Jackson Investigation Slow But Steady

Although the Los Angeles County Coroner ruled Jackson’s death a homicide brought on by combination of anesthetic propofol and the sedative lorazeparn, police have yet to conclude their investigation.

One major hurdle for police and federal Drug Enforcement Administration officials is documenting Jackson’s drug usage. It turns out Jackson illicitly acquired prescription drugs through several assumed names, making it difficult to determine just how many pharmaceuticals the performer was taking during the last few months of his life.

Plus, describing his drug usage to a jury will be nothing less than complicated, as prosecutors will have to detail to a jury an immense web showing where Jackson got the drugs and how he acquired them, reports Associated Press.

Of course, Dr. Conrad Murray, Jackson’s personal physician, is still a large part of the investigation. Murray administered propofol and lorazeparn to Jackson, and was with the pop star on the day he died.

Police have interviewed Murray twice, but have not charged him with any crime. Court records show Murray saying he administered two doses of lorazeparn as well as the sedative midazolam over a six-hour period on the day Jackson died. According to court docs, Jackson kept demanding Murray give him propofol, and that the doctor finally relented and dosed him with the anesthetic around 10:40 a.m.

Murray told investigators he had given Jackson propofol every night during six weeks leading up to his death, to help the singer sleep. Murray also maintains he was trying to wean Jackson off of the drug by giving him a smaller dose with each injection.

Although the coroner ruled Jackson’s death a homicide, that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a villain in this story who can be charged with a crime. To obtain a manslaughter conviction, prosecutors would have to show reckless action created a risk of death or great bodily injury.

Plus, even if the doctor knew the risk, there’s a possibility that Jackson’s understanding of the danger might also come into play. Especially if it can be proven Jackson decided to take the drugs anyway, regardless of any hazard or doctor’s advice.

In other words, police have their work cut out for them, and there may not be any definitive answers in the near future. It took more than two years for police to charge anyone in relation to Anna Nicole Smith’s drug death, and no one is predicting a quick solution in the Jackson investigation.

Meanwhile, investigators are taking their time building a case that may, or may not finger Murray as responsible for Jackson’s death.

Or, as retired DEA agent Greg D. Lee told the press:

“There’s no reason for anyone to jump the gun on this. Time is on their side. There’s no imminent danger to the public from Dr. Murray.”

Click here to read the complete Associated Press report.