Jackson’s death becomes criminal investigation

Michael Jackson’s death has become a criminal investigation, says the family’s lawyer.

Singer Michael Jackson's death has become a criminal investigation, the Jackson family lawyer has claimed. The singer died on Thursday after suffering from apparent heart failure but it has been suggested that a potent shot of Demerol (commonly known as pethidine) is to blame.

"I can tell you, and this is a new development, there is a criminal investigation taking place by the Los Angeles Police Department," Jackson family lawyer Brian Oxman told the Sun. "That is the case. They have told the family. What they are going to do, who they are going to talk to and what is going to happen, I don't know. That is up to them. I don't want to make any accusations as to any particular people. I want to wait till the toxicology tests are completed and let the authorities do their thing. Then we will find out. I don't know what he [Dr Murray] did. But the reports I have heard are disturbing. A Demerol shot sure sounds consistent with what I knew."

The LAPD questioned Jackson's personal doctor, Dr Conrad Murray - who was with him at the time of death - for three hours on Saturday, but they have insisted it is not a criminal investigation.

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