Michael Jackson's death ruled a homicide

The following is an excerpt from the full Times story covering the coroner's determination:

The Los Angeles County coroner's office has officially ruled Michael Jackson's death a homicide and determined that a surgical anesthetic combined with other medication killed him.

In a one-page statement, officials listed the cause of Jackson's June 25 death as "acute propofol intoxication" with the additional factor of "benzodiazepine effect."

Three different sedatives that fall into the benzodiazepine drug class were in Jackson's system, but only the anti-anxiety medication lorazepam, often known by the brand name Ativan, was cited alongside propofol as "the primary drugs responsible for Mr. Jackson's death."

Jackson's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, has acknowledged administering both medications to Jackson in the hours leading up to his death, according to search warrant affidavits.

Read the rest of the story: Jackson's death ruled homicide

-- Richard Winton and Harriet Ryan

Click for all Times coverage of Michael Jackson.

This June 25, 1997 file photo shows pop artist Michael Jackson performing at Stade Gerland in Lyon, France.  Pop icon Michael Jackson died June 25, 2009. Credit: PASCAL GEORGE/AFP/Getty Images

Comments

[Tru Stuff]

R.I.P. Michael Jackson!

[Nick Johnson]

whats up everyone? anyways i just thought i might let everyone know that michael jacksons death is a huge loss and me along with millions of people miss him dearly. Rip Michael

[Missy]

You know...addiction begins with sadness. Maybe a fathers abuse? I am not saying it isnt up to each and everyone of us to take care of our health but as a survivor let me tell you....maybe his "father"and anyone else who took part in the victimization of this brilliant, gifted, compassionate human being shouldn't comment about justice. Yes the doc should be held accountable as well but what about the early years when Michael was just a little boy??? What about the environment and the pain he endured then? And then on top of it all the lies and shame he endured? Then do you know what he did with his sadness, he LOved us all. He loved children, he loved his family and his fans,,,,,even though they hurt him. The only thing Michael did wrong was harm himself in the end. He had friends and doctors that he even wrote about. Listen to his music! Listen to the lyrics.....YOU WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR MONEY!When you feel alone and you lack guidence from just one beautiful human being you getlost. He loved so many ...I hope justice is served for the murder of Michael Jackson. I hope the people who were involved in causing him pain as a child live with there sins and hurt over it every day that they walk this earth! If Michael hadnt channeled his emptiness into bringing so much joy to us all that would be sad, but he was strong! Michael may you rest, may you be full of joy and may you always know that i hope to see you in heaven and that it would be my honor

[Eric Matson]

Why is he so important? There are soldiers dying daily and no one gives them any attention.

[Megan Garvey]

I wanted to respond to Mr. Matson since I edit both the Homicide Report, which strives to provide information on every homicide in LA County, and California's War Dead, which collects the obituaries and comments for all Californians who have been killed in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Michael Jackson was included in HR when he appeared on the coroner's list of homicides in the county, as would anyone else who makes that list. On the blog, the treatment he received is typical for a homicide that has garnered news attention.

In most cases, we update California's War Dead within minutes of the Department of Defense announcement. Most months this site outpaces many other Metro news features on the web.

Almost every day, I spend time working on each project and feel both are important public services for our readers.

Megan Garvey
Los Angeles Times

[Mjean]

Michael was my favorite entertainer. It has been rumored for years that he was addicted to "pain meds" and alcohol. There was also a report of an attempted intervention by his family. He looked unhealthy - pail and frail. His death hurt because it seemed so needless. I feel he was his own worst threat. His doctors should have refused to do anything for him that was not good for him, but I would venture to guess that they did what he asked of them. He was slowly killing himself for years, I believe. This time, he and his doctors went too far.

[leila]

micheal jackson was the best...
he was the king of pop.
he made it happend.
and i love him

[amanda]

i think he was a great person i love you rest in peace

[amanda]

he is a great person everyone needs to stop taking so much bad stuff love you and forever