Global media gathering at Forest Lawn; police warn public against crashing Jackson's burial service

Media from around the world are gathering at the gates at Forest Lawn Memorial-Park in Glendale awaiting the beginning of Michael Jackson's burial service.

The Glendale Police Department also is out in force, blocking off streets and discouraging spectators from trying to get into the private service at 7 tonight.

Jackson will be interred in the expansive cemetery's Great Mausoleum. The pop singer's remains will be placed in a crypt in the Holly Terrace section of the mausoleum, a massive building that is the final resting place for stars from film's golden age, such as Clark Gable, Jean Harlow and Carole Lombard.

The service caps months of rumors about where Jackson's body would be laid to rest. One report had his body stored in a crypt owned by Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr., and there was widespread speculation that an elaborate grave — and ultimately, a Graceland-style museum — would be constructed at the entertainer's Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara County.

But Jackson's family, led by his 79-year-old mother, Katherine, selected Forest Lawn, a 20-minute trip across the San Fernando Valley from their Encino home.

According to the Glendale News-Press:

South Glendale Avenue is blocked between San Fernando and Los Feliz roads, as are a handful of neighborhood access streets surrounding the sprawling cemetery.

Security is tight, and Glendale police have discouraged fans from trying to converge on the site. Police helicopters were patrolling the skies overnight Wednesday with infrared cameras to guard against trespassers.

—Victoria Kim

Comments

[Elbs]

I am so devestated. I still can not believe MJ is gone. It's so final now and I can't let it go. MJ, you rock my world each and every day. Until we meet RIP, love you forever.