LAPD: Brittany Murphy's death not a criminal matter

The Los Angeles Police Department has finished its initial probe of actress Brittany Murphy's death, concluding there were no signs that a crime occurred.

The case is now in the hands of the L.A. County coroner's office, which today is performing an autopsy on the actress, who was 32. Investigators said there was no evidence of foul play.

Brittany Murphy, who appeared in "Clueless" and "8 Mile," died Sunday morning of sudden cardiac arrest, authorities said.

The coroner's office said it was not immediately clear whether an underlying medical condition might have caused or contributed to her death. Authorities said Murphy was taking prescription drugs for medical ailments but would not be more specific.

"Right now, it's strictly a death investigation," said LAPD Lt. Bob Binder.

Law enforcement officials familiar with the investigation, but who asked not to be identified because of the investigation, stressed that they were awaiting the results of Murphy's autopsy and the subsequent toxicology report to make a final determination of what caused her death.

The sources said the medical examinations might yield additional information that could be used as a pretext by homicide investigators to reopen their part of the death investigation.

-- Andrew Blankstein

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Comments

[Malby]

"The sources said the medical examinations might yield additional information that could be used as a pretext by homicide investigators to reopen their part of the death investigation."

Pretext? You mean "basis" or "reason." "Pretext" means an ostensible or professed purpose; an excuse; an effort or strategy intended to conceal something.

[Kayla Benware]

Oh my god I can not believe that she has just up and passed away what's up with the year two thousand nine! It is so upsetting to hear that Brittney Murphy is gone she was such a great actress.

[C]

That is such a shame. She was so young.

[Scott McArthur]

what a loss. :(

-- scott
http://www.melroseplace.tv

[On January 1, 2010 every American should read the Declaration of Independence to declare their freedom and liberty as a great American.]

God bless this great Country.... their's no place like it. Don't allow Greed to destroy it in every facet of life.

[Amy]

I had heard on the radio that her Mom said she had Diabetes. It may be a rumor but as a Type 1 Diabetic myself, if you are in denial about your disease or do not take care of your condition, ie taking your insulin multiple times a day, you will go down hill quick. Cardiac arrest in that in that type of situation is not a stretch at all. It would also explain her weight loss and erratic behavior that was reported in the media.

[James]

What does it mean "medical aliment"? so many people take some many prescribed drugs for so little things.

[Eleanor]

My heart goes out to her family. She was so young, it really sad, her passing so early. What a shock!