicodin—as well as the muscle relaxant Soma, the sedative Xanax, and the antidepressants Zoloft and Paxil. Experts warn that mixing these drugs is akin to playing with fire.
Jackson’s relatives are currently staying in Encino, north of Los Angeles, including his three children: Prince Michael, 12; Paris Katherine, 11; and Prince Michael II (Blanket), 7.
In the future, custody of Prince and Paris is expected to revert to their biological mother, Debbie Rowe, Jackson’s second ex-wife. However, Jackson’s siblings may strongly oppose this. The situation is even more complicated for Prince Michael II, who was born via a surrogate mother.
**Estate and Debt Disputes Could Drag On for Years**
Estimates of Jackson’s assets and liabilities remain highly speculative. Experts believe disputes over valuation, distribution, and debt settlement could take years to resolve.
Current estimates place Jackson’s debts at around $400 to $500 million. However, he owned a 50% stake in Sony/ATV Music Publishing, valued at approximately $2 billion. Additionally, Jackson’s heirs hold another lucrative asset: his image rights. For example, Elvis Presley, who passed away 32 years ago, still generates over $520 million annually for CKX, the company that owns his likeness. Jackson’s posthumous earnings are expected to surpass even that.Source:
http:/ / news. chinatimes. com/ 2……1036+112009062800170,00. html