Los Angeles,July 28: Pop legend Michael Jackson’s personal physician, Conrad Murray administered a anesthetic drug that authorities believe killed the singer, according to a new report.
Murray, a Texas-based cardiologist who was at Jackson’s rented home in Holmby Hills when the pop star died on June 25, allegedly gave Jackson the anesthetic propofol — commonly known as Diprivan — in the 24 hours before his death, a source with knowledge of the investigation said.
However, doctor’s attorneys in a statement said they wouldn’t comment on “rumors, innuendo or unnamed sources.”
Murray’s lawyer, Ed Chernoff, insists that his client did not prescribe or administer anything that could have killed Jackson.
Chernoff said that Murray was “the last doctor standing when Michael Jackson died and it seems all the fury is directed toward him. Dr Murray is frustrated by negative and often erroneous media reports, he has to walk around 24-7 with a bodyguard. He can’t operate his practice. He can’t go to work because he is harassed no matter where he goes.”
Last week Murray was identified as the subject of a manslaughter investigation in court records. Texas authorities searched Murray’s Houston medical office and storage unit, looking for “evidence of the offense of manslaughter,” according to court documents.
From Murray’s storage unit, authorities removed two computer hard drives, an “important contact list”, a suspension notice from Houston’s Doctor Hospital, notices from the Internal Revenue Service; and a laundry list of medical and hospital documents.
Police have interviewed Murray twice since Jackson’s death. A third interview was scheduled for July 24, but was postponed after the search warrants were executed. It is still not known when the next interview will take place.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles County coroner’s office continues to investigate the cause of Jackson’s death. The toxicology lab results are still awaited but a final autopsy report is expected as soon as this week, a coroner’s spokesman said.
Jackson up for Nobel peace prize?
Fans of pop legend Michael Jackson, including Indian admirers, have launched a massive online campaign to have their idol nominated for the coveted Nobel Peace Prize, reports PTI from Los Angeles.
The ‘Thriller’ hitmaker is the ideal candidate for the prestigious prize, according to his fans who are lobbying for the late pop icon. The groups which are active on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, have thousands of members who have signed a petition which will be sent to the Nobel Peace Prize Committee, the deciding body based in Norway. The petitioners are campaigning for Jackson citing the humanitarian work undertaken by the ‘King of Pop’.
–PTI